Museum of Illusions (Musée d’Illusion)

The Museum of Illusions (Musée d’Illusion) in Lille is an interactive attraction focused on perception, optics and visual trickery.

The Museum of Illusions concept began in the early 21st century and has since expanded to many major cities. Each location follows a similar format, adapting exhibits to local buildings and audiences.

While it is not a museum in the conventional sense, it plays a role in public engagement with science. The displays draw on long-standing ideas from optics, mathematics and human perception. Illusions like forced perspective and mirror distortion have roots in Renaissance art and scientific experimentation. The museum places these ideas in a contemporary setting, using interactive installations rather than static displays.

What to see at the Museum of Illusions

The museum is organised as a sequence of small rooms, each focused on a specific type of illusion. Many exhibits encourage direct participation. Photography is encouraged, and many visitors view the museum as a source of content for their Instagram feed.

A key feature is the Ames Room, where people appear to change size depending on where they stand. This relies on distorted geometry rather than digital effects. Another popular installation uses tilted floors and angled walls to create the impression of defying gravity. These spaces demonstrate how easily the brain can be misled.

Mirror-based exhibits are common throughout the museum. These include infinity rooms, rotated reflections and fragmented images. Some displays focus on symmetry and repetition, creating patterns that shift as visitors move. Others rely on lighting to alter colour perception.

There are also static illusion panels using printed graphics. These play with depth, motion and contrast. Some images appear to move, while others reveal hidden shapes after prolonged viewing. Short explanations usually accompany each exhibit, outlining the basic principle involved.

Several installations are designed for group interaction. These include illusion tables and perspective-based photo spots. Children often find these areas especially engaging, though adults usually take part as well. The overall layout is compact, but varied enough to hold attention for a short visit.

The museum is also designed with photography in mind. Many installations rely on forced perspective, mirrors and visual distortion that translate well into images. These setups allow visitors to create unusual photographs that appear more striking on screen than in person. As a result, the museum is often used as a backdrop for social media posts, particularly on platforms like Instagram.

Visitors should be aware that the Lille museum closely follows the standard format used across the Museum of Illusions chain. There are no exhibits unique to this location. Those who have visited other branches may find little that is new. It can still work well for families with children, or as a filler activity after Lille’s main museums and sights have been explored.

Visiting the Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions in Lille is across the road from the massive Euralille shopping centre, and just a short walk from Lille Flandres railway station.

The museum is open throughout the year and it stays open later than most other museums. If you’re trying to pack as much into the day as possible, you may want to save this museum for the evening after other museums have closed for the day.

The museum is wheelchair accessible, though some illusion rooms involve low lighting. There are limited on-site facilities, although there are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby.

Allow around 60 to 90 minutes for your visit.

101, avenue Le Corbusier, 59800 Lille
Metro Lille Europe (line 2), Lille Flandres (lines 1 and 2)
Tel 03 28 82 04 63
Website museedelillusion.fr
Admission €19
Open Mon–Wed 10am–8pm, Thu–Sat 10am–10pm, Sun 10am–8pm