Introduction
Our review of the Museum of Illusions at Mall of America offers a look at a playful, mind-bending experience that’s perfect for a wide range of visitors. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on a date, this attraction promises hours of fun exploring optical illusions that challenge what your eyes and brain perceive.
What we love most about this museum is its interactive exhibits, the friendly and knowledgeable guides who make the experience accessible, and the variety of illusions that appeal to all ages. One possible consideration is that it’s a shorter experience—you’ll want to plan enough time to really enjoy all the exhibits without feeling rushed. This tour suits those looking for a lighthearted, educational break from shopping or a unique activity in Minnesota.
You can check if your dates are available here:Good To Know
- Interactive, hands-on exhibits make the illusions fun and engaging for all ages.
- Knowledgeable staff enhance the experience with friendly guidance.
- Location inside Mall of America offers convenience and easy parking.
- The price point of $30 is reasonable considering the number of exhibits and the educational value.
- It’s wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive.
- Best suited for families, groups of friends, and couples looking for a quirky, visually stimulating activity.
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A Closer Look at the Museum Experience
Convenient Location inside Mall of America
The Museum of Illusions is situated on the second level of the Mall of America, near the North entrance—an ideal spot for those already planning to visit the mall’s many attractions. The presence of free parking at the North Entrance (at 2100 Lindau Ln) makes access straightforward, especially for travelers arriving by car. Upon entering through the main doors, you’ll find the museum just a short escalator or elevator ride away, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling with children or carrying shopping bags.
Building a Fun, Educational Atmosphere
What makes this experience stand out is its focus on visual and sensory illusions designed to entertain and educate simultaneously. With over 50 exhibits, you can expect a diverse range of illusions, from rooms where gravity seems defied, to holograms that appear almost real. The exhibits are hands-on, encouraging you to experiment with perception and perception tricks, which can be particularly delightful if you’re visiting with curious children or friends.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyThe Interactive Exhibits
Expect to walk into illusion rooms, walk through a life-sized kaleidoscope, and try to grow or shrink your body parts using optical illusions. Many visitors mention how engaging and fun the exhibits are, with one reviewer praising a guide named Margo for her friendly and engaging help—she even took photos for visitors, making the experience more memorable. The exhibits are designed to deceive your senses in ways that genuinely surprise and amuse, making it a fantastic photo opportunity too.
Quality of Guides and Staff
From reviews, it’s clear that staff members are well-trained and friendly, which enhances the overall experience. Margo’s attention to detail and willingness to assist her group made the visit especially enjoyable, adding a personal touch that many visitors appreciate. Expect staff to be available to explain the science behind illusions, boosting the educational aspect without making it feel like a lecture.
Duration and Value
The ticket is valid for one day, but most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits. Considering the ticket price of $30 per person, this offers a great value for a fun, interactive experience. It’s a compact activity, but one that can be easily combined with other mall attractions or a day of shopping. The non-refundable policy means you should plan your visit during open hours, which typically include morning, afternoon, and evening slots.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Entry and Accessibility
Your journey begins at the second floor of the Mall of America, near the North entrance. The museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a bright, inviting space filled with illusions that immediately set the tone for a fun adventure.
Exploring the Exhibits
The experience is highly interactive, with over 50 exhibits designed to trick your senses. Visitors report that the illusions are effective, often prompting laughter and surprise. For example, some exhibits will make you appear to grow or shrink, while others challenge your sense of gravity. Don’t forget your camera—many exhibits are “photo-worthy,” with guides often happy to assist in capturing the fun.
Guided Insights
Though self-guided, the presence of knowledgeable staff members enhances understanding. As one reviewer stated, the guides are very engaging and helpful, explaining the science behind illusions in a manner that’s accessible and entertaining. This educational element adds depth to the visit, making it not just amusing but also enlightening.
Group and Family Friendly
The museum is perfect for families with children, who love the visual tricks and interactive nature. It’s also a great spot for group outings or couples looking for a unique date night activity. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing everyone to move comfortably and explore at their own pace.
Practical Tips
- Arrive early or during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
- Allocate at least 1 to 2 hours for a thorough exploration.
- Take advantage of guides for photo opportunities and explanations.
- Wear comfortable shoes—there’s a fair amount of walking and standing.
- Remember, the experience is non-refundable, so plan your timing accordingly.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth Visiting?
This museum offers a refreshing change of pace from typical mall attractions, with interactive illusions that delight and educate. The $30 ticket provides access to a vast collection of exhibits that cater to all ages, making it a good value for a memorable activity during your trip to Minnesota.
The knowledgeable guides, notably Margo, help make the experience engaging, friendly, and accessible. The museum’s location inside Mall of America makes it easy to incorporate into your broader itinerary, whether you’re in town for a weekend or just passing through.
While it’s a shorter experience, the quality and variety of illusions ensure that your visit will be both fun and enlightening. Whether you’re a family seeking entertainment, friends craving a quirky outing, or a couple looking for fun photos, this attraction can deliver a genuinely memorable experience.
Who Should Consider Visiting?
This experience is ideal for those interested in science and perception, looking for a lighthearted activity that’s both fun and educational. It’s perfect for families with kids, groups of friends, or couples searching for an unusual date spot. If you love photo opportunities and interactive exhibits, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Travelers who appreciate value for money and convenient location will see this as a worthwhile addition to their time at Mall of America. Just keep in mind the short duration—it’s best enjoyed with other activities or as a stand-alone highlight if you enjoy immersive, sensory fun.
FAQ
Is the Museum of Illusions wheelchair accessible? Yes, the entire museum is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for all visitors.
How much is the entry ticket? The ticket costs $30 per person.
How long does the visit typically last? Most visitors spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring the exhibits.
Where is the museum located inside Mall of America? It’s on the second floor, near the North entrance of the mall.
Is parking free? Yes, free parking is available at the North Entrance of the Mall.
Can I visit the museum at any time during the day? The experience is generally available during morning, afternoon, and evening slots, but it’s best to check specific hours beforehand.
Are guided tours available? The experience is mainly self-guided, but staff members are available to assist and explain the illusions.
Can I take photos inside the museum? Absolutely—guides are happy to help with photos, and many exhibits are photo-worthy.
Is the ticket refundable? No, the ticket is non-refundable.
Who is this experience best suited for? It’s perfect for families, friends, couples, and anyone interested in visual illusions or a fun, interactive activity.
In summary, the Museum of Illusions at Mall of America offers a smart, fun way to challenge your perceptions and capture some memorable moments. With engaging exhibits, friendly guides, and a prime location, it’s a worthwhile stop for anyone visiting Bloomington who wants a playful, educational escape from routine shopping and sightseeing.
You can check if your dates are available here: