Weekend Argus Entertainment

Cape Town's Museum of Illusions: a new sensory playground opens on Kloof Street

Staff Reporter|Published

Reality is about to get twisted with over 60 jaw-dropping illusions and mind-bending experiences landing in the Mother City.

Image: Supplied

The Mother City is poised to enhance its already vibrant cultural landscape with the much-anticipated opening of the Museum of Illusions on Kloof Street.

Officially launching on Saturday, 31 May 2025, this captivating attraction marks Cape Town's debut in the globally celebrated museum network, positioning it as the second Museum of Illusions in South Africa, third on the African continent, and the 61st worldwide.

As part of a prestigious line-up that includes cities like Barcelona, Paris, Shanghai, New York, and Dubai, Cape Town’s Museum of Illusions promises to be a sensory playground underpinned by creativity and curiosity. Following the staggering success of its Johannesburg counterpart, which has been breaking global attendance records since opening last July, the anticipation is building for what will soon be a landmark experience for both locals and tourists alike.

Founded in Zagreb, Croatia, in 2015, the Museum of Illusions has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting over 12 million guests across its various locations. Each iteration of the museum is uniquely designed to incorporate specific local elements while providing a dizzying array of interactive exhibits. This ingenious blend of science and magic captures the imagination and provides awe-inspiring, hands-on experiences that appeal to visitors of all ages.

Mark Collie, owner of the Museum of Illusions South Africa, expressed his excitement about the Cape Town establishment.

“Cape Town’s creativity and curiosity make it the perfect home for our next sensory playground. After the overwhelming response in Johannesburg, we’re incredibly excited to bring the experience to the Mother City. This isn’t just a museum; it’s a space where science, art, and wonder collide to challenge how we perceive the world and ourselves.”

Situated in the heart of Cape Town's bustling city, the museum will offer an extraordinary journey through the world of optical illusions and immersive installations designed to challenge perceptions and ignite curiosity. Visitors will be encouraged to discard traditional notions of museum etiquette in favour of exploration and engagement. From defying gravity in the Tilted Room to losing one’s head in the Clone Table or multiplying oneself in the mesmerizing Infinity Room, the Museum of Illusions is set to leave minds truly blown.

With such a fascinating array of experiences awaiting, the Museum of Illusions is sure to become a must-visit destination, adding another layer to Cape Town’s rich tapestry of cultural experiences. Art aficionados, science buffs, and curious minds are in for an unforgettable treat as they prepare to step into a world where illusions create reality in the most extraordinary ways.