If, like me, you have always assumed that any building with the name “museum” at the end is silent rooms filled with old artefacts, then I’m afraid to say you’ve been missing out on a world of creativity and wonder.
I went to London’s new Paradox Museum in Knightsbridge to enjoy an evening of illusions that completely transformed my understanding of what a museum could be.
From mind-bending exhibits to interactive displays that played tricks on my perception, every corner was filled with surprises that sparked laughter and curiosity.
It was a whirlwind of creativity where art and science collided, and I found myself questioning reality.
Before the exhibition began, we enjoyed pre-heatwave refreshing drinks and canapes (which are always exciting) while stood on the balcony, overlooking London.
The first thing we tried was the Levitating Mirror.
The illusion makes it seem like to others that you're flying.
I have to admit that I embarrassed myself with the illusion by using the wrong arm to levitate, effectively giving away the trick.
Next, we moved on to the actual paradox walk-along, which was way better than I expected.
It started small with the kaleidoscope telescope, where somebody puts their face on one side and their face is reflected a million times, making you second guest yourself which one is ACTUALLY them.
(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)
The next room was the Royal Room and, as the biggest fan of the Royal Family, I wasted no time claiming that throne and donning the crown.
The Royal Room, when a photo is taken, makes the monarch look smaller compared to their subject, ironically.
Probably one of my favourite paradox experiences was the Dinner Table.
(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)
It’s always a great satisfaction where something you’ve wanted to know the answer to for a long time is finally answered.
In this case – how does your head appear on the table and why can you see the floor, not your feet, though when you think about it, it is pretty obvious.
The Human Shadow Etched In Stone is a real phenomenon where the shadow of somebody remains after a nuclear attack.
(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)
In a way that I can’t even explain, the Paradox Museum managed to stick our shadows against the wall WITHOUT us there.
And before we knew it, that was the first – and only the first – walkalong done.
The second one took us to the Paradox Museum Underground where we got to climb on top of a train and hang from the ceiling.
(Image: Ezekiel Bertrand)
When you look, take, and are in the photos, there’s not a moment where you’re not confused.
The night ended with a trip – a very bumpy trip – on the Spaceship and then through the Mirror Maze.
I spent half the time walking into a mirror or questioning whether someone was actually them or just their reflection.
We left that evening slightly dizzy and still questioning what was real and what was just a paradox, especially when we went on the Underground later that evening.
Overall, London Museum Paradox was a fantastic and unique experience and I can safely predict this will be a great attraction for Londoners and visitors to try.
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