The Museum of Illusions in Las Vegas is fun, but gets overshadowed by competitors offering similar attractions at a grander scale.
Visiting the Las Vegas Museum of Illusions
Sometimes an experience is coloured by what comes before it. In my case, that’s certainly true for the Museum of Illusions in Las Vegas.
My family visited on a hot afternoon. Crucially, this was after visiting the ARTE Museum (review here, tickets here) in the morning and Omega Mart (review here, tickets here) a couple of days beforehand.
Realistically, we should have done it the other way round.
What is the Museum of Illusions?
The Museum of Illusions is a franchised chain of museums, with 45-plus locations across 25 countries. The first Museum of Illusions opened in Zagreb, Croatia, back in 2015. Since then, the concept has done spectacularly well, spreading across the globe.
The basic premise of the Museum of Illusions is optical illusions and how they work. Sometimes this is looking at lines that appear to be different lengths, others it’s paintings with eyes that seem to follow you around the room.
There are also plenty of rooms with unusual layouts and mirrors that make for great photographs – a person being cut in half, or served on a platter, perhaps. Or two people looking like they’re wildly different sized while standing at what appears to be the same level.
The problem with the Museum of Illusions
This is unquestionably good fun for an hour or two. You’ll learn a bit about how the brain works and be pleasantly surprised at being tricked over and over again.
But the schtick starts to wear thin after a while – particularly if you’ve seen it before. If you’ve been to one Museum of Illusions, there’s really no need to go to another. The same applies to similar concepts with different names – last year in England’s Lake District we went to Puzzling Place in Keswick, and there’s a lot of overlap.
Where is the Las Vegas Museum of Illusions?
The Las Vegas Museum of Illusions is the largest in the franchise chain, and opened in August 2023. It is located on the Strip, in that strange nothing zone between the Cosmopolitan and the Shops at Crystals. It is, unfortunately, very close to the ARTE Museum. And it sadly pales in comparison.
Ticket prices are slightly cheaper – $40 if you book online, $45 on the door. But it doesn’t have the same sort of wow factor.
In other cities, this might not be an issue. But in Las Vegas, there is so much on offer, much of it on a scale unlike anywhere else. The Museum of Illusions, therefore, seems a little old hat.
Entrance fees for the Museum of Illusions, Las Vegas
The museum operates on a timed-entry system, and it is advisable to book tickets online in advance, as prices are typically higher when purchased at the door. The facility is cashless.
| Ticket type | Price (Online) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult general admission (Ages 13+) | From $43.46 | Standard price for timed admission slots. Prices are often higher at the door. |
| Child admission (Ages 5–12) | From $36.04 | Reduced rate for younger visitors. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. |
| Senior/Military/First Responder | From $38.16 | Discounted rate available with valid identification. |
| Children 4 and under | Free | Entry is complimentary, but a ticket/time slot must still be reserved for access. |
Nearby attractions to the Museum of Illusions, Las Vegas
Located on the Strip at 63 CityCenter (between The Cosmopolitan and The Shops at Crystals), the museum is centrally positioned for various entertainment and retail activities.
- The LINQ promenade: The museum is situated within this bustling outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district.
- High Roller observation wheel: Located at the end of the LINQ Promenade, this 550-foot Ferris wheel offers panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip.
- The Shops at Crystals: A nearby luxury shopping destination featuring high-end retail brands.
- The Fountains of Bellagio: A classic Las Vegas attraction offering a synchronised water, light, and music show, located a short walk from the museum.
FAQ: Visitor questions about the Museum of Illusions
Practical information for guests planning their visit to the mind-bending attraction.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long should I plan for the visit? | Most visitors spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the entire museum and taking photographs at the various installations. |
| Is the museum wheelchair accessible? | The facility is largely accessible, though a few exhibits, such as the Vortex Tunnel (which has slanted floors), are not accessible but can be easily bypassed. |
| Can I take photos and videos? | Yes. The museum is highly interactive and designed for photography. Guests are encouraged to take photos and videos, and staff are often available to help capture the best angles for the illusions. |
| Are food or drinks permitted inside? | No. To preserve the integrity of the exhibits, food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum. |
More things to do in Las Vegas
For more things to do in Las Vegas, head here.
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- What is the cheapest Las Vegas Cirque du Soleil show?
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