An attraction that gets everyone involved

Some family attractions are better suited to certain ages than others. At the Museum of Illusions London, the fun comes from trying things together: stepping into an illusion, working out where to stand and seeing what the camera captures. We visited as a family, and all really enjoyed it. It was the sort of place where the adults could join in as much as the children, rather than waiting on the sidelines.

The museum is on Tottenham Court Road, right in the middle of London. Inside, there are more than 70 interactive exhibits, including rooms and installations that play with perspective, reflections and the way our eyes interpret what we see. It is a lovely option for a family day out, particularly if you want something indoors that feels very different from another gallery or sightseeing stop.

Step into the picture

There are lots of opportunities to become part of the illusion. In the Ames Room, the way the space is built can make one person appear much taller or smaller than someone standing nearby. The Infinity Room uses mirrors to create a sense of endless reflections, while the Cloning Table and Beuchet Chair make for some especially funny photos. At the Head on a Platter installation, the camera angle completes the trick.

What makes it work so well as a family visit is that you are encouraged to join in. You can try a pose, swap places, take the photo and then look at the result together. It quickly becomes a shared challenge: can we make this illusion look convincing, and what will happen if we stand somewhere else? Even a simple picture can lead to a lot of laughter when reality looks completely different on the screen.

There is a curious side to it too. The exhibits are playful, but they also get you thinking about how the brain interprets what the eyes see. Why does a pattern seem to move when it is still? How can a room make someone look as if they are growing or shrinking? It gives children a chance to ask questions and experiment, while adults can enjoy being fooled as well.

How long should you allow?

The museum is compact enough to fit into a central London day, but there is plenty to try. Allow around one to two hours, depending on how long you spend taking photos and experimenting with the exhibits. Its Tottenham Court Road location makes it easy to combine with a trip to the West End, Oxford Street or the British Museum. Tottenham Court Road station is close by, which is handy if you are getting around London by Tube.

I would book tickets for a timed entry in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays, as entry at the door depends on availability. Children aged four and under can visit free but still need a ticket to reserve their time slot. All children need to be accompanied by an adult. It was very busy when we visited (half term), so we missed out a couple of things due to large queues, unfortunately.

Museum of Illusions London prices and practical details

At the time of writing, Visit London and the website list tickets from £29 for adults, £24 for children, and £26 for concessions and seniors. Family tickets are listed from £96.30, while infants are free. Prices may vary by date and ticket type, so check the booking page before you go and make sure the family option suits your group.

The address is 15–17 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 1BJ. Current listed opening hours are 10am to 7pm Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 8pm Friday and Saturday. Food and drink are not allowed inside, so plan a café stop before or afterwards. Tickets are non-refundable, so double-check your chosen date and time when booking. We visited a lovely cafe across the road afterwards but there is also a M&S Food next door to the museum.

A quick note for planning: some exhibits can feel disorientating, and the museum says certain experiences may not suit people with vertigo, motion sickness or sensory sensitivities. There is a lift, although some exhibits with narrow paths or raised platforms may not be fully accessible. It is worth checking the museum’s accessibility information if anyone in your family might need adjustments.

A London visit with a difference

We all came away having had a really enjoyable time. The best thing about the Museum of Illusions is that it gives everyone a reason to take part, whether they are trying to solve the trick, getting into position for a photo or simply reacting to what they see. It is playful, surprising and a little bit silly in the best way.

If your family enjoys interactive experiences and taking photos together, this is a fun addition to a London day out. It is not a traditional museum visit, and that is exactly what makes it memorable.