Museum of Illusions Houston Will Blow your Mind

Children see magic because they look for it. Houston kids won’t have to look far, because the Museum of Illusions has opened a location in the Galleria. My family loves immersive experiences, and with over 60 different exhibits, this museum is like no other venue we have seen. 

The Museum of Illusions Houston packs a lot into a small space including optical illusions, visual tricks, and hands-on interactive displays. They even have something called a vortex tunnel that still has us questioning reality. Needless to say, my kids' minds were blown.

We think it will blow your minds as well. But before heading out, read on to learn what to expect from your visit. And don't forget to check out our list of Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families and our Children's Museums and Exhibits Guide for Houston for more museums to explore.

Inside the Museum of Illusions Houston.

Exhibits at Museums of Illusions Houston

The exhibits at the Museums of Illusions consist of 1) Illusion Rooms, 2) Installations, 3) Images, and 4) Optical Illusion Photo Opportunities, all self-guided and self-paced. The exhibits are interactive so kids (and adults!) are welcome to explore the exhibits with all their senses.  

Illusion Rooms

Nothing is quite as it seems at the Museum of Illusions. There was a tilted room, and no matter how hard we tried, we appeared to be leaning. My kids got a kick out of the room that made them appear taller than their dad, and my youngest had his own dance party in the illusion room that projected his image into a rainbow of colors across the wall. Everyone’s favorite room was the Vortex Tunnel. You walk across a path in a room that spins entirely around you, and thankfully there are handrails because it can be a bit disorienting. 

Installations

The installations at the Museum of Illusions Houston deceive the senses. The kids thought it was hilarious to have their head “served on a platter” and to make it look like they were floating in mid-air. You could also see your image as a kaleidoscope, look into holes in the walls that seemed to go on forever, and play with giant pin art mold that makes impressions of your entire body. 

Images

When you first enter the museum, the first thing you’ll notice is a painting…or should I say the painting notices you because the eyes follow you wherever you go! There are many other mind-bending images in the gallery, and it’s hard to discern what you see versus what you think you see. Many of the images had moving pieces or interactive parts; one example was an image of two lines, where one appeared much longer than the other. But with the provided ruler, we learned they were the same length. We all had fun guessing what was reality amongst the images. 

Optical Illusion Photo Opportunities

There were many photo opportunities, like floating upside down in a space shuttle, falling from the sky, and hanging from the side of a building. The employees are great about helping you set up the shot so your photo tricks the mind into believing the impossible.

Tickets, Parking, and other Logistics at the Museum of Illusions Houston

Tickets are $26 per adult, $24 for seniors and military, $21 for children aged 5-12. Ages 4 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum of Illusions website. There is no time limit, but a visit to the museum usually takes 45 to an hour. 

The museum is located in the Galleria Mall next to the Westin Hotel, and free parking is located in the yellow and orange parking garages nearby. Because it’s located in the Galleria, there are many restaurants, shopping, and other activities within walking distance. 

The Museum of Illusions Houston was educational, fun, and unique. It’s a great addition to all the amazing museums we have in Houston and should be added to your list to check out! 

All photos are courtesy of the author, unless otherwise stated.