When it comes to unique attractions that blend entertainment, education, and a little bit of magic, a visit to the Museum of Illusions in the Mall of America is a solid choice. We haven’t personally stepped through its doors, but based on reviews and descriptions, it sounds like a captivating destination for families, friends, or couples looking for something different.
What we love about this experience is the interactive nature of the exhibits—over 50 of them, no less—designed to challenge your perceptions and spark your curiosity. Plus, the location inside the Mall of America makes it easy to combine with shopping or other attractions. On the flip side, some visitors might find the price of $30 per person a little steep for a one-day experience, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
This attraction is especially well-suited for families with children, groups of friends, or anyone interested in a hands-on, visually stimulating adventure. If you’re ready to see how easily your brain can be fooled or simply want a fun break from the usual mall experience, this could be a perfect stop.
Key Points
- Interactive and educational: More than 50 exhibits include illusion rooms, holograms, and optical tricks.
- Family-friendly: Suitable for children and adults alike, offering engaging fun for all ages.
- Location convenience: Situated on the second floor of the Mall of America with easy access and free parking nearby.
- Value for the price: At $30, it provides a full day of eye-popping entertainment, especially if combined with other mall activities.
- Guided assistance: Knowledgeable staff, like Margo, enhance the experience with friendly guidance and photo help.
- Wheelchair accessible: Designed to be inclusive, allowing everyone to enjoy the illusions.
An In-Depth Look at the Museum of Illusions
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Bloomington Minnesota
What Makes the Museum of Illusions Special?
The Museum of Illusions isn’t just a gallery of static images; it’s a lively, hands-on experience. You’ll find over 50 exhibits that are designed to play tricks on your senses. Think of walking into a room where gravity seems defied, or shrinking and enlarging your body with cleverly designed installations. These exhibits are part science, part art, and part magic—sure to spark giggles and amazement in equal measure.
One of the standout features is the illusion rooms, where you can appear to walk on walls or stand upside down without falling. The holograms add a futuristic touch, giving you a glimpse into the world of visual tricks that challenge your perception of reality. The life-size kaleidoscope and body-shrinking illusions are particularly popular, creating fantastic photo opportunities and fun memories.
What You Can Expect During Your Visit
Your journey begins upon entering the second floor of the Mall of America, near the North entrance. From the moment you step in, you’ll be greeted by guides ready to help you navigate, take pictures, and maximize your fun. For instance, as one reviewer noted, Margo was “excellent” and helped with engaging interaction, taking pictures, and making the visit memorable.
The exhibits are interactive and immersive—you won’t be just looking at pictures; you’ll be walking through rooms, trying your hand at optical illusions, and seeing how your brain interprets what your eyes are seeing. This makes it especially appealing for children, who love the surprises, and adults, who enjoy testing their perceptions.
At just $30 per ticket, you’ll get a full day of entertainment, which is quite reasonable considering the number of exhibits and the educational aspect. The timing is flexible, with options available in the morning, afternoon, or evening, so you can plan your visit to fit your schedule.
The Experience and the Guides
Reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable staff as a real plus. One visitor, Tim, praised the staff for being “very engaging and friendly,” which adds to the overall enjoyment. Guides help you understand the science behind the illusions, making the experience not just fun but also insightful.
More Great Tours NearbyAccessibility and Practicalities
The museum is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility needs. Parking is free at the North Entrance of the Mall, with clear directions to the second-floor location. The entire experience is designed to be straightforward, with the main entrance inside the mall at 281 Central Parkway.
How It Fits into Your Trip
Since the Museum of Illusions is located within the sprawling Mall of America, it pairs well with other attractions. Whether you’re planning to explore the Sea Life Aquarium, try the Nickelodeon Universe rides, or just enjoy some shopping, this experience adds a fun and quirky break to your day.
Why You Should Consider Visiting
If you’re traveling with children or teenagers, the interactive exhibits will likely be a hit. For groups of friends or couples, it’s an excellent opportunity for some shared laughs and memorable photos. The visual tricks and illusions also make for great social media content, should you wish to document your brain-bending adventures.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who prefers more traditional museums or outdoor activities, this might feel a bit different from what you’re used to. Still, the value for money and the fun factor make it worth considering, especially if you’re already planning to visit the Mall of America.
The Sum Up: Who Will Love the Museum of Illusions?
This attraction is best for families wanting a fun and educational outing, groups of friends looking for a shared experience, or couples wanting a quirky date activity. The interactive exhibits and friendly guides help make it more than just a walk-through gallery; it’s an engaging, memorable adventure.
Given its location inside one of America’s most famous malls and the variety of illusions, it offers good value for a solid chunk of entertainment. You’ll leave with a better understanding of optical illusions and a camera full of fun photos.
While the price might seem steep if you’re on a tight budget, the full-day access to engaging exhibits makes it worth considering. It’s particularly appealing for those curious about the science of perception or simply looking for a lighthearted, intriguing way to spend part of your day.
Overall, if you appreciate visual wonder and interactive fun, the Museum of Illusions is a clever addition to your Minnesota trip, offering a blend of entertainment and education that appeals to all ages.
FAQ
Is the Museum of Illusions suitable for children?
Yes, the museum offers interactive exhibits designed to entertain and educate visitors of all ages, making it a great place for kids and families.
How accessible is the museum for people with mobility challenges?
The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the illusions and exhibits without difficulty.
Where exactly is the museum located within the Mall of America?
It’s on the second floor near the North entrance, inside the mall at 281 Central Parkway. Free parking is available at the North Entrance.
How long does a typical visit take?
While the tour is designed to be a full-day experience, most visitors spend sufficient time exploring the 50+ exhibits, taking photos, and enjoying the interactive displays.
What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket grants you entry to the museum and access to all exhibits for the day. Guided assistance is available, and staff are happy to help enhance your experience.
Is there a time limit on the visit?
The ticket is valid for one day, and you can visit during the morning, afternoon, or evening, according to your schedule.
Are there any guided tours or group options?
While the primary offering is self-guided with helpful staff, reviews mention friendly guides who assist visitors, making the experience more enjoyable and informative.
In short, the Museum of Illusions in Mall of America offers a playful, eye-opening experience that combines science, art, and fun. It’s a smart choice if you’re after an activity that’s engaging, photo-worthy, and easy to fit into a day of mall adventures.
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