Ever stepped into a world which seems ordinary at first but is actually anything and everything but that? Where you think you see one thing but the moment you look deeper, you see a completely different thing??
Sounds a bit confusing but highly intriguing, right? Well, that's Paradox Museum for you! A highly unique, interesting, interactive, immersive museum (and might I add spiritual as well, if you see from that angle ;)) that has opened in Mumbai recently.
Located in the Fort area, Paradox museum is a scientific-artistic take on the concepts of illusions and reality. Featuring a variety of family friendly interactive exhibits, mind boggling rooms and instagrammable photo ops, Paradox Museum is a museum that literally exercises your brain by bending its vision and stretching its muscle of logic and perception.
The Paradox Experience: Visiting Paradox Museum Mumbai with friends, family and kids.
From the minute you walk into Paradox Museum, it starts to play with your senses – the many different mirrors reflecting your image differently, from various angles in a 'Kaleidoscope' — serves as a striking reminder for the complexity of the world, our world, which is full of infinite possibilities; all you need is to turn the lens just slightly, and you’ll discover a new reflection, a new insight, a new picture, a new you.
Just opposite the Kaleidoscope was the 'Cylinder Paradox' where reality took a circular turn. As we approached, we were immediately struck by how a few seemingly simple basic items casually arranged on the table, could be transformed into something astonishing when gazed through the cylindrical reflection.
But this was just the start and the further we ventured, the more immersive the experience became. Little did we know that the rooms to follow next, would now be growing on our senses, intensifying the surreal, otherworldly atmosphere that had already begun to take hold.
Now imagine, you are going to a nice restaurant with your family, and suddenly, the waiter serves you with a head - not a plate, not a dish, but an actual human head, severed and placed as if it’s a part of the meal!!!
What would you do in such a bizarre situation? How would you react to this unexpected twist to your expected frame of understanding? Would it leave you laughing, confused, or just make you more aware of the strange and unexpected twists of reality that lurk just beneath the surface of our everyday lives?
These are just some of the questions, I realized, would linger with me throughout the one hour experience. In fact, they followed me long after I left the exhibit.
The 'Paradox Sofa' was one of my absolute favourites – which involved playing and collaborating as a team. In this paradox - we were no longer just passive observers, we were the puzzle - we were participants engaged, intertwined in a dialogue of wonder and fascination. At times, we found ourselves instinctively trying to figure out who should sit where, or when to shift positions in tandem with the other. The sofa played in the secret prodding us to align our actions in harmony.
The 'Infinity Well' was another attention grabbing exhibit that was both, educational and playful at the same time. Upon entering the room, we were immediately drawn to its central feature: a deep, circular well that appeared to stretch infinitely downward (or wait! Was it upwards?!). The design was both simple and complex—at first glance, it looked like just a standard well, but as we leaned over its edge and jumped into its vastness, something more exciting happened.
What I really appreciated about the Paradox Museum was the presence of the staff scattered throughout the exhibits - they weren’t just there to assist with logistics or answer questions; they were deeply invested in helping us best capture the essence of the experience—both visually and mentally.
For example, it was because of a crew member in the 'Reverse Room', that we could connect with one of the most interactive exhibits on a deeper level. Not only did she suggest the perfect angles to stand at to make the illusion pop, she also went into the details encouraging us to step or place our hands in a certain manner, so as to ensure that we didn’t just see the paradoxes, but truly felt them.
The quirky captions, the information signs and the QR codes are some of the other great additions that amplify the entire Paradox experience by telling you not only what the illusion is but why it’s thought to happen.
Besides the highly interactive exhibits, there were smaller exhibits in between to keep us enthralled.
Nearby, you could merge your face with one of your friends —a digital blend of sorts that made you look both familiar and completely foreign at the same time, play with your own self as opponents in the 'Chess Room', wave at your many reflections in the 'Infinity Room', or see yourself on a screen in a completely new light that mirrored your movements but with a string of fanciful effects.
All these exhibits weren’t just about seeing what was in front of us — they were a beautiful reminder that our sense of self, like everything else in the Paradox Museum, is fluid, playful, and open to reinterpretation.
There’s something deeply captivating about how ordinary patterns, shapes, or even simple colors suddenly scientifically transform into a kind of art on their own. It’s as if there’s a hidden world within the commonplace, waiting to be noticed. The 'Pushed Squares' exhibit for example, is a hands on experience where each square in the grid can be rotated or pushed, yet, intriguingly, the overall design remains unchanged. This approach explores ideas around perception and illusion—no matter the manipulation, the viewer's interaction doesn't alter the visual coherence of the pattern.
Similarly, the 'Paradox Tunnel' is another powerful exhibit that distorts your sense of gravitational pull, creating a disorienting and mind-bending experience. As I made my way through the tumnel, it felt dizzy as my brain couldn't really tell if it was only me or the entire world around me was spinning?!
Another paradoxical exhibit that played with the laws of gravity was the 'Zero Gravity Room', where we felt like astronauts floating inside a rocket leaving us both disoriented and amazed as we floated and moved freely defying all laws of physics.
Is visiting Paradox Museum with friends, family and kids worth it?
What I really love about the Paradox Museum is its essence - Paradox Museum challenges the mind to question the reality that it sees and dares the mind to go deeper, and instead see the Paradox, beyond illusions, in search of the real truth, albeit in a fun entertaining way!
A visit here was not only highly entertaining but also a stark reminder of how to happily navigate this paradoxical world we live in. A world that is not really what we think it is but can be truly experienced only once we open our minds to see it from broader perspectives and varying angles. Isn't this the art of living life all about as well?
Where is Paradox Museum located?
Shreeniwas House, 27, H Somani Marg, Fort, Mumbai - 400001
Behind Bombay Gymkhana, near John Cathedral School
What type of museum is the Paradox Museum Mumbai?
The Paradox Museum is a cutting-edge destination that blends science, art, and human perception in a truly unique way. Featuring over 55 mind-bending exhibits inspired by paradoxes, it is the first of its kind museum in India. Visitors will not only dive into the fascinating science behind these paradoxes but also enjoy unforgettable experiences, capturing incredible photos that will leave friends questioning what's real. It’s a place where learning, fun, and mind-twisting illusions come together for an unforgettable adventure.
How much time do I have for my visit?
To enhance the visitor experience and minimize congestion, guests can explore the museum for up to 60 minutes at a time, ensuring a more immersive and enjoyable journey through the exhibits.
Are there any age restrictions?
All age groups are welcome - basically anyone with a curious mind and a sense of wonder will enjoy this museum.
When is Paradox Museum open?
Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 11am - 8pm
Saturday & Sunday - 11am - 8:30pm
Can I buy a ticket in-person or by phone?
You can either buy in person tickets at the venue or prebook online. But it's always advisable to prebook your tickets. You can purchase your tickets here: https://fever.pxf.
I pre-booked my ticket, can I change the date of my visit?
Ticket rescheduling is subject to availability. Click here to buy the tickets
Can I take pictures or videos?
Absolutely! Many of the exhibits are intentionally photographic, giving visitors the opportunity to take amazing photos or videos.
Is the Paradox Museum wheelchair accessible?
The venue is wheelchair accessible.
How much does Twist Museum cost?
A single ticket costs ₹500.00 (excluding 18% GST). Click here to buy the tickets
Contacts:
+91-9833631313
+91-7977493526
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1 Comments
This looks like a lot of fun and quite different than many places to visit.
ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
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