It’s tricks! It’s kicks! It’s a fab place for pics! I’m talking about the Paradox Museum, which celebrated its opening last night in the Showcase Mall on the Las Vegas Strip. A mesmerizing collection of three-dimensional optical illusions and highly Instagrammable interactive exhibits, the museum is a delightfully fascinating way to spend a couple of hours. While a number of the illusions are old favorites you may have seen in two dimensions on a screen or in a book, here they are brought into real life with beautiful craftsmanship and detail.
Some displays are animated, and many involve mirrors. I suggest you look your best when visiting, because you will see yourself replicated countless times as you wander through installations like the hall of mirrors and the infinity room. My favorite among these reflective exhibits is the poker table at which you play with yourself, yourself, and yourself. Too bad you can’t bet!
There are nearly a hundred exhibits to take in, each one a head scratcher or a wow inducer. Friendly staff members are on hand to answer questions or provide explanations. I’d say allow an hour or two to wind your way through the 11,000-square-foot labyrinth.
Of course, there’s a gift shop at the end. I loved the beautifully curated selection of brain teasers and puzzles, many of which are works of art in their own right. Keep it in mind for gift season, because you can go to the shop without paying for museum admission.
A tip: Park across the street at New York New York or Park MGM. A local driver’s license will score you three hours of free parking at MGM properties. I can’t recommend the parking garage at the Showcase Mall. It’s not only expensive, it’s got the narrowest exit ramp in town, and it’s curved. I managed to avoid scraping my car on its walls as I left, but many others have obviously not been so lucky.
One last tip: Don’t forget your phone, because even if you aren’t into documenting your life on social media, you’re going to want some digital mementos of this mind-bending and photogenic establishment.
Wow! Sounds very interesting.