With the weather semi-warming up here in Pittsburgh, we decided to step away from the board game table to explore the wonderful world of brain failures. No, really…we visited the Museum of Illusions located on the North Shore, right in between PNC Park and Acrisure Stadium. The brain, despite all of its processing power and impressive array of functionality, still can’t discern certain certain color and/or light patterns being thrown at it. Today’s visit only verified what I already knew…the brain is far from perfect. Special thanks to PR Manager Pien Koopman and the staff at the Pittsburgh location for hosting Aidalee and me with their hospitality and free tickets.
Before we get into the Museum, let’s talk parking. While there are some areas around Pittsburgh where parking can be free, the North Shore is not one of them. The tickets that were reserved for us spanned from 10-11 AM, meaning you’ll be in and out in roughly an hour’s time. To get the most out of your parking fee, you may want to visit one of the nearby restaurants before or after. Champions Garage and the various lots off of Tony Dorsett Drive are probably your best bet…I wouldn’t trust street parking especially during an event.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, though it’s recommended that you book them beforehand via their official website. Children ages 4 and under enter free, with general admission being a little over $20 per person. Various group / package rates are available.
The exhibits themselves came in three main types: Images, Installations, and Illusion Rooms. On the Installations side of things, you’ll encounter familiar concepts like the The Beuchet Chair…a famous optical illusion that manipulates perspective to make it look like someone is shrinking or growing. Or, if you’re more into those optical illusion books that give me a headache when I stare at them too long, the Images section might be more your speed. Nothing beats the larger than life Illusion Rooms where you’ll be struggling to hang on to a railing…and your senses! The museum also features a gift shop should you wish to bring home a mind-teaser or two.
Halfway through our visit we came across an area filled with various mind-bending puzzles. To get the most out of your visit, I highly recommend stopping here and trying out each one. The large sliding puzzle was tougher than it looked! Aside from the larger than life rooms, this area was probably my favorite…I just wish it were bigger with more to offer.
There were a few exhibits that could be classified as dangerous to those with certain medical conditions. I couldn’t handle the Tilted Room, for example, nor could I stay in the Vortex Room for very long. It’s very easy to get overwhelmed and dizzy in some parts so pay attention to the signs before blindly walking in…the potentially risky ones are marked. For the perfect photo op, don’t miss out on the stickers on the floor!
Some of the exhibits require two people to get the most out of them, so I highly recommend bringing a partner, child, or a friend along for the ride. If you’re unsure about a particular exhibit, ask the staff as they’ll be wandering the floor looking to help out where needed.
Still on the fence? Check out the video below to see our Review & Walk-through!
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Museum Information:
267 North Shore Drive Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212
info@moipittsburgh.com
216-350-5987
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