Museum of Illusions image

Museum of Illusions

Museum Art museum Science museum

Exhibits to deceive the eye including kaleidoscopes & holograms, plus tilted & reverse rooms. People often mention museum, time, illusions, experience, staff, cool, hour, great, exhibits, nice,


Address

77 8th Ave, New York, NY 10014

Website

newyork.museumofillusions.us

Contact

(212) 645-3230

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (11.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 10 AM to 11 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 10 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 10 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (26) time (26) illusions (24) experience (24) staff (22) cool (16) hour (13) great (13) exhibits (13) nice (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Joshua F. 1 year ago on Google
    Considering the price, I expected more. Though far from a bad museum, necessarily, it is a rather lackluster one, especially considering the relatively steep entrance fee. I struggle to think of why someone in New York City, the city with some of the best and most illuminating museums in the world, should choose a relatively stock museum like this. If you have kids, and they love illusions, tricks of the eye, MC Escher paintings, and the like, by all means take them here. They will enjoy it. When I went, the museum was already quite crowded, and families were flocking and racing throughout the relatively cramped confines, a lot of kids and teenagers genuinely excited by the mind warping illusions they saw. Even though the museum's presentation is a little disappointing, to the point that I think a skilled amateur could have done a better job assembling the museum layout, I don't want to fully discount and experience that clearly meant a lot to the kids enjoying it. Then again, I do have a few caveats. The biggest one is, again, the price. If you have kids, they will need tickets, and so the museum can become rather expensive. For larger families, the family ticket is probably the best option, but that costs a grand total of $75, quite a lot for a tiny museum contained in a rather stately old building that used to be a bank. The small size of the museum is the other major caveat, especially considering that many of the illusions require that one move around, which is not always possible in a relatively claustrophobic space. There are 40 different illusions present, which sounds like a lot at first, but it really isn't, and I doubt even the most enthusiastic children would want to spend more than an hour or so in here.
    26 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Valentino T. 1 year ago on Google
    Everyone talks about true photo ops, which to be fair there are a couple as I posted. However, for the price of entry you’re paying for 20 minutes worth of illusions. Most of them are small and very simple mirror tricks that don’t shock anyone. It was extremely promising and I finished wishing I had saved my nearly 30 bucks as this experience wasn’t worth even 5 dollars to me.
    16 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon P. 1 year ago on Google
    We had such a fun time at this interactive optical illusions museum!! We love they offer a family package special for admission and the staff is super friendly in answering questions and assisting in getting the best photos. It’s well kept inside and they even give you a free pin on your way out. If you’re visiting NYC this exhibit is one now to be missed.
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cherry W. 2 years ago on Google
    This was my first time going to the Museum of Illusions. I took my husband here for our date night. You buy your tickets online and pick the time slot you will like to attend the Museum. You will be waiting in line for the group before you exit. Then the employee will put a blue wristband on one person in your group. They will let your group in 15 or 20 mins after the time you pick. You don't have to wear a mask, masks are not mandatory it's optional. This place is kids friendly too, very clean and nice employees (will help take your pictures ). We had so much fun, there are 2 floors to explore. Everybody usually comes to the second floor, because of the exhibit that has the illusion that you're flying away. The gift shop is small but has nice items to purchase. Our favorite was the chair, we look like kids and the other person look like a Giant. Check the images out I had uploaded. Check out this Museum it's an hour of fun.
    15 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dvir K. 3 months ago on Google • 430 reviews New
    This two floor museum showcases various optical illusions and optical tricks. Kids and grown ups have fun trying to wrap their minds around the different artifacts that play tricks on our eyes and minds. Short (and not too deep) explanations are offered if you are curious to understand some of the mechanisms involved. You will find here multiple great (and easy to take) photo ops that will allow you to take some of the illusion with you home. Plan to spend here about 1 to 2 hours. Bathroom on site. For food just wander the hip neighborhood with it's multiple cafes and restaurants. Check out possible family ticket discount on their website.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Catherine D. 2 years ago on Google
    It was a fun experience! I loved the interactive optical illusions and all the staff was so nice and friendly. The whole experience takes about 45 min to an hour. I would recommend going in the morning on a weekday so it’s not too many people and you can take pictures. The only thing I would suggest is more interactive illusions! I also am very pleased with their customer service, their tickets are nonrefundable but we were able to reschedule our tickets with no issue.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jeffrey U. 5 months ago on Google • 332 reviews
    Now this place is pretty nice. However, they may need some renovations. Some of the titles for the exhibits were missing letters. The place is pretty small but does have a lot of displays and interesting exhibits to interact with. I wish there was a staff member available to explain how we get the best illusions images possible. Overall I did have a pleasant experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vadim R. 1 month ago on Google • 394 reviews New
    It is the crazy cool museum that makes your mind see things that you wouldn't see. Lots of cool rooms and illusions with mirrors, holograms, etc. We had fun.

