Planning a trip to Salt Lake City and looking for something a little different? The Museum of Illusions offers a unique blend of entertainment and education that appeals to a wide range of visitors. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or on your own, this museum provides an intriguing escape into the world of visual tricks and sensory surprises.
What we really love about this experience is how it combines interactive exhibits—more than 50 of them, no less—with a playful atmosphere that invites everyone to participate. It’s also surprisingly accessible, with an affordable price point of $34 per ticket. One thing to consider, though, is that the museum isn’t suitable for people with epilepsy, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with sensitive individuals.
This tour works best for those who enjoy puzzles, optical illusions, and a good dose of curiosity. It’s a perfect choice if you’re after a fun, light-hearted activity that also makes you think a little about how your brain interprets reality.
Key Points

- Unique mix of fun and education: Over 50 interactive exhibits challenge perceptions and teach about optical illusions.
- Family-friendly and social: Great for groups of friends, couples, or families looking for a playful experience.
- Affordable entry: At $34 per person, it offers good value for a full day of hands-on fun.
- Accessible and manageable: Located conveniently at The Gateway, with wheelchair access and small group sizes.
- Photo opportunities galore: Plenty of chances to snap memorable pictures with mind-bending backgrounds.
- Limited by certain restrictions: No flash photography allowed, and it’s not suitable for those with epilepsy.
What to Expect at the Museum of Illusions

When you arrive at the Museum of Illusions in Salt Lake City, you’re stepping into a space intentionally designed to play tricks on your senses. It’s a place where your perception will be tested at every turn, making it ideal for anyone curious about how the brain interprets visual cues. We loved how the exhibits are interactive and hands-on, meaning you’re not just looking but actively participating.
The museum’s 50+ exhibits include illusion rooms, holograms, and installations that let you defy gravity, make yourself appear to grow or shrink, and walk through kaleidoscopic environments. These are perfect for sharing with friends or family, especially if you enjoy taking fun photos. We found that the photo ops are plentiful, which adds an extra layer of fun—just remember to turn off flash photography as requested.
The exhibits aim to deceive your senses while also revealing a bit about how the brain works. For example, some illusions challenge your sense of balance, while others manipulate size and perspective. It’s not just entertainment—there’s a learning component that makes you think about perception and reality.
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The Experience in Detail

Your visit begins with a simple entry process—show your QR code, and you’re in. The museum is relatively small but packed with enough exhibits to keep you engaged for a good hour or more, depending on how much time you spend exploring each display. The small group size limit of 10 participants keeps the experience intimate, allowing for more interaction and discussion with guides or fellow visitors.
A major highlight, according to reviews, is how knowledgeable guides help explain the science behind the illusions, making it more than just a visual spectacle. One visitor, Hannah, noted, “They offer many exhibits with different illusions that make it fun for the whole family! Plenty of photo ops and chances to take photos to share with others!” This suggests that the staff’s explanations are clear and engaging, adding value to the visit.
From a practical standpoint, the location at The Gateway makes it easy to find and accessible for most travelers. The ticket price is reasonable, especially considering the quality and variety of exhibits. For just $34, you get a full day’s worth of entertainment that’s engaging enough for children and adults alike. However, if you or someone in your group has epilepsy, it’s important to note that this attraction isn’t suitable.
Why This Experience Might Be Worth It

Many visitors have shared positive feedback about their experience here. Hannah’s review, for instance, highlighted the fun and family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for those traveling with kids or friends. The ease of entry—just showing a QR code—makes it straightforward to visit without fussing over tickets or complicated procedures.
The interactive nature of the exhibits makes it an especially memorable outing. You’re not just walking through a static display; you’re actively participating in the illusions, which makes the experience more engaging. The photo opportunities are plentiful, and many visitors enjoy capturing their surprised faces or silly poses in front of mind-bending backgrounds.
Some of the more noteworthy displays include illusion rooms where gravity seems to defy expectation, holograms that seem to float in midair, and kaleidoscopic walk-throughs that make you feel like you’re inside a giant optical illusion. The experience is designed to challenge perceptions and offer insights into how we interpret what we see—an entertaining way to learn a little about perception science without feeling like a lesson.
Practical Tips for Your Visit

- Plan for about an hour to explore all the exhibits at a relaxed pace.
- Bring your camera or phone — plenty of spots are perfect for snapping fun photos, but remember to turn off flash photography.
- Visit during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter experience, especially since groups are limited to 10.
- Wheelchair accessibility is available, making it suitable for most visitors.
- If you’re traveling with young children or sensitive individuals, double-check if illusions or certain exhibits might affect them—though generally, it’s suitable for most.
Is It Worth the Price?

At $34, this experience offers solid value for a full hour or more of entertainment. The exhibits are engaging enough to justify the ticket price, especially with the opportunity to learn about how illusions work and see spectacular visual tricks. Plus, the small group setting and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, making it more personal and educational.
It’s a good choice whether you’re looking for a light-hearted activity to break up a day of sightseeing or want to indulge your curiosity about perception and visual tricks. For families or groups of friends, it’s a fun, memorable outing that’s different from the usual museum visits.
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Final Thoughts

For anyone visiting Salt Lake City and seeking something a little different, the Museum of Illusions is well worth considering. It’s not just a collection of quirky displays but an engaging experience that invites you to think about how your brain interprets reality. With interactive exhibits, good value for money, and a friendly atmosphere, it appeals to a broad audience.
While it might not be suitable for those with certain health conditions like epilepsy, for others, it’s a fantastic way to have fun, take impressive photos, and learn a few things along the way. Whether you’re on a family trip, exploring with friends, or just looking for a quirky activity, this museum offers a playful escape into the world of perception.
Salt Lake City: Museum of Illusions Admission Ticket
FAQ
Is the Museum of Illusions suitable for children?
Yes, it’s generally fun for families and kids, especially since there are plenty of photo opportunities and interactive exhibits. However, be mindful that certain illusions might be overwhelming for very young children or those with specific sensitivities.
How do I get into the museum?
Entry is simple—just show your QR code at the entrance, and you’re in. The process is quick and hassle-free.
What is the price of admission?
The ticket costs $34 per person, which is reasonable considering the number of exhibits and the interactive experience offered.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Yes, flash photography is not allowed inside the museum. Plus, it isn’t suitable for people with epilepsy, so plan accordingly.
How long should I plan to spend there?
Most visitors spend around an hour exploring, but you can stay longer if you want to take more photos or really dive into each exhibit.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, making it available to most visitors.
If you’re craving a fun, eye-opening activity that’s different from traditional museums or outdoor sightseeing, the Salt Lake City Museum of Illusions is a solid choice. It’s a playful, engaging way to challenge your perceptions, capture some great photos, and enjoy a memorable outing in Utah’s capital.
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