The Museum of Illusions is one of the newer attractions at Mall of America and one of the easiest to fit into a day there. It belongs to an international chain of illusion museums, and the formula works well: a sequence of rooms and exhibits that play tricks on your eyes and brain, from tilted rooms where people seem to change size to mirrored spaces, holograms and image-based illusions on the walls. Many exhibits are designed to be photographed, so you will see visitors posing, crouching and laughing as they try to get the perfect shot, and part of the fun is working out how each trick works. Explanations at each station tell you what is happening to your perception, which gives the visit a light educational angle that children and adults both enjoy. It is compact, so it suits a shorter stop rather than a whole afternoon, and it is entirely indoors, which makes it a good choice for a cold or wet day. The Tiqets entry ticket linked on this page was showing availability for the same day when we checked, and the museum stays open into the evening, later than many of the mall’s other attractions.
How to visit: the museum is inside Mall of America, with a listed address of 60 East Broadway in Bloomington. Tiqets lists hours of 10am to 9pm from Monday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on Sunday. Those long hours make it a good last stop after the theme park or aquarium closes, or an evening activity if you are staying near the mall. Book your entry ticket online and show it on your phone at the entrance.
What to expect: you move through the exhibits at your own pace, and most visitors take around an hour. It can feel crowded at weekends, when groups queue for the most popular photo spots, so a weekday or a later evening slot is more relaxed. Bring a charged phone, as you will take a lot of pictures, and be ready to help strangers with their photos, as many illusions work best with a partner behind the camera.
Making the most of it: read the explanation at each exhibit before you take the photo, as knowing the trick helps you set up the shot. Pair the museum with FlyOver America or SEA LIFE for a full indoor afternoon, then eat in the mall.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through hands-on optical illusion rooms and exhibits, designed for photos, with short explanations at each station.
Best time
Weekday afternoons or later evenings, when the photo spots are less crowded.
How long
About an hour.
Tips
Bring a charged phone, visit with a partner for photos, and use the long evening hours as a finale to a mall day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with school-age children, groups of friends and anyone who loves a good photo.
- Families
- Children enjoy the tricks and the explanations, and the short visit suits shorter attention spans.
- Couples
- A fun, low-key evening date with plenty of silly photos to take home.
- Pair with
- FlyOver America or SEA LIFE Minnesota, both inside the mall.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Where is the Museum of Illusions in Minneapolis?+
It is inside Mall of America in Bloomington, with a listed address of 60 East Broadway. The METRO light rail stops at the mall.
What are the Museum of Illusions opening hours?+
Tiqets lists 10am to 9pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on Sunday. Holiday hours may differ, so check before you go.
How long does the Museum of Illusions take?+
Most visitors spend around an hour. Busy photo spots at weekends can add a little time.
Is the Museum of Illusions good for children?+
Yes, children enjoy the hands-on exhibits and the photo opportunities. The short explanations make it a little educational too.
Can I take photos inside the Museum of Illusions?+
Yes, photography is a big part of the visit and many exhibits are designed for it. Visiting with a partner makes the best shots easier.
