For my vertigo friends, the Vortex Tunnel Exhibit may make your head spin.

Ben Droz Photography / Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions opened its doors at CityCenterDC this week. The hands-on museum offers  education and entertainment with optical illusions, a playroom, illusionistic rooms, and exhibits featuring the science, math, and psychology behind the magic.

The outside of the Museum of Illusions.
This is not an illusion; this is what the building actually looks like. The museum is located at CityCenterDC. Linda Roth Associates

The original museum was launched in Zagreb, Croatia in 2015 and now has locations in Paris, Madrid, Chicago, New York, and other cities. This museum opening follows an explosion of immersive experiences around D.C. But while other experiences focus on transforming art into dramatic light shows or bringing your favorite TV show to life (we’re still not sure who asked for that), the Museum of Illusions focuses on the science behind the “magic.”

At the D.C. location, guests can hang from the ceiling of an upside-down Metro car or be caught in the wandering gaze of a George Washington portrait (real Mona Lisa vibes). There’s even a vortex tunnel, which, be warned, may cause motion sickness. (We’re looking out for our vertigo friends–this may not be the exhibit for you.) Visitors spend an average of 45-60 minutes in the museum.

At the Clone Table, you can finally live the Spider-man meme. This is what immersive experiences are all about.Linda Roth Associates
Imagine a mini-you in the Beuchet Chair exhibit. Also, that girl "holding" her friend's hair--that's an illusion too. Courtesy of Linda Roth Associates
The Tilted Room may help you with your Michael Jackson lean, but you still have to learn how to dance. It's a science and magic museum, not a miracle museum.Linda Roth Associates

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Walk-in visits are welcome, but visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time. Adult tickets are around $24.

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