Here’s how to get the best pics at Lincoln Road’s new Instagram attraction. Trust us, it’s tricky
Lincoln Road’s new Museum of Illusions is every Instagrammer’s dream.
The museum lets you experience what it’s like to fly above Agrabah on Aladdin’s magic carpet, escape an explosion on a motorcycle like a badass and have your own Indiana Jones-style adventure.
If you have a camera, that is.
The two-story museum plays with your vision and perception by using “amusing and awesome tricks” to create a 3D optical illusion with every snap of your smartphone’s camera.
But this isn’t a Disney ride. You won’t actually feel the wind in your hair or want to scream because a creepy monster spider is trying to eat you.
That’s the whole point.
You need acting chops, an eye for photography and a creative mind to make this work.
You can also use this guide to make sure you get the most Instagrammable pics ever.
Here’s what you need to know:
Location, Location, Location
The museum, 536 Lincoln Road, is literally on the strip.
Park at the 640 17th Street Miami Beach Parking Garage, which is close to Macy’s and Forever 21. The museum is about a two-minute walk away. Once you pass H&M, you’ll see the museum near Guess.
Make sure your phone is ready
The museum has more than a dozen illusions to take pics with, so delete all the unnecessary memes, selfies and duck faces from your camera roll before going. Get your phone all charged up and maybe bring a portable charger with you.
Pro Tip: Need a pose suggestion? Just look for a framed picture near the illusion. It’ll show you a recommended pose to help get your creativity flowing.
Go with a friend
There’s no point in paying $25 to take selfies with only a portion of the illusion.
Sure, you can ask another museum visitor to snap a pic of you, but Miami folks aren’t that friendly. Don’t expect them to become your museum buddy.
Pro tip 1: Most of your museum pictures should be horizontal. Only a few of them, like the hour glass or underwater snake, should be taken vertical.
Pro tip 2: Most of the illusions have a camera symbol on the floor with an arrow. This is the recommended spot to take the photo if you want the best optical illusion effect.
Smartphone tripods are available to rent
If you really want to cruise through the illusions solo or would rather have your entire party in the photos, you can rent out a smartphone-friendly tripod from the museum for $10.
While it’s great for stability, you might have a hard time carrying and setting it up if there’s a decent-sized crowd. You also run the risk of losing your spot when you’re busy trying to switch the tripod’s angle or height.
But you gotta do what you gotta do for the ‘Gram.
Pay attention to details
The illusions are close together so prepare to have people accidentally photobomb you because they’re trying to get a good shot of their kid. You’ll be guilty of it, too.
You and your photographer also need to pay attention. Most of these illusions rely on your attention to detail. Crop the roof out and make sure your foot isn’t outside of the 3D illusion area.
Pro tip: Think about your pose.
You’ll need to rotate the picture on your phone to make it look like you’re upside down for some of these illusions.
Other illusions will require you to look like you’re actually able to touch it.
Take Videos
Some of these optical illusions work really well for video, especially if you don’t mind acting silly.
The best illusion in the museum for video is a hallway filled with toxic waste. It can be found on the second floor and has a lot of potential. You just have to be creative.
Pro Tip: If you can’t take a photo of someone jumping without them being blurry and don’t feel like installing an app, film it in slow motion. Then just pause and screenshot.
This also works if you actually want to have the dramatic slow motion movie effect for some of the other illusions.
Be extra
If you’re someone who really cares about clashing colors or matching a scene’s mood, bring a wardrobe change.
The museum also sells VIP packages that give you a variety of perks, including a session with a photographer who will take your photos, edit them and send them to you within four business days. The “VIP for 1” package costs $80 and the “VIP for 2” package costs $120.
Pro Tip: If you’re a budding model or actor, this might be an opportunity to get some portfolio clips in different genres and settings, with different outfits of course.
Museum of Illusions
Where: 536 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach
Cost: $25 adult, $16 kids 4-12 years old, kids 3 and under free
Info: miaillusions.com
Grand Opening: Dec. 20
This story was originally published December 19, 2019 at 6:00 AM.