  • 4/5 Angela D. 1 year ago on Google
    We had fun here. Super friendly / helpful staff greeted us at the door and gave us tips throughout the museum. So many places say they have staff doing additional cleaning right now, and this is the first place where I actually saw cleaning happening. As a portion of the exhibits are hands-on, I really appreciate it!
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike B. 2 years ago on Google
    If you're traveling by train the A, C, E, and L train. Will leave you across the street. It was a different and unique experience. Optical illusions galore and definitely enjoyable with a group of people. If you're looking for a place to get some awesome, new type of pictures for memories or social media... this is an ideal place to visit.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jeannie T. 1 year ago on Google
    The Museum of Illusions is an illusion in itself. The entrance is tall and looks very grand. However, all of the exhibits and activities are too cramped together into two levels - with the secondary level not handicap accessible/no elevator. Only access is a short level of stairs but the second floor space is not the same size as the first so there's even less stuff to see. Overall the intention is there and it could be much more fun. The exhibits needs more space for itself as some activities seem to flow on top of one another. That makes it feel crowded and with so much to see/read/process, it would be more comfortable spacing things out. A fun place to spend an hour but pricey at best for that.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Kevin D. 2 months ago on Google • 196 reviews New
    It’s a fun experience, kinda plays Illusions on your eyes. Some interesting stuff and a good way to get out of the cold or heat for a while. Take your time and make sure you read all the instructions to get the full picture on what’s going on. Don’t be afraid to take pictures of your experience and get some cool trippy photos.

  • 3/5 Monét T. 3 months ago on Google • 45 reviews New
    Honestly, they just raised the ticket prices because they’re about to undergo renovations, so do not buy tickets now. $30 is not worth it for a crowded one hour visit in this museum. It’s a small, 2 story space. There were about six moments that were cool but overall I would not have spend money going here. You can take cool photos here but this seems like a place more suited for children; there are a lot of optical illusions. As an adult, it was fine and I would not go again.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jovonne's T. 8 months ago on Google
    It was amazing. Had so much fun with my friends there. If you don't know how to pose, the staff helps you so you can get that perfect picture! You only get 1 hour in the museum and some of the rooms we couldn't spend much time but other than that 10/10 highly recommend.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda Marie H. 2 months ago on Google • 125 reviews New
    This was a cool all the illusion stuff and customer service in the staff was excellent. It was a cool experience. You find parking 🅿️. It wasn't busy but it was a nice experience and the people in the staff were very helpful
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Bharat N. 2 months ago on Google • 151 reviews New
    This place needs to be pre booked online to enter at the scheduled time, you will not get tickets in person when you arrive so better book tickets in advance. They have fun exhibits enough to keep one interested in the allotted one hour. That is the issue predominantly, the place itself is small with 12 or so exhibits but there is only one hour allotted with so many ppl in at the same time. For around $35 with taxes and 'fees' and $29 for kids , it's on the expensive side for sure given the limited time and number of ppl leading to lines to view the limited number of exhibits.

