Museum of Illusions - Manchester
BEST FOR
Ages 0-18
ENTRY
from £21.50
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
Manchester
What it’s like
A trick-your-eyes museum of 65+ hands-on illusions, from a vortex tunnel to hanging off a Metrolink tram.
This isn't a look-but-don't-touch museum. There are over 65 exhibits and the whole point is to get stuck in, twist your body into odd angles for the vortex tunnel, and pose for photos that make no sense afterwards. There's a Manchester-themed bit where you can hang off a Metrolink tram without going anywhere, plus a puzzles and games area for when the illusions have properly scrambled everyone's brain.
It suits a decent age range, four and under get in free but still need a ticket for the time slot, and older kids will probably get more out of the trickier illusions than the toddlers will. Most people are done in one to two hours, which feels about right before the novelty of "why does that look wrong" wears off.
At £21.50 a head for anyone five and up, this adds up fast for a family, and it stings a bit when you realise cards are the only way to pay. No food or drink inside either, so this is a stop on the day rather than the whole day. One genuine faff: prams aren't allowed in at all, down to the building layout and evacuation rules, so if you've got a baby in tow you'll need a different plan for getting round.
Booking online is the sensible move since walk-ups only work if they're not at capacity. Birthday parties run here too, though guests need to be at least 8, and they want 2 to 4 weeks notice for a slot.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- School-age kids and teens; under-5s go free but get less from it
- Booking
- Book online in advance recommended
- How long to allow
- 1-2 hours
- Pushchairs
- Prams not permitted inside due to building layout and evacuation procedures
- Wheelchairs
- Wheelchair tickets include complimentary companion ticket
- Dogs
- Allowed on select Sundays in autumn
- Worth knowing
- Children ages 4 and under get free entry (need ticket for time slot)
- No pushchairs allowed inside, it's a building rule not a suggestion
- Card only, so don't bank on having cash as a backup
- Dogs are welcome on select Sundays in autumn and at special dog-friendly sessions
- Lockers are on site if you want to dump bags before the vortex tunnel
- Birthday guests must be 8 or older, so it's not one for a younger child's party
Plan your visit
How much are tickets?
£21.50 for anyone aged 5 and over, so a child and adult together comes to £38.50 for reference. Under-5s get in free but still need a ticket booked for the time slot.
Do we need to book in advance?
Booking online is recommended and is the only way to guarantee a slot. Walk-ups are allowed at the door if they're not at capacity.
Can we pay with cash?
No, it's card only, no cash accepted anywhere in the museum.
How long does a visit take?
Most people spend 1 to 2 hours going round the exhibits.
Can we bring the pram in?
Prams aren't permitted inside, it's down to the building layout and evacuation procedures. Worth sorting an alternative if you've got a baby with you.
Is it OK for a toddler?
Under-5s go free but the illusions are really aimed at kids old enough to appreciate the trickery, so it suits older children more than babies or toddlers.
Can kids go round without an adult?
Every child ticket holder has to be accompanied by an adult ticketholder throughout the visit.
Is there food inside?
Food or drinks are allowed in the museum, so eat before or after your visit.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
Wheelchair users get a complimentary companion ticket, though some areas may not be fully accessible because of building limitations.
What if we need a carer ticket?
Carer tickets are free but can't be booked in advance, you show relevant documentation like a Blue Badge or carers card on the day. Book the rest of your party online and the carer will always be accommodated.
Can we get a refund if plans change?
All tickets are final sale and non-refundable, so it's worth being sure of your date before booking.
Do you do birthday parties?
With Core, Plus and Premium packages per child. Guests need to be at least 8 years old, and they recommend booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead.
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