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Attraction Overview

Museum of Illusions Chicago exterior view

Museum of Illusions Chicago

Chicago

Today's weather

2025-12-23

Cloudy

2Β°C

Cloudy

Humidity

68%

Wind

18 km/h

4.7

Traveler rating

Out of 5

Reviews

4,506

Visitors rave about the Museum of Illusions Chicago for its interactive and amazing exhibits that create fun and memorable experiences. The friendly and helpful staff, like Sammy, Noah, and others, consistently go above and beyond to assist with photos and explain the illusions, enhancing the overall visit.

Tips
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Be mindful of your surroundings, especially with valuables, as crowded tourist areas can attract pickpockets. Keep your phone and wallet secure while immersed in the illusions.

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Go early in the day or during off-peak hours for a less crowded experience.

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Bring a fully charged phone and portable charger. You’ll be taking lots of photos!

Museum of Illusions Chicago, Chicago

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About

The Museum of Illusions Chicago offers a visually and sensorially rich experience, challenging perception and delighting visitors of all ages. Explore intriguing optical illusions, holograms, and immersive exhibits. It is a fun and educational attraction that sparks curiosity and creates unforgettable memories.

Recommended visit: 1h 30m

Plan Your Visit

Secure your tickets in advance and plan your perfect day at Museum of Illusions Chicago

Best times to visit Museum of Illusions Chicago

Tuesday's crowd patterns and optimal visit windows.

Best Time Tuesday

19:00 - 20:00

Tuesday evenings are generally less busy, offering a more relaxed and intimate exploration of the illusions.

10:00 - 20:00

Hourly Crowd Levels

Tuesday's expected crowd levels throughout the day

Timezone: America/Chicago
Low (0-25%)
Moderate (26-50%)
Busy (51-75%)
Very Busy (76-100%)

What travelers say

Recent reviews and on-the-ground experiences.

Crafted Events LLC.
Crafted Events LLC.

2 weeks agoΒ· Google

5.0
"

We visited the Museum of Illusions on a random Wednesday for a day date, and we had so much fun! The exhibits were amazing and super interesting, interactive, and just overall a great time. Our absolute favorites were the infinity mirrors and the room where you look giant in one corner and tiny in another. We were cracking up the whole time! Cole was incredibly gracious and took our pictures in the optical illusion chair and the giant/small room, he made sure we got the perfect shots. Adriana at the front desk was so helpful and walked us through getting a discount for booking online. Oscar guided us through the exhibits and made sure we understood how everything worked, which we really appreciated. And shoutout to Louie in the puzzle room, we spent so much time in there completely stuck and mesmerized by the escape-style game! The entire staff was friendly, from helping with my coat to making sure my phone was safe. Everyone was so welcoming and really made the experience even better.

"
Isabella Hernandez
Isabella Hernandez

1 months agoΒ· Google

5.0
"

Had a blast in here & employee Noah made it even more enjoyable and positive! Gave us so many different poses for photo ideas and was constantly checking in that we needed anything or everything. Thank you Noah for your great hosting experience!

"
Elle Affair Event Planning
Elle Affair Event Planning

2 months agoΒ· Google

5.0
"

The Chicago Museum of Illusions was the perfect indoor activity on a rainy day! It was so much fun and very interactive β€” great for all ages. The staff made the experience even better; they were excellent at helping with poses, taking pictures, and explaining each illusion. Highly recommend checking it out!

"
Gloria Chatman
Gloria Chatman

2 months agoΒ· Google

5.0
"

Fantastic experience! Sammy was the best! He showed us how to take the pictures the right way. Then he also took our camera and took the great pictures for us to leave us with a wonderful souvenir. Shout out to Sammy! Great customer service! Wonderful experience!

"
Michael Jennings
Michael Jennings

5 months agoΒ· Google

4.0
"

I've been wanting to get down here with my grandson for a long time now and I finally got the chance last week. There are so many cool exhibits!! I've posted numerous photos of the different things that you can do.But by no means, is that all of them. They have employees that will take pictures of you.So that you can also be in the pictures. It's a self guided tour, so how long it takes is all up to you. It took us about 50 minutes. We parked at the north Grant Park garage, which was only about a block. And a half from the museum. They have a really cute gift store at the end that you can purchase different puzzles and what have you. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is the price. The museum is unique, but again it was 75 dollars for myself and my grandson!!! I honestly think it's overpriced. If it would have been around 50 dollars i think that would have been a little more reasonable and appropriate.

"

Visitor information

Contact details, accessibility, and opening hours.

Accessibility

The Museum of Illusions Chicago is wheelchair accessible. The museum has elevators to access all levels, and accessible restrooms are available for visitors with disabilities.

Best Season

Spring and Fall offer pleasant weather for exploring the surrounding area and enjoying the museum's indoor exhibits.

Opening Hours

Monday10:00 - 20:00
TuesdayToday10:00 - 20:00
Wednesday10:00 - 20:00
Thursday10:00 - 20:00
Friday10:00 - 21:00
Saturday10:00 - 21:00
Sunday10:00 - 20:00

Safety & Insider tips

Crowd hacks and small details that make the visit smoother.

Safety Tips

Stay safe and secure

1

Pay attention to the floor surfaces, as some illusions may involve uneven or angled surfaces. Watch your step to prevent trips or falls, especially in dimly lit areas.

2

If visiting with children, supervise them closely to prevent them from running into exhibits or getting lost in the crowds. Some illusions might be disorienting for younger children, so guide them through the experience.

3

Be aware of other visitors when taking photos to avoid bumping into them or obstructing their view. Communicate with those around you and be considerate of their experience.

4

In case of an emergency, familiarize yourself with the location of exits and follow the instructions of museum staff. Have a meeting point in mind if you are with a group.

5

Be cautious when interacting with illusions that involve physical participation. Follow any instructions provided by the museum to avoid injuries or damage to the exhibits.

Insider Tips

Pro traveler secrets

1

Plan for at least 1.5-2 hours to fully enjoy the museum. This allows ample time to experience the illusions, take photos, and not feel rushed, especially if it's crowded.

2

Check for online deals or discounts before you go. Many attractions offer reduced rates or package deals when purchased in advance or through third-party vendors. Especially helpful when traveling in larger groups.

3

Visit on a weekday if possible to avoid the larger weekend crowds. Weekends tend to be packed, making it harder to fully enjoy the illusions and take good photos without people in the background.

4

Engage with the staff! They can offer tips on how to best experience the illusions and take the most impressive photos. They might also know about hidden details or fun facts about specific exhibits.

5

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of standing and walking. The museum is designed to be immersive, so you'll want to be comfortable while exploring the various exhibits.

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families

The Museum of Illusions Chicago offers an engaging experience for families with children of all ages. The interactive exhibits spark curiosity and create memorable moments as families explore the world of optical illusions together. It is a unique opportunity for parents to bond with their children and learn something new while having fun. Families can expect to be amazed, challenged, and entertained by the mind-bending displays.