Middle East’s first Museum of Illusions opens in Muscat

In conjunction with the sultanate’s celebrations of the 47th National Day, ‘Museum of Illusions’ has officially opened its doors at Muscat Grand Mall (MGM).

The museum, brought to Oman by Global Development and Investment, is the first of its kind in the region and includes the largest single collection of optical illusions in the Middle East.

With over 70 exhibits, the museum offers intriguing visual and sensory experiences, together with a truly interactive educational range of games, puzzles, and activities, suitable for people of all ages. The Museum of Illusions, which is managed by a young Omani entrepreneur, is located in the newly launched expanded section of the mall.

Almuathar AlWahaibi, director of the museum, said, “The way our brains work is extremely complex; we don’t just perceive reality just as we see or feel it. What our brain does is gather information from each of our senses, combining and enhancing some details while ignoring others, all that while filling in any gaps using its pre-existing knowledge of the world.

“With each of our exhibits, we intentionally alter this information, and in doing so, we can alter your perception of reality in surprising, intriguing, and funny ways. This museum is something you truly need to experience firsthand.”

The Museum of Illusions has the largest collection of holograms, stereograms, and optical illusions in the entire Middle East. Each of these exhibits has been designed to not only thrill and beguile visitors, but to provide a unique opportunity from which to learn just how easily a person’s mind can be tricked.

AlWahaibi added, “The most common type of illusions are optical. However, there are also auditory and tactile illusions. With our museum, we aim to utilise all three senses to turn the complexities of the brain and nervous system into a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages to enjoy.”

The museum is open from 10am to 10pm Entry fee to the museum is RO4.9 for adults, RO3.5 for children and RO13 for families of four.