Mirror, mirror on the wall – Museum of Illusions opens in Budapest

Two Croatians set up the Museum of Illusions franchise, located in more than 50 major cities, including New York, Shanghai and Dubai, and now Budapest. We popped in to try out its tricks and optical illusions, confusing our brain with what our eyes were telling us.

The newly opened Museum of Illusions is aimed at playful adults open to tricks and illusions – a kind of grown-ups’ version of the Csodák Palotája, Buda’s Palace of Wonders – and at kids enjoyably dazzled at funfairs.

Abandon reality all ye who enter here, as everything is not quite as it seems. That’s the essence of the Museum of Illusions, trickery and optical curiosities.


But before you step inside, however, there are two important things to bear in mind. No alcohol, or any other modifier of consciousness, should be consumed beforehand. The other stipulation, for women in particular, is that you must come in flat-soled shoes or bring a change with you, because certain installations warrant sensible footwear.

The idea for the Museum of Illusions was dreamed up by two Croatian architects back in 2015, with successful operations in Zadar and Zagreb. It’s a franchise that’s quickly spreading around the world, soon to open in London and all across America.

Here in Budapest, the Museum of Illusions in the immediate vicinity of downtown Deák tér, ideal for individual visits, family fun or a bonding experience for couples. It’s also perfect pre-party (no drinking, mind!), to put you in the right mood, as well as for birthdays and team-building.

While a couple of the attractions within have been publicised on the net as teasers, it’s a whole different ball game when you see them up front and personal.

One room makes you look huge, another tiny or even upside down. The trickiest feature is the tunnel, which gives you the impression that the whole world is moving with you without stopping. Brace yourself.

Just like the museum itself, it’s a kind of extreme playhouse, yet once you’re done, you want to do it all over again. We went round several times.