Instagram moments never-before-seen-in-Boston arrive in the city this season—just in time for winter break with the kids. The Museum of Illusions Boston opens Saturday, Nov. 23, near Faneuil Hall. Elsewhere, the Museum of Ice Cream is getting ready for a December 14 debut in the Boston Seaport. Tickets are now on sale for both sensory-driven experiences.
Here's what you need to know about the Museum of Illusions:
What is it?
Created in Croatia in 2015, the Museum of Illusions has become a phenomenon with more than 50 locations globally. Boston is its first in New England, though locals may be familiar with New York’s Museum of Illusions, which has been around since 2018. Or maybe, at least, photos of your friends seemingly climbing on ceilings and up walls of a high-contrast room in one of the New York’s sites exhibits.
At each Museum of Illusions, installations like perspective-changing rooms and image galleries play with light, physics and how we interpret what we see. Think of it as a science-meets-art experience, the creators say, and a leisurely thing to do for families, school groups, date nights and any other curious minds bopping around Boston.
What to expect from Museum of Illusions Boston
About 10,000 square feet, Boston is one of the largest Museum of Illusions anywhere. Some of the exhibits nod to the city’s history and culture, such as a basketball-themed Reversed Room and a Building Illusion modeled after a local cast iron-facaded landmark.
Where is Museum of Illusions Boston?
You’ll find Museum of Illusions Boston at 200 State St. on the second level, above LOFT at Marketplace Center (the mall around Faneuil Hall).
When is it open?
Beginning Saturday, Nov. 23, at 9am, Museum of Illusions Boston is open daily from 10am–8pm (9pm Saturdays and Sundays). It will be open on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve from 10am–4pm and on Christmas Day from 11am–4pm.
How much does it cost?
Tickets for Museum of Illusions Boston are $38, $33 for children 5–12 and free for children 4 and under.
Teachers can go for free any and every Tuesday by showing their school ID. Discounted tickets are also available for seniors, students and military members with ID.
Whether this family-friendly tourist attraction ends up on our list of best or quirkiest museums (or isn’t really a museum at all) remains to be seen, but the experiences sound unique and fun. Hello, lobster ice cream! We’re excited to check it out when it opens in December—and see what it brings to this ice cream-loving city.