If you’re heading to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, add one unexpected stop to your itinerary: the Museum of Illusions Minneapolis. It’s one of those places that sounds simple on paper — optical illusions, mirror rooms, mind-bending exhibits — but in person it completely takes over your brain. And your camera roll.
What Is the Museum of Illusions?
The Museum of Illusions is an interactive attraction located right inside the Mall of America. Unlike a traditional museum, there are no roped-off displays or “do not touch” signs. Everything is designed to be experienced — stood in, posed with, photographed, and played with. The exhibits use visual tricks, mirrors, perspective, and geometry to make your brain question what it’s seeing.
It’s genuinely fun for all ages, but especially if you love getting creative with photos.
The Kaleidoscope Room: Infinite Versions of You
Stand inside the kaleidoscope tunnel and look down at a glowing geodesic ball in the center — the mirrors multiply it into a stunning mandala of light and pattern. Then lean in and look at yourself: suddenly there are 30 of you, tiled into a perfect geometric pattern. It looks like a fever dream in the best possible way.
This is hands-down one of the most photogenic spots in the whole museum. The photos practically edit themselves.
The Clone Mirror Room & More
The clone mirror room puts you at a table surrounded by angled mirrors — suddenly there are five of you, all in perfect symmetry. Then there’s the levitation room where you can pose with arms outstretched and look like you’re floating, the giant building facade that makes adults look doll-sized, an infinity mirror tunnel that stretches into an endless void, and a sliced mirror that splits your reflection into something completely surreal.
Head on a Plate
One of the funniest exhibits: stick your head through a hole in the table and it looks like your severed head is being served on a platter — complete with decorative butterflies and tulips in the background. It’s ridiculous, it’s hilarious, and the photo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Kids absolutely lose it at this one.
Our Photos From Inside
Here’s a look at what we captured — and trust us, these don’t even do it full justice in person:
Tips for Visiting
- Go on a weekday if you can — weekends get crowded and the mirror rooms require some patience to get good shots without strangers in the background.
- Charge your phone before you go. You will take approximately 400 photos.
- Kids love it, but so do adults who aren’t afraid to look a little silly posing in a mirror room.
- Budget 1–2 hours — it’s not huge but there’s a lot to play with if you take your time.
- It’s located inside the Mall of America, so easy to combine with the rest of your mall visit (hello, Nickelodeon Universe).
- Each exhibit has a “STAND HERE” marker on the floor — use it! The illusion only works from the right angle.
- The head-on-a-plate exhibit is a must. Your family will quote the photo for years.
Planning Your Mall of America Trip
If you’re coming from out of town, Bloomington has great hotel options right near the mall — many are connected via skyway or a short shuttle ride. Book your stay through Expedia to find the best deals on hotels near Mall of America.
The Mall of America itself is free to enter — attractions like the Museum of Illusions and theme park rides have separate ticket prices, but there’s no admission just to walk around. It’s a solid base for a family trip to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.
Worth It?
Absolutely yes. The Museum of Illusions Minneapolis is one of those stops that surprises you — you walk in thinking it’ll be 20 minutes of gimmicks and walk out an hour later with a full camera roll and the urge to send pics to everyone you know. It’s affordable, it’s interactive, and it’s genuinely one of the more unique things to do inside the mall.
Don’t sleep on it.
Planning a trip to Mall of America? Search hotels near Mall of America on Expedia and grab the best rates for your visit.