  • 5/5 Laura E. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is very cool and interactive. I felt like a kid exploring the different exhibits. There was many families. At times it felt small but overall it was fun and cool. There is many awesome photo ops.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shontel P. 3 months ago on Google • 6 reviews New
    I would definitely recommend to visit here. This was a last minute plan but we were quickly able to secure our spots since weekdays are relatively less preoccupied. Some illusions were great while some were practical, but my favorite thing about the experience is memories I make with my family and the cute pictures we got. In every illusion there's basically an explanation of the reasoning behind it. Employees were great, polite and some of them in fact took our pictures. In conclusion definitely a great trip, however I dislike the fact we had to pay full price for my 3 year old cousin.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kashurra U. 11 months ago on Google
    So much fun, despite the crowds! Even though you book for a specific time, people are let in early, late, whenever. It was super crowded, and that made the whole place a sauna. You can take pictures and video, and all the exhibits are interactive. It's a small space but well laid out. I did feel a little uncomfortable with the press of people, and not many were masked, so take that into consideration. The gift shop was very mediocre, and while they had illusory pieces displayed, they weren't selling any! Still, it was a great hour, and I recommend it, especially if you can go during a slow period.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doc N. 9 months ago on Google
    We enjoyed the whole experience last night. Found a parking spot on the street only 2 and half blocks away. The location is right in the mix of action. Lots of restaurants close to the museum. Great date night idea it encouraged interaction with your partner. The vibe in the neighborhood was very energetic, which definitely paired well with museum. And the staff was great from when I called to check the hours and availability; to even taking some pictures of us together.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Niomi S. 2 years ago on Google
    I had an amazing time here today. This is awesome solo experience or group experience. The staff here or amazing. They even help you take awesome pictures. Especially Rachel who made me feel welcomed and comfortable from start to finish. I will definitely be returning.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Omi T. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here for the first time last week with my godson and his mother! It was such a cool museum. It's on the smaller side but packed with a variety of cool illusions all of which are interactive to varying degrees. The staff was so nice and kind. We had such a blast playing around with the different exhibits and checking out the cool stuff in the gift shop. The best was the room where u lose your sense of equilibrium! So much fun!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 phyllie M. 1 month ago on Google • 71 reviews New
    We decided on this over going to Rise and we didn't regret it .we had so much fun .it was a smaller setting than expected. The Museum definitely has you looking for what's around the next corner. . A really great and entertaining time .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annie G. 1 year ago on Google
    This museum is so cool! Everyone was so incredibly nice and helpful from buying the tickets online to letting us in the door. Malachi is an awesome tour guide! He walked us through a lot of the illusions without being overbearing at all. We also met Ashley who created the infinity room which is absolutely stunning. Would definitely come back; we loved it here!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 M S. 7 months ago on Google
    Fun, compact, entertaining museum for families. It's not a huge museum, so is definitely not a multi-hour affair. But it's an interesting idea and well designed for the space. It became very busy during our stay.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arman S. 8 months ago on Google
    It was a very interesting and fun experience! There were lots of exhibits and there’s an explanation of how they work so you don’t walk away clueless as to how it works. I’d definitely recommend coming here!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 ee t. 1 year ago on Google
    It takes 40 minutes to 1 hour to complete the visit. Very kid friendly. You will learn a lot by reading everything. Each exhibit is numbered to guide you around the museum. I really enjoyed myself. I recommend the museum of illusions.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Asanti Agosto D. 1 year ago on Google
    Highly recommend for families and friends. Been here several times and always have a good time and interactions with staff. I do recommend going early or later in the day. Not during midday weekends especially Saturdays, very crowded then.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan V. 2 years ago on Google
    An amazing visual treat, with an opportunity to capture many interesting, funny and trip highlight photos. Would definitely recommend and also advice to book the tickets in advance online (cost about $20 per person). The tickets let you stay for around 45 minutes, after which they will ask you to allow the next set of people to come. You also get to learn the physics behind some of the visual effects. The Kaleidoscope, Ames lab, clone table we're my favorites.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael L. 1 year ago on Google
    Super friendly staff! Fun place for the kids and family. The place was smaller than anticipated but enough activities to keep everyone busy for at least an hour. Excellent job with the non-stop continuous cleaning! Single but roomy unisex restroom that's super clean and does not smell.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Corinne F. 2 years ago on Google
    Aaron, you the bomb! You know wassup. You guided the way with your polyglot ways. And even called us your fave customers of the day? Week?? Month??? Year??!? (It's only January 2nd ;) ) Let's chill, call us! we came back but you had already left lol
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Molly B. 2 years ago on Google
    I wad my first time going. There is definitely a lot of cool illusions. I will say the siege is a little cramped, but overall it was a great experience. I would go again
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nami H. 2 years ago on Google
    I remembered when this was first a Pop-up store long ago. I was mesmerized almost like I was a kid again. Years later and I discovered that it's got its own place for a bigger and better museum. The staff were amazing, helpful and kind. One staff member also went around assisting everyone in taking photos. You'd swear she was every where with how swift and professional she was. Also mention to the guy at the souvenir section at the door who was so sweet and fun to talk to. Go experience this place for yourself.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Emily W. 2 months ago on Google • 21 reviews New
    It's more for kids. Good thing to see once, and it is definitely a tourist attraction. Get tickets online, and you have to stand outside at the time of arriving. Still had a good time but it's just alot of money for so little to see.

  • 5/5 Olena H. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a lot of fun. The staff was super nice and helpful, explained everything when we didn’t know how it worked and kindly offered to take pictures of us. It’s worth going to the museum. Great experience.

  • 5/5 Alyson S. 2 years ago on Google
    Came from Texas to visit! Our boys thought it was AMAZING!! Kind, helpful staff and it was very clean! No worries coming here during Covid!!

  • 5/5 Danielle D. 2 years ago on Google
    Great museum full of fun and great photo opportunities. Located in a very nice area of the city with tons of things around to do, you should definitely be sure to visit this museum. For such a low price you won’t be disappointed at all.

  • 5/5 Bridgette F. 2 years ago on Google
    This place was so fun! Our daughter loved walking around all the cool illusions to celebrate her 10th birthday

  • 5/5 Nikia Carey M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place! First time and all the employees were helpful. MALACHI was super nice and he gave us a great tour of certain illusions. I will definitely be back again.

