Home » San Francisco » Museum of 3D Illusions

Museum of 3D Illusions – tickets prices, discounts, what to expect

4.8
(188)

The Museum of 3D Illusions in San Francisco, located in the city’s heart, is a unique and interactive destination for visitors of all ages.

The museum showcases a variety of stunning optical illusions, trompe l’oeil paintings, and interactive exhibits that will leave you with a lasting impression.

The exhibits in the museum are designed to challenge your perception of reality, using light, color, and perspective to create mind-bending illusions.

This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for the Museum of 3D Illusions in San Francisco.

What to expect at San Francisco Museum of 3D Illusions?

Some of the most popular exhibits at the Museum of 3D Illusions in SF include a room filled with floating blocks, a giant vortex tunnel, and a giant bookcase.

There are more than forty 3D illusions inspired by art, movies, cartoons, and current events inside the museum. Some of them are:

Floating Blocks Room

Floating Blocks Room is a room filled with massive blocks that seem to be floating in mid-air, created through the clever use of mirrors.

Vortex Tunnel

Vortex Tunnel is a  circular exhibit that creates the illusion of an endless void, using mesmerizing swirls of light and color.

Trompe l’oeil paintings

Trompe l’oeil paintings are a  collection of paintings that use perspective, shading, and other techniques to create the illusion of three-dimensionality.

These paintings are truly impressive, featuring everything from a staircase that seems to climb into the sky to a door that appears to lead to another world.

Giant bookcase

The giant bookcase is a massive bookcase that seems to stretch into infinity, created using mirrors that reflect the shelves upon themselves.

The museum features a variety of other exhibits, such as a staircase that seems to climb into the sky, a door that appears to lead to another world, and more.

Each exhibit is designed to be hands-on, allowing visitors to explore and interact with the illusions.

The Museum of 3D Illusions in San Francisco is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, science, and optical illusions.

With its wide variety of captivating interactive exhibits and stunning displays, it provides a unique and memorable experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned museum-goer or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, the Museum of 3D Illusions is a destination you won’t want to miss.

Where to book tickets

Tickets for the Museum of 3D Illusions are available online and at the museum ticket counter.

Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.

When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters. 

Because the Museum of 3D Illusions puts out attractions with limited tickets, they may sell out during peak days.

Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.

How do online tickets work

Visit the ticket booking page for the Museum of 3D Illusions, select the preferred date and number of tickets, and buy the tickets immediately.

Once you purchase tickets, they get delivered to your email address.

There is no need to get printouts of the ticket. 

Show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance and walk in.

Please carry a valid ID with you.

Museum of 3D Illusions tickets

The San Francisco Museum of 3D Illusions entry tickets cost US$30 for all visitors aged 13 years and above. 

Kids aged 6 to 12 years get a flat 50% discount and pay only US$15 for entry. 

Children up to the age of 5 years can enter the museum for free. 

Tickets for San Francisco’s Museum of 3D Illusions 

Tickets for San Francisco’s Museum of 3D Illusions
Image: Sfillusions.com

This ticket provides entry into the Museum of 3D Illusions and access to all the exhibits, including mind-boggling optical illusions and trompe l’oeil paintings.

From flying on a magic carpet next to the Golden Gate Bridge to smashing plates in the Smash It Room!, you’ll have a lot of things to do at the Museum. 

The Museum is wheelchair accessible, and you can spend as much time here as you want.

Ticket Prices

Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$30
Child Ticket (6 to 12 years): US$15
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free

Save money & time! Buy a San Francisco City Explorer Pass and Choose 2 to 5 attractions and tours from over 25 activities. Visit the Aquarium of the Bay, go on a Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour, or take a Francisco Bay Cruise and many more!


Back to top


How to reach the Museum of 3D Illusions

How to reach the Museum of 3D Illusions
Image: SFChronicle.com

The Museum of 3D Illusions is located in Fisherman’s Wharf. 

Address: 55-61 Jefferson St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA. Get Directions!

You can reach the Museum of 3D Illusions via both public and private transport. 

By Bus

You can board bus number 39 to reach the Powell St & Beach St Bus Stop, a two-minute walk from the Museum of 3D Illusions.

By Tram/Light Rail

The Tram Line F will take you to Jefferson St & Powell St Transit Stop, which is a one-minute walk from the Museum.

By Ferry

You can also reach the Museum of 3D Illusions San Francisco by Ferry Boat P41 by dropping off at San Francisco Pier 41 Ferry Terminal, which is just 2 minutes away from the attraction.

By Car

If you’re driving, you can turn on Google Maps on your smartphone and get started.

The Museum of 3D Illusions San Francisco does not offer on-site car parking.

Several parking spots are available in the vicinity.

Museum of 3D Illusions timings

The Museum of 3D Illusions in SF opens at 12 pm and closes at 7 pm every Monday to Friday.

On the weekends, the Museum runs from 11 pm to 8 pm.

The last admission to the museum is 45 minutes before closing. 

How long does the Museum of 3D Illusions take

How long does the Museum of 3D Illusions take
Image: WorldOfIllusionsusa(YouTube)

The 3D Illusions Museum San Francisco takes two to three hours to explore if you plan to cover every exhibit.

Almost all the visitors at the museum love to take pictures of the exhibits, which in turn increases the time spent at the attraction.

During weekdays and non-peak hours, the waiting time is 10 to 15 minutes, while on weekends and holidays, it can go up to 60 minutes. 

Best time to visit Museum of 3D Illusions

The best time to visit the Museum of 3D Illusions in San Francisco is as soon as it opens at 12 pm as the crowd is usually less in the afternoon.

The smaller the crowd, the more time you get to see the exhibits and take photos. 

Typically, weekdays tend to have fewer visitors than weekends, so a visit at this time might be a better option. 

Also, since the waiting time on weekdays is less than that on weekdays, you can explore the museum faster.

Sources

# Bucketlisters.com
# Goldstar.com
# Tripadvisor.com

The travel specialists at TheBetterVacation.com use only high-quality sources while researching & writing their articles. We make every attempt to keep our content current, reliable and trustworthy.

Popular attractions in San Francisco

# Alcatraz Island
# San Francisco Zoo
# California Academy of Sciences
# Monterey Bay Aquarium
# San Francisco aquarium
# Exploratorium
# San Francisco MoMA
# De Young Museum
# San Francisco Bus Tours
# Madame Tussauds
# San Francisco Bay Cruise
# San Francisco Ghost Tour
# The Tech Interactive
# San Francisco Dinner Cruise
# SFO Go Car Tour
# Legion of Honor Museum
# Walt Disney Family Museum
# Museum of 3D Illusions
# 7D Ride Experience

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Check out all the things to do in San Francisco

This article was researched & written by

Edited by Rekha Rajan & fact checked by Jamshed V Rajan

Leave a Comment