Want to ride a magic carpet? Or jump off the ledge of a building? If these are some wild thrills you’ve been itching to scratch, look no further. You can do everything your parents told you only happens in movies at the Museum of Illusions — or at least look like you’re doing them.
Located at 536 Lincoln Road in the heart of Miami Beach, the Museum of Illusions has transported its visitors into dozens of fantasy-filled worlds since Dec. 2019. Alongside additional locations in Los Angeles and San Francisco, the Miami Beach museum is full of imaginative exhibits that are often changing or refreshed. Whether visiting with friends, family or on a date, the Museum of Illusions is an unforgettable experience.
With over 40 three-dimensional exhibits, this museum is made for posting on your social media. It’s a self-guided experience, and walking through all the displays will take approximately one hour — and that’s including stopping often to take photos. But feel free to take your time and explore because the possibilities of how to pose for your next Instagram post are endless.
“I would 100 percent recommend going to the Museum of Illusions, especially if you’re trying to spice up you IG,” said University of Miami freshman Wrigley Kordt.
According to their website, the museum’s three core values are imagination, expression and, of course, fun. Feel like a kid again fighting off aliens, motorcycling through a high-speed chase or floating through space with a rockstar astronaut. As silly as it all sounds on paper, creativity runs wild and without judgment at the Museum of Illusions.
The lively environment of the museum is not only tons of fun for its visitors, but also for its staff. Museum of Illusions Miami marketing director, Lisa Marie Deleveaux, unapologetically loves her job and the museum’s vision.
While many exhibits stay in the museum year-round, several come in and out by season or popular demand, including one of the most iconic attractions in the Museum of Illusions’ history, “Smash It!” Feeling the pressure of school or work? Museum of Illusions gets it and has the perfect exhibit to help you release any negative energy you might have bottled up.
When entering “Smash It!” you are provided with plates and markers. The exhibit encourages you to write any stress-filled thoughts onto your plates. That ex-partner you can’t seem to get over, the job that doesn’t pay you enough or the 25-page paper you already know you’re going to fail. Whatever the root of your stress, write it on the plate and, as the museum says — smash it.
UM freshman Colette Belzer said she was “really impressed by the size and scale of museum” and its “colorful and unique exhibits.”
Let the negative emotions out, the positive vibes in and smash your plates onto the floor, walls or provided targets of the exhibit. While this exhibit is safe for anyone over 12, the kind staff also provides you with a face shield just in case — a waiver is required upon check-in.
Each group is provided their own private throwing room for “Smash It!” so don’t worry about strangers seeing what you wrote on your plate. Nothing can hold you back now.
Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m.–10 p.m., the museum offers a variety of ticket packages, including ones that fulfill a college student’s needs.
For only $30, adults 12 and over have access to all the museum’s main exhibits and for $50, additional access to temporary exhibits like “Smash It!” However, there is no need to fear smashing open your bank account to visit the museum, as special ticket deals are always happening, so keep yourself updated on their website. Gift cards are also available.
Want to take your special someone on a date that isn’t dinner or a movie? The exceptional VIP Date Night package for two allows you to skip the line, have a professional photoshoot and receive an additional “special gift,” according to the museum’s website.
Although Miami Beach is known for its nightlife, it’s pleasant to occasionally take a step away from the notorious clubs and bars and acknowledge the illustrious art that fills the vibrant city — and not just for Art Basel weekend.
The Museum of Illusions is a one-of-a-kind experience where you can step away from reality, let your greatest imaginations take the lead and, without a doubt, amaze your followers with some very deceptive posts leaving them wondering how no harm was caused.
words_amanda mohamad. photo_matt jiménez. design_marita gavioti.
This article was published in Distraction’s Spring 2023 print issue.