Camera Obscura and World of Illusions in Edinburgh

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions are located in the Old Town of Edinburgh, Scotland, and was founded in 1835. The exhibits of the museum are dedicated to various optical illusions and descriptions of ways in which they can be achieved. Camera Obscura is a special camera that existed since the olden days - the first mention of it dates back to the 4th century BC. It is a building with one small hole in the top part of one of the walls, with a white screen on the wall opposite to the hole.  The light from the hole reflects the objects seen through it, upside down, creating a stunning effect.  

The museum has all kinds of optical illusions, puzzles and mazes – you can take a picture of your head on a plate, see how you would look as an ape, see your shadow turn different colors, become the master of Plasma, see the T-Rex illusion, navigate through the fiery universe, get lost in the mirror maze or in the Vortex Tunnel, and many more. Besides that, there is a room dedicated to Edinburgh's history, with rare old photos, and you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the roof.

Camera Obscura ("dark room" in Latin) is located on the top floor of the XVII century building with a white dome, and is the main element of the museum.  In the Victorian era, this building was called Eye in the Sky.  It has a system of optical mirrors, which project a reflection of the surrounding area onto the concave round table.  It is better to visit Camera Obscura on a bright day to see a better reflection of the city.

Visitors are encouraged to interact with everything in the museum – there is nothing you can't touch. Needless to say, if you take your child to the place, you won't get out of there soon.

Gallery: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions in Edinburgh