MUSCAT, Nov 27 - The ‘Museum of Illusions’, which imparts visual and sensory experiences, together with a truly interactive educational range of games, puzzles and activities, was opened for the public on Monday.
The museum, unveiled in conjunction with Oman’s 47th National Day celebrations, is located within the newly launched expansion of Muscat Grand Mall (MGM) and managed by a young Omani entrepreneur.
“The most common type of illusions is optical. However, there are also auditory and tactile illusions. With our museum, we aim to utilise all three senses to turn the complexities of the brain and nervous system into a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages to enjoy,” says Al Muathar al Wahaibi, Director of the Museum.
The museum, launched by Global Development and Investment LLC in Oman, is the first of its kind in the region and includes the largest single collection of optical illusions in the Middle East.
According to Al Muathar, the museum reached a record on the first day of the soft launch last week with 15,000 visitors.
He told the Observer, “I find an excellent future for the museum as the number of visits is expected to increase.”
With over 70 exhibits, it has the largest collection of holograms, stereograms and optical illusions in the entire Middle East.
“Each of these exhibits has been designed to not only thrill and beguile visitors, but also to provide a unique opportunity from which to learn just how easily a person’s mind can be tricked,” said Al Muathar.
The museum showcases entertaining and mind-bending illusions, each of which teaches about vision, perception, the human brain and science, allowing visitors to understand why their eyes see things that the brain does not understand.
These illusions vary from a gravity-defying slanted room to visual illusions where the person shrinks or grows before their very eyes. There is also a gift shop that offers mind puzzles as well as souvenirs and games suitable for all ages.
“We also have a smart playroom zone with lots of problem-solving games, which will absolutely blow your mind. This museum offers a beguiling and memorable experience you will never forget; and one you can enjoy with the entire family,” adds Al Muathar.
Commenting on his management of the project and his experience as a young Omani entrepreneur, Al Muathar said, “I believe that young Omanis should move towards entrepreneurship, launching innovative projects that are in line with the government guidelines to diversify the country’s sources of income and contribute in achieving its development goals.”
Apart from being a burden for the government to provide enough jobs for young people, career
work also limits creativity and innovation.
His advice to aspiring young Omani job-seekers: “I encourage young people to choose entrepreneurship as it is the best choice to build a prosperous future for themselves and others by providing jobs for the new generation. I’m confident of the success of the project as it supports the tourism sector, which the Sultanate relies on heavily in its vision of economic diversification.”
The museum is now open at MGM and is situated on the first floor of the new mall expansion. Doors are open from 10 am to 10 pm and there is an entrance fee as well.
SAMUEL KUTTY
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