The UK’s first Museum of Illusions opens today in Manchester – and it’s sure to become one of the most Instagrammable spots in Manchester.
The mind-bending international museum opens its doors to the public today (Friday September 27) on Market Street for the first time.
The family friendly museum – world famous for its perception-defying exhibits – has 51 locations across four continents and opens its doors in Manchester for the first time in the UK.
What was once a Sports Direct is now a museum full of optical illusions, interactive displays and mind-bending exhibits.
Designed to challenge perception, create a sense of wonder, spark curiosity and capture your imagination, the unique museum experience also hopes to educate with its many iconic exhibits.
Visitors can see themselves multiplied by mirrors in the Infinity Room, feel like they’re spinning upside down in the Vortex Tunnel, and even play a game of cards against themselves.
There are also some new, Manchester-specific exhibits like The Reversed Room, where visitors can appear to dangle upside-down from a Metrolink carriage, and The Building Illusion where you can dangle from a classic Manchester red-brick building.
Steve Buchan, Museum of Illusions general manager, said: “When selecting a location for our first UK museum, we considered every city, including the obvious choices like London and Edinburgh.
“However, as discussions progressed, the excitement around the Northern Powerhouse initiatives, the innovations, and the rich cultural history of Manchester, including movements like Britpop, made it clear that all great things start in Manchester.”
Alan Turing is even ready to greet you as you enter into the museum – with his eyes following you around the room.
From the Walk-in Kaleidoscope to the Tilted Room, there are great Instagram opportunities around every corner – with handy camera marks on the floor to tell you where to take your photos from.
With explanations on every exhibit as you walk around, you might also learn something in between all the incredible photo opportunities.
On leaving, visitors can grab themselves a mind-bending gift – such as an optical illusion poster, a bendy pencil, or a brain-teasing puzzle – before entering back into reality.
Featured Image: Museum of Illusions, taken by Charlotte Fisher for MM
