Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions in Zagreb opened in 2015 and is generally described as the first museum of its kind in the world. Its idea has since spread to many cities, but Zagreb is where the concept began, in a small set of rooms in the city centre not far from Ban Jelačić Square. It is a modern, interactive attraction, quite unlike the city's traditional museums, and it is aimed at families, groups of friends and anyone who enjoys a playful visit.

The museum is built around a simple principle: what we see is not always what is there. Over 80 exhibits show how the eye and the brain can be misled, using optical illusions, holograms, stereograms, mirrors, tilted rooms and puzzles. Some of the most popular installations are the Ames room, where two people standing in opposite corners seem to be wildly different in size, the vortex tunnel, which makes your balance feel shaky even though the floor is steady, and the head on a platter, which is designed for photographs. Other rooms trick your sense of gravity, direction or distance, and you are invited to step into each one and take pictures.

The museum is hands-on rather than a place for quiet reading. Short explanations beside each exhibit describe the science behind it, covering topics such as perspective, colour, depth cues and the way the brain fills in missing information. Children tend to enjoy it, but adults often stay longer than they expect, and the shared laughter as people test the illusions on each other is part of the appeal. It is a good rainy-day choice, and also a good break from heavier sightseeing.

A visit takes roughly an hour to ninety minutes, depending on how long you spend on each room and how many photographs you want. The best way to enjoy the exhibits is to go with friends or family, because many illusions need a second person to work properly, and to bring a charged phone or camera. Queues can build up in the peak season and at weekends, so booking tickets in advance is a sensible idea.

The museum is a short walk from many of Zagreb's best-known places, including the Dolac Market, Ban Jelačić Square and the Croatian National Theatre. It suits children, teenagers, families and curious travellers who prefer something interactive, and it makes a lighthearted counterpart to a morning at the Archaeological Museum or the Ethnographic Museum.