It’s been a year since the Museum of Illusions opened its doors in the City of Brotherly Love, and to celebrate, the venue will be hosting a week of special activations and deals from March 13 to 17. “We had a terrific turnout during our first year in Philadelphia. We are so very grateful for the thousands of visitors who have come to experience our illusions first-hand, and we look forward to providing an engaging, educational, and above all, fun experience for many, many more in the coming years,” explained Rob Cooper, Philadelphia native and founder of LOL Entertainment, the parent company of the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia in a statement. Beginning on Monday, March 13, Philadelphians can find a magician on site from 6 to 8 p.m. The next day (14), tickets will be 20% off, and the following day (15), visitors will be able to bring home goodie bags. Thursday, March 16 will hold a discount on the venue’s Smart Shop of up to 20% and finally, on Friday, Philadelphians can receive a free bendy pencil with entry. While there, staple exhibits to see at the Philly location include The Beuchet Chair Illusion, which if you peruse through Instagram, this is the snapshot you’ll most likely see associated with the brand.
What this specific moment explores is the laws of depth perception and size as you take turns posing with this super-popular optical illusion. The Vortex Tunnel is another fan-favorite that calls the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia home. Similar to some of the nostalgic carnival mind tricks, this tunnel is meant to confuse your brain and vestibular system as you walk on completely flat ground but feel like you’re doing the exact opposite—and yes, it’s meant to be that trippy. Another is the Head on the Platter illusion, which visually makes whoever is in it look body-less or like a floating head. Another exhibit, modeled after Philly’s own Elfreth’s Alley uses a gigantic mirror installation to make visitors look as though they are hanging off the side of the building in a photo. Speaking on the idea of keeping it local, there is also an upside-down Philly diner-themed room with more photo ops, and Benjamin Franklin himself is on display towards the entrance of the museum. Franklin serves as an illusion, but perhaps what is most enthralling about having The Newton of Electricity on display happens at night—Franklin’s eyes glow and with optical tricks, his eyes follow as you pass by. So, that will be hard to miss.