In a world of Instagram pics, where do you go to find a unique photo opportunity? If you’re in Los Angeles, the Museum of Illusions on Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame will make you go viral. I was invited for a visit to check it out.
Find more things to do and where to stay near Hollywood Blvd, here.
Hollywood Blvd isn’t for everyone
The Walk of Fame is kind of a zoo but lots of fun for people watching. If you aren’t into crowds and craziness, then you may want to go to the beach instead. But, if you want to experience the wildlife in Hollywood and I don’t mean the furry kind, then come on down. It’s like Fisherman’s Wharf or Times Square with plenty of tour buses, hustlers, and sightseers.
You may pass Spidermen, Mickey Mouse, Snow White, and even Chewbacca walking down the street.
The Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions is a quick walk from the LA Metro Station at Hollywood and Highland or Hollywood and Vine. It is surrounded by other “museums” of its type like the Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe it or Not, the Museum of Selfies, Madame Tussauds, The Hollywood Museum (in the old Max Factor building), and even the Museum of Death.
The photo gallery
There are two sections to the museum. The first is a gallery filled with optical illusion murals. Each has a painted icon somewhere on the floor that gives you the best position to take your shot. There are also photo samples on the wall so you’ll know the best position to place yourself. Tripods are available to rent if you and a companion want to both be in a photo.
You can get some pretty wild shots that are fun to post or send to relatives and friends.
The murals are placed close together on each side of the gallery walls, so at first, I found it a little confusing to find the floor marks and hard to avoid someone walking through a shot. Despite those challenges, we managed pretty well. The gallery staff is great about managing the crowd size so the rooms don’t get packed.
The Upside-Down House
After winding our way through the gallery of murals, which includes some that are upstairs, you can go into the Upside-Down House on the other section of the museum. It’s a series of rooms where all the furnishings are upside down.
Each group gets 4 minutes on a timer to take their shots. Afterward, you can use your smartphone or editing software on your computer to rotate and adjust them. Once they’re rotated, it will look like you’re upside down.
If you’re planning a visit
The entire experience takes about an hour, so you’ll have plenty of time to have lunch or dinner on Hollywood Boulevard. You may want to grab a bite or a dry martini at the iconic Musso & Frank Grill nearby and then do more sightseeing.
Tickets to the museum are a tad expensive but that’s because it’s a tourist attraction. Once you’re through, you’ll have enough Instagram photos to last you for a lifetime.
The Museum of Illusions, Hollywood, California
6751 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028-4623 – 1-800-593-2902
The Museum of Illusions in Hollywood gave us complimentary tickets to write this review, but all my opinions are my own.
This looks like a fun way to spend the afternoon. Last shot is the best shot!
I agree, Jennifer. That’s my favorite too!
I’m laughing at this! So cool, and in each picture, you’re positioned perfectly. Love, love, love it!! xoxox, Brenda
Thanks Brenda. Glad you got a giggle out of it. It was so much fun!
Wow! That place is right up my alley. Looks like fun. I’ll have to visit someday.
It’s a great place to get fun photos, that’s for sure, Laurie.
What great photos! I laughed at the spider one, You are perfectly placed for the “Oh No Run Rebecca” response!!
Thanks, Haralee. Great to know which one was your favorite. It’s one of my favorites too.