We visited the Museum of Illusions in Madrid
We visited the Museum of Illusions in Madrid: what to see in its rooms, up-to-date prices and hours, how to get there and why it's a great family plan.
Miriam5 min readVerified · August 2026
During our family trip to Madrid we visited the Museum of Illusions, an incredible place that blends art with science and entertainment. Come and discover a world full of optical and visual illusions that will challenge our perception.
Careful, because at the Museum of Illusions nothing is what it seems!
If you book here, it costs you the same and it helps us keep writing guides like this one. Thank you.
The Museum of Illusions at a glance
- What it is: an interactive museum of optical and visual illusions, for all ages.
- Where: Calle del Doctor Cortezo, 8 (Madrid); Tirso de Molina metro.
- Price: adults from €16, children (4-12) from €12, under-4s free.
- Opening hours: every day of the year (Monday to Friday 10:00–22:00; Saturday and Sunday 09:30–22:00).
- Duration: around 1 hour.
- Ideal for: families with children and rainy days (it's indoors).
The visit
The visit to the Museum of Illusions in Madrid isn't guided, but you'll always find staff in the rooms happy to answer any questions. And believe me, sometimes you need to, because there are moments when you're not quite sure what to do… and that makes it even more fun!
What will you find at the Museum of Illusions?
The museum is full of visual and sensory experiences designed to challenge your mind and play with your perception. Some of the most popular attractions are:
The Hall of Mirrors
One of the most popular attractions, where you'll come face to face with distorted reflections and multiple versions of yourself. It's a space full of visual surprises.
The Ames Room
Step into this room and watch your friends magically turn into giants or tiny people. It's a classic optical illusion.
The vortex tunnel
An experience that will test your balance and make you feel as if the world is spinning around you. (This was our favourite attraction!)
The inverted room
In this room, gravity seems to have no effect. Take funny photos where it looks like you're walking on the ceiling.
Holograms and visual effects
Images that change depending on your position or that seem to move when they're actually static.
So those are some of the attractions you'll enjoy if you visit the Museum of Illusions in Madrid.
By the way, did you know that the Museum of Illusions can be enjoyed in more than 20 cities around the world such as Seville, Milan, Vienna and Miami.
Shop
The museum also has a souvenir shop, where you can buy wooden puzzles, building sets or educational games, which can be the perfect keepsake for the children after your visit to the Museum of Illusions.
To make sure there's availability and avoid having to queue, I'd recommend buying tickets for the Museum of Illusions in Madrid in advance; you can do so on this tours and activities website.
How much do tickets to the Museum of Illusions in Madrid cost?
Below is the detailed ticket price for the Museum of Illusions in Madrid.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults (13-64) | from €16 |
| Children (4-12) | from €12 |
| Under 4s | Free |
| Family pack (2 adults + 2 children) | from €48 |
| Reduced rate* | from €13 |
*Reduced rate (with valid proof): students, over-65s, teachers, unemployed and people with disabilities. Prices are approximate and vary by date and purchase channel.
Where is the Museum of Illusions in Madrid and how to get there?
The Museum of Illusions in Madrid is at Calle del Doctor Cortezo, 8. Madrid 28012.
The nearest metro is Tirso de Molina. If you'd rather walk, it's a 15-minute walk from Plaza Mayor. If you go by car, note that the Museum of Illusions in Madrid has no car park of its own, but the paid Parking Centro on Calle de los Relatores is the nearest.
Opening hours
The Museum of Illusions in Madrid is open every day with the following hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00–22:00
- Saturday and Sunday: 09:30–22:00
It's open 365 days a year, though hours can change on public holidays and during school holidays, so it's worth checking before you go.
More information
- They don't have lockers, but they were very kind and looked after our coats, and we saw they'd also stored other families' pushchairs.
- Make sure you bring your phone or camera with enough battery, because you're going to take a million photos.
So there you go — if you're looking for a fun experience in Madrid, the Museum of Illusions is an excellent option. I guarantee both children and adults will have a great time.
Is it worth going with kids?
Very much so. The Museum of Illusions is one of those plans where children and adults have just as much fun: each room is interactive, inviting you to touch, pose and experiment, and you come out with your phone full of impossible photos. The visit is short (around an hour), so it fits well into any morning or afternoon in Madrid, and being indoors it's a perfect backup for a rainy day. Our tip: buy tickets online in advance (especially at weekends) and, if you can, go on a weekday or first thing to enjoy the rooms more calmly.
More things to do in Madrid
If you are carrying on in Madrid, we have also written about rowing a boat in the Retiro and our night at a flamenco tablao.
FAQ
How much do tickets to the Museum of Illusions in Madrid cost?
Adults from €16 and children aged 4 to 12 from €12; under-4s go free. There's a family pack (2 adults + 2 children) from €48 and a reduced rate from €13. Prices vary by date and purchase channel.
What are the opening hours?
It's open every day of the year: Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 22:00, and Saturday and Sunday from 09:30 to 22:00. Hours can change on public holidays and during school holidays, so it's worth checking before you go.
Where is it and how do you get there?
At Calle del Doctor Cortezo, 8 (28012 Madrid). The nearest metro is Tirso de Molina and it's about a 15-minute walk from Plaza Mayor.
How long does the visit take?
Around an hour, though you can stay as long as you like.
Is it a good option to go with kids?
Yes, it's one of the most fun things to do in Madrid with kids: the rooms are interactive and you take loads of photos. It also has a shop with educational games.
Do you need to book?
It's not compulsory, but it's recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially at weekends.
