A museum devoted to paradoxes (meaning “contrary to expectation” or “the true is false and the false is true”) was conceived in Zagreb, capital of Croatia, and the first Paradox Museum debuted in Oslo, Norway, in April 2022. Since then, branches have opened in Stockholm, Paris, Barcelona, and Cyprus, as well as Miami, East Rutherford (New Jersey), Orlando, and most recently Las Vegas, with more coming to Edmonton, New York, Denver, Atlanta, Toronto, and Montreal.
In short, the Paradox Museum is something of a phenomenon.
And no wonder. The Las Vegas venue has upwards of 70 different exhibits, from the Upside Down and Tilted rooms to the Paradox Tunnel, Clone Table, and Infinity Well. In some, it looks as if you’re defying gravity; in others, bodies split in two. One is a mirror maze into which you might regret treading too far; another is a kaleidoscope in which you’ll see hundreds of your own mug. Holograms, Rubin’s vase (or is it two people facing each other in profile?), a face blender (two faces merge into one), a paradox piano (your voice is played back via the keyboard), paradox sofa (a glitch in the matrix), even a clone poker table, to name just a few more, will engage you for at least 45 minutes and up to double that if you take your time and show up in a group.
Employees walk around in what look like QR-code jumpsuits to be of assistance where they can, but this place will be most fun if you go with at least one other person; three or even four might be ideal. That way you can take photos of one another doing the wild and weird. And if you have kids in tow, you’ll all have an unforgettable experience. The informational signs are excellent, naming the paradoxes and describing how to experience them.
As always, the tour ends at the Paradox Boutique gift shop, where you can buy games, clothes, accessories, and gadgets all sporting the paradox theme.
The museum is in the crowded retail area just north of the Showcase Mall, next to Brew Dog and between the Hard Rock and Burlington Coat factory. You walk in and immediately step onto a three-story escalator that whisks you up to the space.
Tickets range from $21 (Nevada kids) to $37 (adults 12-plus) if you buy at the gate, $35 if you pay in advance online; the museum is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.
I just want to give kudos to the IT folks, or whomever, for the “Continue Reading” links which take us to greatly expanded information, not to mention many great pictures, on the topic briefly described. There is already so much to absorb from the Newsletter(s) that I was overlooking the links. I haven’t seen many “comments” to those featured so far, so I hope folks aren’t as un-observant as I was or they will miss a lot of good stuff. Congratulations on the ever-expanding greatness of the newletters!