Illusion Museum Dublin
Hands-on museum of more than 50 optical illusions and trick-photo rooms in a historic building on College Green.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Illusion Museum Dublin is a privately run attraction on College Green, opposite Trinity College in the historic centre of the city. It is operated by a company called Nicknaxx Ltd and is housed in a protected building whose entrance steps cannot be altered.
The museum is built around more than fifty hands-on illusions. Visitors walk through rooms where walls seem to shift and floors seem to tilt, explore installations that appear to defy the laws of nature, and try out trompe-l’oeil displays designed for photographs, such as floating in mid-air or standing on the ceiling. Some of the installations were built specially for this building.
Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and just under two hours inside. Photography and video are encouraged, and the museum is aimed at all ages, with free entry for children aged six and under. Online booking is recommended, especially at weekends and on bank holidays.
Highlights
- More than 50 hands-on optical illusions
- Rooms built for photos, such as floating or standing on the ceiling
- A few installations made specially for this building
- Free entry for children aged 6 and under
- On College Green, one minute from Trinity College
Permanent exhibition
- Illusion Museum Dublin – More than fifty interactive illusions, including tilting rooms and photo installations, some made specially for the building.
- Operated by
- Nicknaxx Ltd
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €18 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €15Students, teachers, seniors (65+) and people with a disability, with valid ID |
| Children & teens | €12free up to age 6 · Ages 7 to 17. |
| Seniors | €15Aged 65 and over. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €15 |
| Students & apprentices | €15Valid ID required. |
One child aged 6 or under goes in free with each paying adult or reduced ticket; additional young children pay the child rate. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed in case of absence or cancellation.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Wheelchair access is limited because the building is a protected structure with three steps at the entrance that cannot be changed. Inside, the circulation areas are spacious. Visitors who wish to come should contact the museum in advance so that staff can prepare.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 45 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
- Hands-on stations
The museum is aimed at all ages. Children aged 6 and under enter free, and children aged 7 to 17 pay a reduced price.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Trinity (Luas) · 1-min walk
Dublin Bus and Luas stops are right outside, on College Green. The Luas stop is Trinity.
By car
Several public car parks are nearby, including the Drury Street and St Stephen’s Green car parks, both a short walk away.
The museum is on College Green, near Trinity College and Grafton Street.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | no |
|---|---|
| Photography | Photos and videos are welcome and encouraged. |
| Good to know | Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1 hour 45 minutes. Online booking is strongly recommended, because weekends and bank holidays fill up quickly. |
