THE WORD PARADOX MEANS CONTRARY TO EXPECTATION IN ANCIENT GREEK, AND AT THE PARADOX MUSEUM, THE ONLY THING TO EXPECT IS THE UNEXPECTED

By Rachel Cameron-Potter | Stuff Rachel Says | Press Invite

Home to a host of optical illusions and mesmerising installations, the Paradox Museum has blown minds across the globe, and is opening its doors to the London public this summer.

Based in Knightsbridge, the museum is situated directly opposite Harrods department store, with views of the iconic building visible from the museum’s first floor. Ascending the stairs, you can catch a glimpse of the store’s Edwardian baroque architecture through the foyer’s glass ceiling, and visitors can even step out onto the balcony to take in the view.

Branching off from the foyer were doors leading to different sections, the first I visited being a room that appears to distort the sizes of those who enter: in pictures, those standing in the right corner tower over those in the left. This is a great snap for groups and couples, although if you go alone (like I did), you can be sure a lovely member of staff will stand in with you.

The next room I moved to was full of interactive paradoxes, where viewers needed to adjust their line of sight to get the full experience. Favourites included a sculpture that read ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ depending on where you stood, and intricate designs by Greek artist Teodosio that project shadows of crowns and clock towers on the wall.

These sculptures weren’t the only London-themed features in the museum. Much like its international counterparts, each Paradox Museum has its own unique set of illusions based on the city they’re in. Visitors can expect to encounter a Buckingham Palace-inspired throne room, a Harry Potter room, and an entire section inspired by the London underground network, overlooked by a large mural of David Bowie’s ‘Aladdin Sane’ album cover.

While there were many smaller paradoxes scattered around the museum, there were also a handful of larger installations that visitors should be prepared to queue for. Notable mentions go to an infinity mirror room reminiscent of Yayoi Kusama’s Tate exhibition, a mirror maze, an upside-down tube station, and a rotating room that lets visitors defy gravity.

As well as offering a lot of cool photo opportunities, each paradox is a fusion of science and art, making the space both entertaining and educational. QR codes next to each installation explain the science behind the illusion, and paradox ‘fun facts’ appear on every wall.

Since a lot of the illusions are light-based, it would be beneficial for the museum to have warnings for photosensitive viewers outside of certain rooms. One darkened room in particular has a lot of illusions that rely on flashing lights and lasers, and the only warnings I found were counterintuitively positioned directly next to the installation.

Nonetheless, the museum had something for everyone, making it the perfect day out for the whole family. In a museum where nothing is as it seems, there’s one thing for sure — the Paradox Museum is London’s hottest ticket this summer.

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