As Manchester's busiest shopping street, you never quite know what to expect on Market Street.
Bustling with shoppers, street traders, performers, and of course those pesky pigeons, you're never too far from some sort of commotion.
Yet tucked away among the usual high street retailers is Manchester's newest museum. It's a bit of a strange location for such an attraction, but step inside and things get even stranger.
The Museum of Illusions opened last autumn, becoming the first in the UK.
Billed as 'one of the world's most Instagrammable museums' exhibits range from holograms and optical tricks to full-scale illusion rooms and playful mirror displays.
We headed along during the Easter holidays to see exactly what this place offers, starting our journey in front of the all-following eyes of mathematician Alan Turing, one of a few nods to Manchester inside the attraction.
Another is the world’s first ever optical illusion centred around a tram inspired by the city's Metrolink, where guests appear to be hanging upside down on-board the specially made carriage.
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As well as the Reverse Room, paying homage to our tram network, there's also an area housing the The Building Illusion, where you can dangle from the terraces and windowsills on buildings that wouldn't look out of place in the Northern Quarter.
We loved the Infinity Room, with mirrors multiplying us as far as the eye could see, and the kids had fun being Head on a Platter in one of the many installations.
In fact there are more than 50 exhibits in all, ranging from simple wall-mounted optical illusions to immersive experiences that challenge both mind and body.
The most stomach churning for us was the Vortex Tunnel, the mind-spinning illusion that makes you feel like you're actually going upside down, and it was so strange seeing ourselves grow and shrink while moving from one side of the room to the other.
Each exhibit comes with an explanation of 'what to do' and 'what's going on' and there are little camera signs dotted about showing you where to stand to get the perfect photos.
Illusion experts are also on hand to help go into more detail, navigate the spaces and even assist with the photo taking if needed.
Our kids ranged from 12 to 16 and seemed the perfect age group to get the most out of the attraction. There's plenty to keep younger ones entertained though, including the Brain Room filled with puzzles and mind games.
You can take as long as you like inside the science-meets-entertainment attraction and we were in there for around an hour.
Tickets, costing from £19.50, can be booked on the website here.
