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Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh

4.5
#1 of 160 in Childrens Museums in United Kingdom
Observation Deck · Science Museum
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For a weirdly wonderful and unique view of Edinburgh, head to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions. The camera obscura itself sits in the roof and features a set of mirrors and lenses that project moving images of the city onto a screen. You'll be able to pick up projected pedestrians in your hands and redirect traffic over paper bridges. The guide narrates an entertaining history of Edinburgh while you experiment. Throughout the rest of the building, you can observe and play with all sorts of other optical tricks. Your entrance fee enables you to come and go as you want throughout the day, and you can return the next day for free if there more exhibits you want to see. Put Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and other Edinburgh attractions into our Edinburgh trip itinerary planning site, and watch your holiday take shape.
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Camera Obscura and World of Illusions reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
15,686 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • This was our favourite activity in the whole of Edinburgh. Super fun and really interesting, plus great views of the city. It would probably be less fun at peak times, it was pretty quiet when we... 
    This was our favourite activity in the whole of Edinburgh. Super fun and really interesting, plus great views of the city. It would probably be less fun at peak times, it was pretty quiet when we...  more »
  • Lots of history along with some wacky illusions and mind bending interactive activities. The camera show was full of history and good fun 
    Lots of history along with some wacky illusions and mind bending interactive activities. The camera show was full of history and good fun  more »
Google
  • Great way to spend time indoors. Cool layout and a lot of interesting things to explore, plus it’s a historical site too. Staff were just as excited to be there and a lot of fun. Also, super dog friendly! They even had biscuits up front (including cat treats - they said they have had 1 cat visit). It ultimately made the experience even more fun having our entire party together and seeing how a dog reacts to some illusions. Definitely worth a visit!
  • It was really fun and exciting. Great place to take kids with you. I enjoyed it a lot and so did the kids, loads of lights and things to interact with. The rooftop view is incredible! Even though it was a bit windy and foggy it was an amazing view. One place that everyone MUST visit

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