The House of Illusions in Ljubljana is one of the most fun things to do in Slovenia’s capital. Located in a historic building on Congress Square, this small museum is something that both adults and children will appreciate. Optical illusions are always challenging for the mind, and this easy-going activity serves precisely that purpose: to question your perception of reality.
Although there are plenty of museums of illusions nowadays, this was actually my first visit to one. My days in Ljubljana were packed and at some point I thought I wouldn’t have the time to visit it. However, the museum was still open the day I returned from the trip to Lake Bled. Without a second thought, I headed to the House of Illusions. I believed that it would have been a welcome distraction after a long day out.
And that’s exactly how it felt. Therefore, in the following lines, you will read about my experience at the House of Illusions in Ljubljana, and you’ll see the photos I took. To avoid ruining your upcoming visit to the house, I won’t explain the optical illusions you will see. You will have to do this on your own!
So, let’s start with that fun place and see what you can expect from it.
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The House of Illusions in Ljubljana
The House of Illusions presents over 70 exhibits that will blow your mind and challenge your senses. While the museum is compact, it occupies three floors, and you can spend as much time exploring and explaining to yourself what you’ll see. Be sure to charge your smartphone or camera battery, as some of the exhibits are sure to make for fun memories.
The museum is very interactive, so don’t hesitate to touch objects (unless otherwise stated) and be part of what’s on show. And keep in mind that the Ljubljana City Card grants you free access to the museum.
So, let’s see the rooms and exhibits of the Ljubljana House of Illusions.
The kaleidoscope
That’s one of the first things you will come across. Subbed as the “best selfie in town,” here you can shoot a photo of yourself, and if you want, you can also print it (fees apply) and have a great souvenir.
I must admit that it is not the top optical illusion, but it serves as a laid-back introduction to the museum. Plus, it’s indeed a fun thing to bring back home.
The disco room
This room feels similar to the kaleidoscope. But the difference here is that you can enter on your own, and you can have fun with hundreds of copies of yourself. The inner mirrors create a sense of depth, and it’s entertaining to rotate around yourself (or even dance) and see yourself in different poses.
The Vortex Tunnel
You think you can walk straight, right? Well, no! This is the most fascinating illusion in the entire museum. Walking this bridge should be an easy task, but give it a try and see (or better, feel) how the illusion of moving walls makes it hard to walk this small tunnel.
The upside-down room
I guess this is the most photographed room in the House of Illusions in Ljubljana. And there’s a good reason for that: it challenges the laws of physics and will make you wonder how this could even be possible.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have my tripod with me the day I visited the house. Therefore, it wasn’t possible to take an upside-down selfie. However, here is my backpack on the ceiling, defying the laws of gravity.
The head-on-a-plate room
The head-on-a-plate room has the most beautiful aesthetics in the house. But besides that, it offers a grand optical illusion: have your friend or just yourself put their head on the plate and shoot a funny photo to remember. It will only be your head, and the rest of your body will remain invisible.
Einstein’s portrait
In the cover photo of this article, you see a portrait of Albert Einstein, and that tribute feels right. However, if you step closer (I mean, much closer), here’s what you’ll see: tiny photos of random numbers appearing in random places.
Or aren’t they that random after all? Check it out.
Practical information for your visit to the House of Illusions in Ljubljana
The House of Illusions is conveniently located at the city’s heart. Its proximity to the banks of the Ljubljanica River means that you can visit it spontaneously. Its address is Congress Square 13, 1000 Ljubljana; you can see it here on Google Maps.
Tickets for the House of Illusions in Ljubljana, Slovenia
The ticket for adults costs 13 euros, and for children, it costs 11 euros. To avoid queuing, you can purchase your tickets in advance here.
Purchasing the Ljubljana City Card grants you free access to the museum and other places of interest and activities (like a boat trip along the river or visiting the fascinating Cukrarna Gallery). If you plan to do sightseeing in Slovenia’s capital, it will surely save you money. If budget matters to you, consider it and save the extra cash for dinner or drinks.
Opening hours
The House of Illusions is open from Monday to Thursday between 10 am and 8 pm, on Fridays between 10 am and 9 pm, and on the weekends from 9 am to 9 pm.
There’s also a gift shop shortly before exiting the museum if you want to bring presents to friends and family.
Last but not least, if you are searching for accommodation in town, make sure to check the interactive map below and find a place to stay in downtown Ljubljana.
The House of Illusions in Ljubljana: Final thoughts
The House of Illusions in Ljubljana is one of the most entertaining locations in town. While you can see everything in one hour, I recommend staying at least two hours, especially if you visit with children. Spending time to understand what challenges your senses and shooting fun photos is rewarding, and I believe such unwinding activities are a great way to beat travel fatigue.
Ljubljana is packed with incredible sightseeing routes, and the charm of the city will keep you occupied for days. Visiting the House of Illusions might not sound like a must to some, but it’s a nice add-on to your Slovenian journey. Plus, it’s a great way to surrender to your inner child and explore mind-blowing exhibits that challenge your imagination and perception of the adult world.
More about Ljubljana: The Jože Plečnik Museum, Ljubljana by bike, Ljubljana guide
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Last Updated on June 7, 2025 by George Pavlopoulos