  • 5/5 Bunny 3 months ago on Google New
    Trippyyy …It was real fun both in terms of science and illusions, it is a good place for 3 hours worth of time, quick tip -😃 visit CHELSEA MARKET, it is at a walking distance from this place, go on weekdays to have more time with the exhibits, you go through each one of them, so it would be more of a experience if you have more time, go with a friend, their are offers on fever don’t miss them, their is no limit on how long you stay, click the 3 mandatory pics one in the room and the other in the chair and one in the first floor, have fun ..

  • 5/5 Gift G. 2 years ago on Google
    The illusions were extremely convincing and the overall aesthetic of the building (interior and exterior) were very nice! I really liked the rotating cube structure and the Einstein number illusion!

  • 5/5 Christine H. 2 years ago on Google
    Very cool place that opens till late night! My friend and I made the plan and 20 minutes later we were here. No drinks allowed to be taken in with but you can put your bags by the counter.

  • 5/5 Erika W. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place! It was right around the corner from our hotel and I'm so glad we stopped in, got some great pics and the staff was so friendly and helpful. Would definitely recommend 👌

  • 4/5 Kristine M. 2 years ago on Google
    My experience here has been awesome. The staff where amazing Dori was just amazing at helping with my dog and information I may have needed.. and the security even Malachi (sorry if I misspelled) was amazing and helped me and my daughter out soo much in understanding some illusions. best employees ever I must say. They helped my mind at ease of the 53 dollars I’ve spent on admission to get in for the overpriced experience. They really made it worth it. But being able to include our furry friends in the experience unlike other museums was also a pro. The Only con I would say is the over pricing.I hope the owners treat there employees well because they deserve it.

  • 3/5 R L (. 8 months ago on Google
    It's fun to spend a bit of time here. If it's not busy, about 10 min to get through the whole venue. Good for children under 12. But expensive for what it is.

  • 5/5 Vanessa B. 4 months ago on Google
    Lots of fun for kids and adults. You get 1 hour of play theneveryone leave before next group.

  • 5/5 Praveen P. 4 months ago on Google
    Had a GREAT time! The staff was super nice! All the attraactions inside was worth it and me n my friends had alot of fun with it

  • 5/5 VBaby b. 8 months ago on Google
    We had such a great time. The museum was clean and interesting. The staff was very helpful full. My favorite part was when we got to go in the room with the endless hallway. Beautiful clouds. This was a quick but affordable experience. I would do it again. Age appropriate all can enjoy. Malachi made it very enjoyable. He really gave us clarity and added to our experience. 5/5!

  • 5/5 Nicole G. 2 years ago on Google
    Clean facility, many rooms to take fun photos. There is also staff on standby ready to help anyone who needs a little guidance with their photos and capturing the illusion. My favorite was the chair illusion.

  • 4/5 Aubrey F. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a quirky, interesting, fun place to go on a rainy morning. The different interactive displays are numbered so you don't miss any, but you can view them in any order you like. There was just two of us stuck behind a large group of Whoo Girls so we simply jumped ahead and circled back after they had moved on. We spent at least an hour going through here and taking it all in!

  • 5/5 Harshit P. 1 year ago on Google
    Museum of Illusions is a very creative place for all ages. Well worth the price and value with all the illusion creations. You are bound to get great photos here in the heart of NYC! Come visit :)

  • 5/5 Cynthia P. 1 year ago on Google
    I had such an amazing time. The manager Malachi was super helpful and accommodating the entire time. The illusions will really surprise you. Would absolutely recommend to new comers I will be coming back for more amazing pictures.


Call (212) 645-3230 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Science museums nearby

The Metropolitan Museum of Art image
1
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Art museum
A grand setting for one of the world's greatest collections of art, from ancient to contemporary.
$$$ $
4.80 (80.9K reviews)
9/11 Memorial & Museum image
2
9/11 Memorial & Museum
Historical place museum
Plaza, pools & exhibits honoring victims of 1993 & 2001 WTC terrorist attacks. Free timed admission.
4.80 (76.4K reviews)
The Museum of Modern Art image
3
The Museum of Modern Art
Modern art museum
Works from van Gogh to Warhol & beyond plus a sculpture garden, 2 cafes & The Modern restaurant.
4.60 (50.6K reviews)
Intrepid Museum image
4
Intrepid Museum
Museum
Flight museum on an aircraft carrier whose exhibits include a Concorde, submarine & space shuttle.
4.60 (38.5K reviews)
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum image
5
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Modern art museum
Frank Lloyd Wright–designed modern art museum with an architecturally significant spiral rotunda.
4.30 (22.2K reviews)
Last updated:
()