Introduction
If you’re looking for a family-friendly dose of wonder and illusions in North Rhine-Westphalia, the House of Magic in Oberhausen offers a fascinating blend of interactive exhibits, magic tricks, and photo-worthy moments. Inspired by the Ehrlich Brothers, this attraction promises to keep both kids and adults entertained for a couple of hours.
What we appreciate most about this experience is its hands-on approach—it’s not just about watching magic, but actually trying it out—and the variety of exhibits that cater to different interests, from puzzles and illusions to virtual reality adventures. It’s also quite accessible, with straightforward logistics and a reasonable price point.
However, potential visitors should note that this experience is geared toward those with a keen interest in interactive magic and illusions; it may be less suitable for very young children under 3 or travelers with certain health conditions, such as epilepsy. Overall, it’s a great choice for families and curious travelers who want a fun, engaging, and reasonably priced activity in Oberhausen.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Interactive Exhibits: Over 100 hands-on displays allow visitors to become part of the magic.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for children of all ages, with free admission for birthday children when showing ID.
- Photo Opportunities: Plenty of quirky and impressive photo motifs, including a giant monster truck and golden Lamborghini.
- Learning Magic Tricks: Visitors can pick up some cool tricks, guided by Ehrlich Brothers’ demonstrations on screens.
- Virtual Reality Ride: For thrill-seekers, the VR flight experience provides a chance to feel like you’re flying or teleporting.
- Convenient Location: Directly at Westfield Centro Promenade, with free parking and easy access.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Oberhausen.
What Is the House of Magic?
The House of Magic is a two-hour adventure into the world of illusions, designed for a broad audience—families, magic enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the unseen. Spread across a spacious 3,000 square meters, the attraction is packed with more than 100 exhibits inspired by the Ehrlich Brothers.
The main draw is its interactive nature—you don’t just stare at magic tricks; you participate, experiment, and learn. From objects that defy logic, like a book turning pages by itself, to illusions that play with shadows and mirrors, the experience is designed to surprise and entertain.
You’ll even get a chance to step inside the Ehrlich Brothers’ world, with original costumes and show props displayed for photos. The exhibit also offers a peek into the showmanship behind large stage illusions, which is fascinating for fans of magic and spectacle alike.
The Highlights and Exhibits
The Magic Workshop
This is where the magic begins. The workshop is filled with curious objects—like a unicycle that appears to turn into a no-wheel, or a box that seems to contain an infinite amount of space. Visitors are encouraged to explore and try out these illusions, making the experience highly personal.
One reviewer notes, “We loved the way you could actually try the illusions yourself, making it much more memorable than just watching a show.” It’s a clever way to make magic accessible and fun for children and adults alike.
More Great Tours NearbyLight, Shadows, and Mirrors
The exhibit hall dedicated to illusions using shadows and mirrors offers a lot of visual surprises. Sculptures cast unexpected images on the walls, shadows seem to move on their own, and some illusions make visitors appear invisible. These displays demonstrate how clever use of light and reflection can create astonishing effects.
Famous Costumes and Photo Spots
Many visitors enjoy the chance to see stage outfits worn by the Ehrlich Brothers, along with original props from their live shows. The giant monster truck and golden Lamborghini are popular selfie points—sure to make friends at home jealous. These displays help connect the magic to its stage roots, giving visitors a sense of the scale and spectacle of real magic shows.
Virtual Reality Flight and Teleportation
For those wanting a thrill, the VR flight experience allows you to test your flying skills in a simulated environment. It’s immersive and quite fun, especially if you’re a fan of new tech. The teleportation experience, which makes you feel like you’re moving instantaneously from one spot to another, adds a sci-fi flavor to the visit and is surprisingly convincing.
Practical Details and Logistics
The location at Westfield Centro Promenade makes it incredibly easy to access, especially since you can reach it directly via the escalator from the Promenade or from the multi-storey car parks nearby. Parking is free at the Centro’s multi-storey lots, which is a nice bonus considering some attractions charge high fees.
Admission is priced at approximately $28 per person for two hours of entertainment, which includes access to all exhibits, magic tricks explained on a 360° cinema screen, and a free online workshop with the Ehrlich Brothers. This makes it a good value activity—especially considering the variety and interactive nature of the experience.
The experience is on a fixed schedule—check availability for starting times—and it’s important to arrive on time, as late arrivals may not be accommodated easily. Children under 3 are not allowed, and kids must be accompanied by adults. Also, for visitors with certain health conditions, like epilepsy, the illusions might pose a risk; it’s wise to consider this before booking.
Additional Offerings
While a guided tour isn’t included in the base price, you can opt to book one if you want a more in-depth exploration of the exhibits. The experience also offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind to planning.
What the Reviews Say
Visitors generally rate the House of Magic at 4.2 out of 5 based on 83 reviews. Many praise the interactive elements—one reviewer says, “We loved the way you could actually try the illusions yourself, making it much more memorable.” Others find the photo opportunities a highlight, with comments about fun selfies with the monster truck and Lamborghini.
Some mention that the VR rides are “daring” and a hit, though others note that the experience might be best suited for kids and teens rather than very young children or those sensitive to flashing lights.
The reviews emphasize the value for money, given the range of exhibits and the chance to learn magic tricks from professional magicians on screen. Most agree that it’s a family-friendly activity that encourages curiosity and playful learning.
Final Thoughts
The House of Magic in Oberhausen offers a lively, hands-on journey into the world of illusions and stage magic. Its blend of physical exhibits, tech experiences, and visual displays makes it a compelling visit for those seeking fun and a bit of wonder.
For families, it’s an engaging way to introduce children to the mysteries of magic without the length or cost of a full magic show. For adults, it’s a nostalgic reminder of the joy of discovering new tricks and seeing illusions come to life.
While it’s not a deep-dive into magic history or a professional performance, it’s a well-curated experience that provides memorable moments at a reasonable price. Just be sure to arrive on time, and consider your group’s comfort with the visual effects and interactive elements.
The House of Magic is best suited for those who want to combine entertainment and education in a lively, colorful setting—an excellent choice for families with kids, magic enthusiasts, or anyone curious about how illusions work behind the scenes.
FAQ
How long is the visit?
The experience lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to explore all the exhibits and participate in activities.
Is there parking available?
Yes, free parking is available at the nearby multi-storey car parks within the Centro shopping mall. You can reach the attraction directly from level 2 of the multi-storey parking.
Can children under 3 participate?
No, children under 3 years old are not allowed, but birthday children can get free admission with proof of age.
How do I book tickets?
Tickets can be reserved online, with options to pay later, allowing you to keep your travel plans flexible.
Is the experience suitable for people with health conditions?
The tour advises caution for those with epilepsy or similar conditions due to flashing lights and illusions.
Can I learn magic tricks?
Yes, you can learn some tricks from the Ehrlich Brothers’ magic tricks explained in the 360° cinema and at the workshops.
Is this activity suitable for large groups?
Yes, but check the availability of starting times as group size may influence scheduling.
Are there guided tours available?
Guided tours can be booked at an extra cost if you’d like a more detailed walkthrough of the exhibits.
What is the cost of the experience?
The standard ticket costs around $28 per person, which includes access to all exhibits, the magic tricks demonstration, and the online workshop.
To sum it up, the House of Magic in Oberhausen offers a well-rounded, engaging, and family-friendly experience that balances fun, education, and a touch of the surreal. It’s especially appealing for visitors who enjoy interactive exhibits, photo moments, and a glimpse behind the curtain of magic and illusions. If you’re in the area and curious to see how tricks work while having a memorable day out, this attraction is worth considering.
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