Oct 20, 2025 - Things to Do
First look: Museum of Illusions opens in New Orleans
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The Museum of Illusions is now open in the Jax Brewery building in the French Quarter.
The big picture: It's a ticketed attraction that combines social media with education, spokesperson Pien Koopman says.
- The illusions use mirrors, lights and other elements to trick your brain.
- In one space, the uneven room makes it seem like one person is tiny and the other is huge.
- Other spaces use mirrors to make it look like people are defying gravity and hanging upside down or climbing walls.
How it works: Each illusion has an explainer that tells participants what to do and how the trick works.
- Staffers called "illusion experts" also give tips and take photos if needed.
Zoom out: The museum is part of a chain that started in Croatia and has grown across the globe, Koopman says.
- It's in the same vein as JAM NOLA — fun photo-ops with a little learning tossed in.
If you go: Prices range from $24 to $32. Educators with IDs are free, and there are often discounts on the website, Koopman says.
- The museum is working to get validated parking discounts.
What's next: The museum celebrates its grand opening Thursday at 600 Decatur St.
