First UK Museum of Illusions opens

The Museum of Illusions, already a massive hit with over 50 locations across 25 countries, has chosen for its first UK site.

It will open its doors in the city centre on Friday, September 27.

Aiming to harness some of this vibrancy of Market Street in Manchester while also drawing visitors away is a new global illusions museum, setting up shop in the former Sports Direct site right at the heart of it all.

With exhibits that include holograms, optical tricks, full-scale illusion rooms, and playful mirror displays, the attraction is a first for the city, reports .

Established in Croatia in 2015, the Museum of Illusions has several locations worldwide, including Kuala Lumpur, Budapest, Paris, New York, and Dubai.

There are also plans afoot for further expansions into the UK, with a future site already earmarked for London.

Ahead of the weekend, a sneak peek reveals that the venue has been transformed into a sanctuary of mind-bending experiences and illusions.

This includes the world’s first optical illusion centred around a tram inspired by Manchester Metrolink, where guests appear to be hanging upside down on-board the specially made carriage.

In addition to the ‘Reverse Room’ which pays tribute to our tram network, there is also an area featuring the ‘The Building Illusion’.

Here, you can dangle from terraces and windowsills on buildings reminiscent of those in the Northern Quarter.

Alongside already popular exhibits making their way to Manchester, such as a Walk-in Kaleidoscope, a Vortex Tunnel, and the Infinity Room, the museum journey begins with a famous Manchester persona who can’t take their eyes off guests.

From this point, visitors navigate their way through an impressive 65 exhibits ranging from simple wall-mounted optical illusions to immersive experiences that challenge both mind and body.

Not only can you glimpse infinity, walk in an upside-down world, and grow and shrink your body all in one place, but other illusion highlights include the ‘Tilted Room’, which will challenge your perspective in many ways.

Installations like the ‘Cloning Table’, where you can play cards against yourself, and ‘Head on a Platter’, where you become part of a dinner table setting, are also featured.

As visitors step back into reality from the museum’s immersive experience, they are greeted by a treasure trove of quirky keepsakes in the gift shop.

From brain-teasing puzzles and books that challenge perception to playful accessories like socks adorned with illusions and optical illusion notebooks, there’s an array of memorabilia to extend the magic beyond the visit.

The exhibits may initially boggle the mind, but each one is accompanied by clear instructions and insights into the mechanics behind the marvels.

Expert guides are always on hand to delve deeper into the science, help guests navigate the spaces, and even lend a hand in capturing that perfect -worthy snapshot.

Manchester’s cultural landscape has been further enriched by this new attraction that seamlessly blends science with entertainment.

General Manager Steven Buchan expressed his enthusiasm about the location choice to the Manchester Evening News: “It’s a global brand found all around the world, so it’s extremely exciting that it’s chosen the North of England for its first UK site.

“The easy choice is always London but when the team were looking at potential locations Manchester was recognised as not only the second city in the UK, but also it’s a city where things start from – you only have to look at movements with music and Britpop and football too.

“It’s the coolest place right now, everybody is opening in Manchester.

“Hopefully we’ll appeal to everybody so while we expect tourists we very much welcome everybody from students to families.

“It’s a museum that will appeal to all ages.

“We’ve all done brain teasers at school all the way up to puzzles on the back page of a newspaper, so to be able to come into the Museum of Illusions and immerse yourself in those mind boggling experiences, it really will test everyone who comes through the door.

“There’s no quiet rooms at this museum, whether you interact with our different rooms of exhibits or our artwork there’s always something to interact with.

“My favourite piece has to be the last piece to be completed – the homage to the great Manchester tram.”

Tickets to Manchester’s Museum of Illusions start from just £17.50; whilst walk-ins are greeted with open arms, future illusion enthusiasts are nudged to book online for a chance to nab their ideal time slot all easily attainable on the Museum of Illusions’ very own digital portal right here.

Booking through the Museum of Illusions’ website is recommended for savvy visitors aiming to snag a bit more bang for their buck, but of course, those opting to rock up on the day won’t be turned away.