There’s been a shift in nightlife — or, perhaps, simply “going out” — in recent years. In Pittsburgh and nationwide, there has been a change away from the constant parade of new sports bars and breweries toward actual experiences: escape rooms, fancy miniature golf, virtual reality and so much duckpin bowling. These are, undoubtedly, a more encouraging use of the landscape than yet another place to eat buffalo-flavored whatever and watch the game.
Don’t worry: There are still plenty of places to eat buffalo-flavored whatever and watch the game.
There are also places such as the Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh, the latest branch of a nationwide chain of experience-forward destinations designed to dizzy your senses and liven up your Instagram feed. Found on the North Shore between Stage AE and PNC Park, the all-ages (yet very fun for grown-ups) museum opened last month to sold-out crowds.
Undoubtedly, you’ll leave with some photos for your socials; unlike some unabashedly selfie-forward locations in other cities, however, there’s more to this place than a series of photo ops. You’ll find a feast for the eyes inside the Museum of Illusions — and one that will thoroughly scramble the part of your brain tasked with making sense of things.
If, that is, you approach it right.
The more time you take and the more deliberately you plan, the more you’ll get out of the Museum of Illusions — and, while it’s far from the most expensive activity in town, with tickets costing up to $25, you definitely want to get your money’s worth.
Here are four tips for best enjoying the attraction:
- Avoid the crowds — and the kids. Going with a group of friends or on a date? Try to time it after the kids are in bed, and when the crowds might be on the smaller side. Tickets are available for entry as late as 9 p.m. on weekends; you’ll probably get more out of your trip if you pick a prime-time arrival than if you’ve got a flock of little ones congregating around you. Alternately, if your schedule allows it, pick an afternoon trip on a weekday, then head to dinner afterward. Going with the kids? Warn them that they might occasionally have to wait their turn at certain exhibits.
- Stop and read the plaques; you might learn something. The most dazzling (and Instagrammable) exhibits at the Museum of Illusions sell themselves — optical illusions that will make you look like you’re hanging off the side of a building or are unexpectedly separated from your own head. The most informative and fascinating, however, line the walls. A series of optical illusions that will overload the perception centers of your brain fill nearly every wall; what’s more, careful descriptions get into the science of these deceptions, adding some education to your trip. Make sure you don’t skip these items, and allow time to read.
- Make sure everyone knows how to work their phone in advance. At some key points, Museum of Illusions staff will gladly take your phone and snap the perfect picture for you; at plenty of others, though, you’ll be expected to serve as your own cinematographer. With folks waiting and very specific angles necessary for the best photos, this is not the time to have your confused in-laws go into the “I don’t know how to work your phone” routine. Keep the queue moving, please.
- Don’t be afraid to be silly. This is not the place for dignified posing; save it for Olan Mills. You’re going to be doing some silly stuff in some silly ways, from strolling through a spinning tunnel that puts Kennywood’s to shame to considering infinity in a fully mirrored room straight out of a lesser ’80s sci-fi flick. Have fun. Act up. Pose outlandishly. You’re here for a good time, right? Embrace it.