The “Illuseum Berlin” is a fun, interactive museum dedicated to optical illusions, holograms, and sensory tricks. Located in the heart of Berlin near Alexanderplatz, it offers a playful break from traditional sightseeing, challenging your senses and perception of reality with hands-on exhibits.
What to expect at Illuseum
Illuseum Berlin is not a traditional “look-but-don’t-touch” museum. It is an immersive playground designed to trick your brain.
- Interactive Exhibits: You are encouraged to touch, play, and interact with the displays. The museum explains the science behind why our eyes and brains can be fooled.
- The Ames Room: A famous optical illusion where you can appear as a giant in one corner and a dwarf in the other. It is a classic photo opportunity.
- The Vortex Tunnel: A rotating cylinder that you walk through. It tricks your brain into thinking the ground is spinning, making it hilarious (and tricky) to walk straight.
- Upside Down Room: A clever set where you can pose to look like you are defying gravity and sticking to the ceiling.
- Holograms & 3D Puzzles: There is a collection of holograms and wooden puzzles to test your logic and patience.
- Photo-Centric: The entire place is designed for photography. Staff members are often happy to help take photos and guide you on the best angles for the illusions to work.
Where to book tickets
- Online (Recommended): Booking via the official Illuseum Berlin website is the best way to secure your preferred time slot. This is crucial on weekends when the museum hits capacity.
- On-Site: You can buy tickets at the front desk, but you risk waiting or being turned away if the current slot is full.
- Berlin WelcomeCard: If you have a Berlin WelcomeCard, you get a discount (approx. 25%). You can usually select this “discounted” option when booking online or present your card at the counter.
Tickets for Illuseum Berlin
Ticket prices are subject to change, but generally follow this structure:
- Adults: Approximately €16.00.
- Reduced: Approximately €11.00 – €12.00 (Students, seniors, and people with disabilities).
- Children (Under 4): Free.
- Family Ticket: Approx. €45.00 (Includes 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children).
- Groups: Discounts are often available for school classes or larger groups if booked in advance.
How to reach Illuseum Berlin
The museum is located at Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 9, 10178 Berlin, right in the city center opposite the Berlin TV Tower.
- By U-Bahn (Subway):
Take the U2, U5, or U8 to Alexanderplatz. From there, it is a 5-minute walk. - By S-Bahn (Train):
Take lines S3, S5, S7, or S9 to Alexanderplatz or Hackescher Markt. Both are within walking distance (approx. 5-7 minutes). - By Tram:
The M4, M5, and M6 lines stop at Spandauer Straße/Marienkirche, which is practically right in front of the museum. - By Bus:
The 100 and 200 sightseeing buses stop at Spandauer Straße/Marienkirche.
Illuseum Berlin’s timings
- Daily: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
- Last Admission: Usually 7:00 PM (one hour before closing).
- Holidays: The museum is typically open 365 days a year, including public holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, though hours may vary slightly on Dec 24th/31st.
How long does the tour take
- Average Visit: 45 to 60 minutes. The museum is relatively compact.
- Photo Enthusiasts: If you plan to stage photos at every single illusion (Vortex, Ames Room, Head on a Platter), plan for 1.5 hours.
- Puzzle Solvers: If you get stuck into the wooden logic puzzles in the playroom area, you might stay longer.
Best time to visit Illuseum Berlin
- Weekdays: Monday to Thursday are the quietest days.
- Morning Slots: The 10:00 AM slot is ideal. You will have the rooms to yourself, which is vital for getting clean photos without strangers in the background.
- Avoid: Weekends and school holidays between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM are peak times. The museum can feel cramped, and you may have to wait in line for the popular illusions.
FAQs about Illuseum Berlin
1. Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Illuseum Berlin is barrier-free. There is an elevator to the exhibition floor, and the rooms are accessible. However, the Vortex Tunnel is not suitable for wheelchairs (or those with balance issues), but there is a bypass path.
2. Is it suitable for young children?
Absolutely. It is very popular with families. Even if young kids (under 6) don’t understand the physics, they enjoy the visual tricks.
3. Can I bring a dog?
Small dogs are allowed if they are carried in a bag. Large dogs are generally not permitted, with the exception of registered assistance dogs.
4. Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, there are lockers available. It is highly recommended to store heavy coats and bags so you can move freely and pose for photos.
5. Can I take photos?
Yes! Photography is not just allowed; it is essential. Most exhibits only “work” when viewed through a camera lens at a specific angle. Markers on the floor indicate where to stand for the best shot.
6. Is food allowed?
No, food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition rooms. There are plenty of restaurants in the surrounding Alexanderplatz area for before or after your visit.
