If you’re a regular TikTok user, you’ve probably stumbled across the global sensation that is the Museum of Illusions before. Popular in New York, Chicago and Las Vegas (to name a few global cities), the unique museum is pretty much exactly what you’d expect it to be – a museum full of illusions – with tons of immersive rooms that boggle the minds of thousands every single month. And now, it seems Manchester could be the first in the UK to experience the Museum of Illusions for themselves.
Plans have reportedly been lodged to repurpose the former Sports Direct store on Market Street by the museum brand, in a prime location next to Tesco. The unit was vacated just last year, when Sports Direct moved the store into the Arndale Centre.
According to a statement lodged by the architect’s working with the Museum of Illusion, the 10,700 sq ft space would be filled with “fascinating holograms, mind-bending illusion rooms, and astonishing exhibits intended to trick the mind and puzzle perceptions” – similarly to the other Museum of Illusions sites across the globe.
Visitors are also able to learn about vision, perception, and the human brain through participating in the exhibits, which, at other locations, include Kaleidoscopic illusions, vortex tunnels, mirror rooms and upside-down photo opportunities.
It’s unclear when (or if) the new experience will arrive in Manchester, however, according to their website, they do have plans to not only open in Manchester, but in Birmingham, London and Dublin, too.
Whichever city comes first, Manchester or a different location, will mark the Museum of Illusions’ first foray on British soil. Stay tuned here for updates.