Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality
See what’s in store at Orlando’s newest “edutainment” experience on I-Drive.
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality Museum of Illusions Orlando held their grand opening at Icon Park on International Drive, the 20th location for the Zagreb, Croatia-based brand and their first in the U.S., January 9, 2021. (Brandon Hogan)
By Brandon Hogan
ORLANDO, Fla. — Museum of Illusions Orlando opened to the public on Saturday, boasting “more eye-fooling fun under one roof” than anywhere else in town.
The new attraction at ICON Park on International Drive is the 20th “Museum of Illusions” franchise to open for the Zagreb, Croatia-based Enthoosia Group, and it’s their first location in the United States, according to Marketing Manager Christine Haughney.
“When we were looking to come to the U.S. we of course thought Florida and Orlando, and we chose ICON Park here because it’s right in the center of I-Drive [...] we’re right down the street from all of our locals, it’s obviously a great mecca for all of our tourists,” Haughney said.
With more than 50 optical, interactive, and photographic exhibits, Haughney says that the 1-2 hour experience is a new take on the timeless entertainment of illusions:
“You’ll see some of the nostalgia pieces when you look at some of the optical illusions, but I think our big differentiator is the fact that we have the photographic ones where you actually step inside the illusion and you’re the one who brings it to life,” Haughney said.
See what the museum looks like in our gallery:
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality Museum of Illusions Orlando held their grand opening at Icon Park on International Drive, the 20th location for the Zagreb, Croatia-based brand and their first in the U.S., January 9, 2021. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality Silly pencils and T shirts in the gift shop of Museum of Illusions Orlando. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality A shot of some interactive exhibits at Museum of Illusions Orlando. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality "Moving Circles" at Museum of Illusions Orlando. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality The "Infinity Well" at Museum of Illusions Orlando. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality The "Beuchet Chair Illusion" at Museum of Illusions Orlando; seen from a certain point in the distance, a guest standing on the "chair" will appear very small. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality Wooden puzzles that will eventually be on display at Museum of Illusions Orlando, but for now are only available in the gift shop due to COVID-19. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality A "spinning tunnel" at Museum of Illusions Orlando, also known as a "vortex tunnel" or "rotating tunnel." (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality An interactive mirror trick at Museum of Illusions Orlando. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality The "Hollow Face Illusion" at Museum of Illusions Orlando. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality The "Dotted Surface" optical illusion at Museum of Illusions Orlando. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality A climbing wall illusion at Museum of Illusions Orlando; guests laying on the ground will appear to be climbing when seen through the mirror. (Brandon Hogan)
Museum of Illusions Orlando provides a mind-bending escape from reality This exhibit at Museum of Illusions Orlando is designed so that, when placed between two guests, they appear to trade noses. (Brandon Hogan)
Haughney says that each Museum of Illusions around the world is given certain motifs to reflect their surroundings --- appropriately, Museum of Illusions Orlando contains familiar beach-themed decor in some areas, as well as orange paint throughout.
Guests can enjoy special “preview days” pricing until January 31, $15 per person of any age; children two and under get in free.
The launch is accompanied with COVID-19 safety measures in tow, such as mandatory face masks, limited capacity, one-way paths, routine cleaning, and designated time slots.
To that point, while tickets are being sold at the door, Museum of Illusions Orlando encourages you to register for a visit on their website.
After the pandemic, the attraction will gradually offer new experiences meant to draw more guests, such as seasonal events and venue space, according to Marketing Manager Jennifer Bisbee:
“We can’t wait until covid is behind us because we’re great for date nights, couples, kids…” Bisbee said.
“Instead of dinner and a movie, why not dinner and a museum?”