What do you get when you put funky photo ops, mind-bending illusions, and brain teasers all in one space? I asked myself this very question before taking my boyfriend and me on a trip to 16th Street to experience Denver’s latest installation, the Museum of Illusions.
Prior to going, we hadn’t heard much about the exhibit, but from what I could pick up from their website, this is a relatively new addition to Denver’s cultural scene that promises an interactive, Instagram-worthy, and brain-twisting adventure for visitors of all ages. But it had me wondering…does it live up to the hype?
Keep reading to hear my take on Denver’s Museum of Illusions!
Disclaimer: I was gifted tickets to the Museum of Illusions Denver in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.
Table of Contents
What to Expect the Museum of Illusions in Denver
Admission and Hours of Operation
In terms of what to expect in terms of admission prices, regular tickets for adults start at $23. The museum does offer complimentary tickets for teachers and educators with valid school IDs.
The nice part is you get to pick a time window that works best for you and your crew so you’re not stumbling over parties in front of you or having to rush because of a long line behind you.
Hours of operations are as follows: Sunday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday-Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm.
From the moment you approach the museum, the bright signage and buzz of visitors make it clear that this isn’t your average museum experience.
The staff at the entrance were warm and eager to explain the concept to us, and after scanning our tickets and getting a hand stamp, it was off to the races!
Museum of Illusions Exhibits
As you step inside, you’re greeted by a labyrinth of visual tricks, cleverly designed rooms, and optical illusions that had my boyfriend and I dizzy.
Read below to get the 411 on some of my highlights:
The Vortex Tunnel
I’m starting things off with perhaps one of the most iconic attractions, this spinning cylinder made me feel like I was tipping over, even though I was standing on a steady bridge. It’s equal parts mesmerizing and nauseating but in a fun way!
The Tilted Room
To be honest, this exhibit had me doubting my balance as the angled floors and walls played tricks on my mind! It was disorienting in the best possible way, and had my boyfriend and I laughing as we tried to navigate the space and snap pictures.
Color Room
Another fun one that we both enjoyed was the Color Room because of how cool the mix of colors came across on camera! Once you enter the room and stare long enough, you will start to see all of the colors combined to make white.
Interactive Puzzles
I think one of the parts my boyfriend enjoyed the most was the puzzles portion! Once you’re about to end your trip and spill out into the gift shop, you’ll notice several brain teasers and physical puzzles that challenge your logic. It’s a nice touch that allows for a more hands-on and tangible experience.
The Gift Shop
Okay, so this isn’t technically part of the exhibit, but if you’re anything like me, one of the best parts of a trip to the museum is seeing what kind of merchandise awaits you at the end! And I was not disappointed.
In the shop, you’ll find tons of brain teasers, fidget toys, puzzles, and even pieces of artwork to take home. I love it when shops have a little bit of everything to choose from!
How to Get Insta-worthy Pictures at the Museum of Illusions
Let’s be honest: one of the big draws of the Museum of Illusions is the opportunity to capture shareable moments. I loved how thoughtfully designed each exhibit was with photo opportunities in mind, and even had little stickers on where to stand in order to get the best picture.
I also noticed that there were staff members available to help you snap the perfect shot, which I thought would be perfect for solo travelers!
In terms of my favorite “Instagram-worthy” spot? Hands down, The Infinity Room! The endless reflections created such surreal and striking visual effects, and since we went during December, they had the ceiling decked out in holiday tinsel.
As for my boyfriend, he loved the photo ops that almost looked like movie sets come to life. There’s one that features a plane that makes you look like you’re hanging upside down and another of a city street that is pretty mind-bending!
Closing Thoughts on the Museum of Illusions
The Denver Museum of Illusions isn’t trying to be the Louvre, and that’s okay. It only took my boyfriend and I about 30ish minutes to complete the whole exhibit, so that is something to keep in mind when you’re planning your trip to Denver.
This installation is designed for brain teasers, wonder, and a healthy dose of Instagram-worthy photos, and what’s not to love about that?
While it might not necessarily be an experience you repeat frequently, I think this is a great option for out-of-town visitors, a quirky date night in Denver, or a fun family outing!
What Else to Visit in Denver
While a trip to the Museum of Illusions might be on the shorter side, there’s no shortage of fun activities around Denver for you to explore! If you and your crew are art lovers, wrap up your day of museums by checking out the Denver Art Museum, which is about a 10-minute drive from 16th Street.
Or if you’re looking to spend some time in nature, head on over to the Congress Park area to explore the Denver Botanic Gardens, another hot spot that’s only 10 minutes away!
If you find yourself leaving the museum in the late afternoon or nighttime and are looking for a place to enjoy those stunning Rocky Mountain views, wet your whistle at one of Denver’s best rooftop bars, 54Thirty. Happy planning!
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