Museum of Curiosities

The Museum of Curiosities (more formally known as the Museum of Illusions) is tucked away in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire. It’s a quirky, multi-level spot right in the city centre that leans heavily into the “weird and wonderful.”

What to Expect

This isn’t your typical “don’t touch” museum. It’s packed with optical illusions, holograms, and interactive exhibits designed to mess with your brain.

• The Vortex Tunnel: A classic disorienting walk-through that makes you feel like the floor is spinning.
• The Ames Room: A forced-perspective room where you can look like a giant next to your friends.
• Mirror Mazes and Infinity Rooms: Plenty of light-based tricks that are perfect for a fun photo op.

Who is it for?

• Families: It’s a huge hit with school-aged children and teenagers because it’s very “hands-on” and looks great on social media.
• Toddlers: Little ones will enjoy the lights and mirrors, but they might find the darker or more disorienting rooms a bit spooking, so they’ll need close supervision.
• Adults: It’s an easy, lighthearted stop for a date or a laugh with friends, though if you aren’t into taking photos, the “wow” factor might wear off quickly.

Planning Your Visit

• Duration: Most people spend about 1 to 1.5 hours here. It’s a great “add-on” to a day out rather than a full-day destination.
• Supervision: You can’t really leave kids to their own devices; the layout is a bit of a maze, and some of the illusions require two people to work properly.
• Value: It’s worth checking for Blue Light Card discounts or student rates. While an annual membership might be overkill (since you’ve seen the tricks once you’ve done the circuit), look out for family bundle tickets to save a bit of cash.
• Food and Parking: Being in the city centre, there is no dedicated free parking, so you’ll be using nearby multi-storeys which can get pricey. The museum doesn’t have its own cafe, but you are seconds away from the Lace Market and Victoria Centre, which are bursting with restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

Nearby Highlights

Since it’s a relatively short visit, you can easily pair it with a trip to the City of Caves or Nottingham Castle, both of which are within walking distance and keep the “history and mystery” theme going.