Museum of Illusions Athens

Home to more than 80 exhibits, the Museum of Illusions Athens is a clever reminder that our perception of the world is often nothing more than an illusion. These exhibits are designed to challenge your mind and confuse your senses. They are based on science, mathematics, biology and psychology and will surprise and educate you. So come on in and take a look around, and be prepared to have your perceptions challenged.

Only about five minutes walk from the Ancient Agora of Athens and Monastiraki Square, the Museum of Illusions Athens is one of the best things to do in Athens. It’s where you can laugh, shout and take pictures – things usually not allowed in other museums. There are no signs saying ‘do not touch’ here. Visitors are invited to explore the spaces, play with the exhibits, take photos, and enjoy the experience. There’s an easy-to-understand scientific explanation for every optical illusion that tricks the eye. Just read the little texts next to the exhibits. The museum is a concept started by the young Croatian Roko Zivcovic. His idea was to create an original experiential entertainment space based on the game of optical illusions.

The trick here (no pun intended) is not to give things away or provide any spoilers, so my explanation of the best things to do and see at the Museum of Illusions Athens will only act as a guide and shouldn’t give too much away.

Imagine walking into a room with two giant eyes following you wherever you move. Or how about multiple Albert Einsteins who won’t stop staring at you?

For one of the best exhibits, I recommend you visit the ‘Infinity Room’ – a classic room of mirrors that can create incredible chaos as guests see multiple images of themselves all around them.

Here’s a strange and a rather bizarre question, have you ever thought about serving the head of someone you don’t like on a plate? Well, you can get the chance to do this…all in the name of fun by illusion. It really is exceptionally realistic, and no one gets hurt.

For those who want to feel even a little high (in height, not by drugs), then visit the ‘Ames room’. A person standing in one corner appears as a giant, while at the same time, a person standing in another corner appears as a miniature.

Another great optical illusion is called the ‘chair illusion’, which is related to how our brain perceives size. When you see a person sitting in a chair from a distance, they appear much smaller than someone standing next to them. But if you take a closer look, you’ll realize that the two people are actually the same size!

The ‘upside down room’ is another mind-bending illusion. It goes against everything we know about gravity, yet it’s still possible to experience. To see it for yourself before you go, simply turn over the photo you just took and imagine yourself standing upside down in a typical room. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.

The illusion of “head on a plate”

The “Chair Illusion”

The “Upside down Room”

Summer (April 1st to October 31st)

Monday – Friday 10:00 – 21:00

Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 22:00

Winter (November 1st to March 31st)

Monday – Friday 10:00 – 21:00

Saturday – Sunday 10:00 – 22:00

Closed

January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, Easter Sunday, December 25th and 26th

This is not suitable for those in a wheelchair.