Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Edinburgh Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Be surprised in the Museum 'World of Illusions' or enjoy a magnificent view of Edinburgh on the roof terrace of Camera Obscura.
Info & Tickets Camera Obscura & World of Illusions |
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| Address | Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 2ND (The museum is located at the top of the Royal Mile on Castlehill, just before Edinburgh Castle). |
| Tickets |
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| Hours | Opening times are very variable. Usually open from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, but sometimes open until 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm during high season and holidays. |
| Tip | Visit the Camera Obscura in the early morning or later in the evening when the museum is quietest. From the roof you have a beautiful view of the setting sun and the city lighting up. |
A world full of illusions
A well-known Edinburgh tourist attraction is the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions museum in the former observatory. This museum, which is located in a six-storey tower, teaches you everything about optical illusions. The top floor contains the Camera Obscura, from where you have a beautiful view of Edinburgh city.
The World of Illusions
At the top of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh you can visit the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Experience. It is an interactive museum with more than a hundred interactive elements for young and old. You can walk the streets of Edinburgh without moving. You can rack your brain over dozens of optical illusions. And on the roof terrace you can take dozens of photos of the spectacular view over Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth.
The show
In a room on the roof terrace is the Camera Obscura. It is a dark room, with a table with a picture of Edinburgh. This is achieved by natural daylight, which is let in through a metal tube. Inside the tube, the sun's rays are reflected by a small mirror, after which the light passes through three lenses to create an image of Edinburgh.
View from Edinburgh Camera Obscura
The World of IllusionsThe Magic Gallery
The Magic Gallery is probably one of the most popular highlights within the World of Illusions. It has some high-profile exhibits, cool optical illusions, and multiple interactive experiences. For example, learn how to make electricity with your fingertips. The plasma tubes and spheres allow you to illuminate a room with your fingertips in a safe experience. Also don't miss the Shadow Wall, which traps your shadow.
Fantastic lights
The Light Fantastic department deals with visual tricks and illusions. Holograms and 3D realizations suprise you as soon as you enter. Play a tune on the light harp, where the strings light up when you play. Or entertain yourself at the Color Shadow Wall, where you can see yourself in multicolour.
Mindf*ck
On the second floor you will find the Bewilderworld, where the most fun illusions can be found. For example, get lost in the mirror maze or walk through the dizzying Vortex tunnel without falling over.
Video: World of Illusions
Where is World of Illusions in Edinburgh?
The museum with the Edinburgh Camera Obscura is located at the top of the Royal Mile on Castlehill, just before Edinburgh Castle.
Partner links: Musées à Milan and Paris Museums
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