Unspecified/General

Devoted to the playful art of the optical illusion, the 3D TrickArt Museum in central Berlin invites visitors to become part of the artwork, posing within elaborately painted scenes that appear startlingly three-dimensional when viewed and photographed from the right angle. The museum belongs to a genre of attraction that has grown popular in cities around the world, in which large murals and installations are created using the techniques of forced perspective and trompe-l'oeil so that a flat painting seems to leap into three dimensions, allowing guests to appear to dangle from cliffs, ride fantastical creatures, escape from monsters or stroll through impossible landscapes. Unlike a traditional gallery where works are admired from a distance, here visitors are positively encouraged to touch, climb into and interact with the scenes, striking poses that complete the illusion and capturing amusing and surprising photographs to share. The painted backdrops range across adventure, fantasy, famous landmarks and humorous scenarios, and staff are often on hand to suggest the best angles and poses. The format appeals to families, groups of friends and couples, offering an entertaining and active experience that combines art, photography and play. Its central location makes it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing, and the indoor setting offers a reliable option whatever the weather. Tickets are cheaper booked online in advance, and the museum welcomes visitors throughout the year across the seasons of the calendar. The technique behind the displays, known as anamorphosis, has a long history in the fine arts, where painters have occasionally hidden distorted images that resolve into clarity only from a particular viewpoint, and the museum brings this principle to a popular and accessible setting on a grand scale. Visitors are encouraged to read the markings on the floor that indicate where to stand and how to pose so that the flat painting locks into a convincing illusion of depth when seen through a camera, and the resulting photographs, in which people seem to hang from ledges or interact with painted creatures, are the whole point of the visit. The scenes are refreshed and varied to keep the experience entertaining for repeat visitors, ranging from comic and fantastical to recreations of famous places. Its central position in the city, close to other attractions and good transport, makes it easy to include in a wider itinerary, and as an entirely indoor attraction it offers a dependable option for a rainy afternoon or a lighthearted break from sightseeing.

Type: Tourist Attraction

Address: 185 Friedrichstrasse, Berlin, Germany