Around Town: Inside India’s first Paradox Museum in Mumbai where art, science, and illusions collide

Teodosio presents a shadow sculpture made from a collection of metals, arranged in such a way that it creates the illusion of a classical Indian dancer. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)

Located in Shreeniwas House near Azad Maidan, Fort, the museum was opened to the public on Friday and features over 55 immersive illusions, including the popular Reverse Room. This room plays with the laws of gravity, featuring mirrors on the floor and ceiling, arched pockets in the walls, and staircases everywhere.

The disorienting environment initially gave this writer a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of a scene from Squid Game. Thankfully, nobody gets eliminated here! The room creates a topsy-turvy experience, where everything appears upside down, offering visitors a unique perspective on reality. Another highlight is the Paradox Tunnel. Daring visitors who look up at the ceiling for just five seconds often find walking straight a challenge, as both the bridge they’re on and the ceiling above seem to rotate, leaving them dizzy by the exit.

“The whole idea was to elevate the entertainment quotient, present mind-blowing illusions, and offer something that people of all ages can enjoy,” shared Nadia Roditi, Chief Operating Officer of Paradox Museum, who was in the city for its launch. In partnership with Satish Yadav, who is also credited for bringing the Museum of Illusions franchise to Delhi, the company plans to open four to five more museums across India in the next few years, with the next one set for Hyderabad.

Infinity Dodecahedron, a 12-sided polyhedron is filled with mirrors and lights. When seen from the top, it appears as though you’re staring into infinite lights. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)

Spread across 15,000 sqft, including a soon-to-launch cafeteria on the ground floor and private party space on the second floor, the Mumbai museum can accommodate up to 60 visitors at a time. While the experience takes about an hour, new batches are admitted every 30 minutes to prevent overcrowding.

“Our museums have seen over 2 million visitors globally in the last two years, and we’re confident Mumbai will do well,” added Roditi.

Paradox Sofa. (Photo by Paradox Museum)

What’s intriguing is how the museum embraces the social media-driven nature of today’s experiences. For example, the wall opposite the Zero Gravity Room — which offers the thrilling sensation of being in a sci-fi dream — features a rotating panel with a phone case, ensuring the perfect video capture while visitors enjoy the exhibit with friends. Almost every illusion has a marked area for the best photo angle, ensuring you can fully capture the trickery.

Reversed Room. (Photo by Paradox Museum)

Take the Infinity Dodecahedron, a 12-sided polyhedron filled with mirrors and lights. From the right angle, it appears as though you’re staring into endless lights. Similarly, the kaleidoscope near the entrance is another must-see. Just place your face at one end of the triangular tube, and have your friends snap a picture from the other end. Pro tip: Use flash, and you’ll see hundreds of perfectly-lit reflections of yourself.

But not everything has to be experienced through a phone. This writer, along with fellow journalists, had fun rotating the tiles of the Truchet Paradox, marvelled at a tiny sculpture made from metal fragments that cast a shadow that resembles a classical Indian dancer, and admired a portrait of a Rajasthani man whose eyes seem to follow you as you move.

Infinity Well. (Photo by Paradox Museum

Our verdict? While a guided tour can enhance the overall experience, there are helpful volunteers throughout the museum to explain each illusion or paradox. The experience is best enjoyed with a large group of friends or family—and don’t forget to bring a good phone camera!

Where: Shreeniwas House, 27, H Somani Marg, Azad Maidan, Fort, Mumbai
When: Everyday, including National Holiday, 11 am to 8 pm
Price: Rs 550 + GST for children and senior citizens, Rs 590 + GST for adults, and Rs 890 + GST for foreigners
To book, visit paradoxmuseummumbai.com