Inside the Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh, visitors encounter a disassembled chair. When one person sits in the oversized chair seat they look unusually tiny compared to the other person who’s standing next to the four normal-sized chair legs. This Beuchet Chair illusion unfailingly elicits gasps of surprise and laughter from people of all ages and it’s just one of 60 exhibits at the 8,000-square-foot museum that’s located on the North Shore.
Since opening in December 2023, MOI Pittsburgh has delighted visitors with its holograms, stereograms, optical illusions and immersive rooms that are designed to tease the senses and trick the mind.
MOI Pittsburgh’s vice president of sales and marketing, Stacy Stec, said that kids especially seem to enjoy the “edutainment” that the museum offers.
“Kids are amazed, curious, and excited when they visit,” Stec said. “We constantly hear exclamations of “How is that possible?!” as they interact with the exhibits. Some try to solve the illusions logically, while others just embrace the magic of the experience.”
To solve the illusions successfully, kids must consider scientific concepts that they’re learning about in school including light, vision, perspective and the brain’s role in interpreting reality. And to recognize the incredible role that teachers play in imparting this knowledge, the museum offers free admission to teachers year-round.
“By offering free admission, we want to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication while also giving them the opportunity to explore the museum as a potential field trip destination,” said Stec. “Our exhibits align with STEM learning, critical thinking, and visual perception, making it a valuable experience for educators looking to bring lessons to life in a fun and interactive way.”
Kid-favorite exhibits include:
- Ames Room – Grow and shrink right before your eyes
- Vortex Tunnel – Walk through a spinning tunnel that tricks your sense of balance
- Beuchet Chair Illusion – Make someone appear tiny while another person seems much larger
- Symmetry Room – Make a symmetrical version of yourself with this fun play on symmetry
Field trips typically last 60-90 minutes and include a self-guided tour of the exhibits where groups are encouraged to explore at their own pace. Schools get discounted rates, and teachers receive access to special resources ahead of time that include lesson plans, introductory videos and more. Each illusion is accompanied by a sign on the wall that instructs visitors on how to interact with the exhibit and provides the scientific explanation behind it. Some also offer photo and video suggestions which are perfect for sharing with parents or on your school’s social media account.
For free admission, show your teacher ID and give your school email address at the ticket desk. Additional tickets can be purchased at moipittsburgh.com. To book a field trip, fill out the “Field Trip” form on the museum’s website or email info@moipittsburgh.com.
