A severed head or a sneaky child? See how the pros finesse their stunts.

Photograph: Courtesy of the New York Hall of Science

Do you believe in magic? The question is more than just an oldies-station refrain: Answering it separates the blissful innocents from the pragmatic skeptics. The New York Hall of Science’s latest exhibit, “Magic: The Science of Illusion,” manages to appeal to children in both camps, thwapping the credulous over the head with scientific explanations and instilling just a bit of awe in nonbelievers.

The exhibit invites visitors to peek into four booths featuring baffling ruses. Videos show Penn & Teller and other seasoned illusionists levitating a chair, rendering a seemingly empty box impossibly heavy, reading a volunteer’s mind and floating a human head off its body. Kids can then step “backstage” to investigate—and even climb inside—the illusions’ paraphernalia, where they’ll learn about the physics, psychology, engineering and performance art behind each trick.

But a visit here won’t turn your child into a total cynic. The showcase includes videos of additional pranks, none of which are explained by the methods illustrated in the booths. Your tyke won’t be able to figure out how the magic works—unless he’s got a few tricks of his own up his sleeve.

—Laura Palotie

“Magic: The Science of Illusion” is on view through Sept 14.