The Museum of Illusions may not be the largest in Vienna’s varied museum landscape, but there is something to discover in every corner. It is housed in the baroque Palais Esterhazy in the heart of Vienna’s city center. Vaulted high ceilings and classic casement windows define the historic building where the composer Joseph Haydn once worked.

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Visual magic games for young and old

The Museum of Illusions is an immersive world where nothing is as it seems. The museum is particularly appealing to children: everything is designed to be touched, interaction is the name of the game. Here you can defy gravity in a slanted room, watch other visitors grow or shrink, feel the ground disappear beneath your feet in the Vortex Tunnel (a rotating cylinder), walk on walls, have your head served on a platter, or take a photo in an infinite room. A special Walk-In Kaleidoscope creates spectacular photo effects. But be careful: some rooms may leave you feeling dizzy, as your brain needs a moment to catch up with these illusions.

Some stations are dedicated to Vienna themes. For example, a Following Eyes Illusion featuring none other than Empress Elisabeth. An installation about the Majolikahaus, an iconic building by Otto Wagner on Linke Wienzeile, creates the effect of climbing up the facade.

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Photographs encouraged

Many of the installations look really spectacular in photos, such as the upside-down room or the illusion with the chair. Here’s a tip from us: Visit with someone else or as part of a group – so that you can photograph each other. Symbols on the floor mark the ideal position for the best photo shots.

There are also challenging puzzles and riddles that need to be solved. Just in case you run out of patience during your visit, they can be purchased in the small but charming museum store – these puzzles also make an original gift idea.

The Museum of Illusions is suitable for the whole family, for the curious, playful and for insta-fans. You should allow about an hour for a visit. A trip to the museum can easily be combined with a stroll through the city center, for example with a shopping session and a visit to a Viennese coffee house. If you are visiting the city with children, there is plenty more for families to do too.