There’s a new attraction on the Third Street Promenade that’s turning heads — and views — as the Museum of Illusions officially opens its doors in Santa Monica.
The immersive space spans 12,000 square feet and features more than 80 interactive exhibits designed to challenge visitors’ sense of reality through optical illusions, visual tricks, and hands-on science.
Organizers described the museum as a mind-boggling playground where art, psychology and physics come together to “make your mind wonder what your eyes see.”
Some of the most popular rooms include the Ames Room, which uses tilted walls and a distorted camera view to make one person appear giant while another appears small, and the Vortex Tunnel, a revolving bridge that makes visitors feel as if the world around them is tilting. Another fan favorite, the Mirrored Room, allows guests to appear suspended upside down in a Hollywood-inspired bowling alley scene – a nod to Santa Monica’s cinematic roots.
“This room is actually shaped like a trapezoid, but your depth perception and camera make it look cubic,” said Crystal Castaneda, the room’s general manager. Santa Monica Museum of Illusions. “It’s great for the kids – they can finally be taller than their parents for once.”
In addition to the photo-worthy illusions, the museum is also certified by STEM.org, adding an educational layer that blends science and art to field trips, family outings, and corporate events.
“It’s great for families, great for couples, great for anyone between the ages of 5 and 95,” Castaneda told KTLA’s Erin Myers. “We want everyone to have a good time, learn something new and walk away with great memories – and the photos to prove it.”
The Santa Monica Museum of Illusions is open seven days a week. Tickets are available online or at the door if the venue is not at full capacity.