By late summer in Houston, nearly everyone is hunkered inside, having changed social media status to some level of "in a relationship with air conditioning," and counting the days till fall.
But now, a new museum should give people an indoor venue to explore during the dog-gest of dog days of summer.
The Museum of Illusions Houston is set to launch in the Bayou City later this season, taking up shop inside the Westin Galleria (5060 West Alabama St.). Brought to life by a team of entrepreneurs and innovators shaking up the edutainment sector, the Museum of Illusions offers a fully immersive experience across its 6,000 square feet, with an array of rooms designed to dazzle.
Three distinct experiences anchor the concept: illusion rooms, installations, and images. The multi-faceted “Grand Illusions” is the primary attraction, including the Reversed Room, offering visitors a 180-degree change of perspective; the Tilted Room, where the surface is not as flat as it seems; and the Vortex Tunnel, where balance is challenged with a rotating cylinder of vibrant lights.
Visitors can also expect mind-bending installations to shock the senses and puzzle perceptions. Think hanging out with clones, growing or shrinking in the Beuchet Chair; or being served dinner with Head on a Platter.
As guests wander throughout the hallways and corridors, they're met with spellbinding images, 3-D holograms, and optical illusions. In all, there are more than 60 interactive exhibits for guests to explore.
Houston's new space is the latest outpost for the Museum of Illusion, which has 40 locations in 25 cities around the globe, including Austin and Dallas.
“We are fortunate to have welcomed thousands of visitors in our Dallas and Austin locations – and firmly believe that Houstonians, and anyone visiting the City of Houston will be mesmerized by our one-of-a-kind exhibits,” noted Subhi Gharbieh, managing partner of production company Beyond Entertainment a press release announcing the launch.
While no opening date has been set and tickets are not yet on sale, those interested in planning a visit are encouraged to keep abreast of developments on the company's website. Tickets will be on sale soon and should go quickly — and that's no illusion.
Photo by Ismael Quintanilla
Get to know yourself with in the Clone Room.
