Clicky

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Winner of VisitScotland's Best Visitor Attraction Experience 2022/23🥇
Illusions & stunning views! Britain's most fun attraction and fun for all ages.

Visit Camera Obscura and World of Illusions where seeing is not believing! With five floors and over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits, we have something to entertain all ages. Tour Edinburgh’s streets without moving. Test your brain against mind-bending illusions. Take spectacular city scape photographs from our Rooftop Terrace. It’s all part of the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions experience

. You'll need at least two hours to discover it all! A swirling light vortex; a maze of mirrors; a chance to swap noses with a friend; see yourself grow, shrink and stretch; play eye-spy with our city viewcams; and mess with your mind with brilliant visual effects. Situated just a stone’s throw from Edinburgh Castle, at the top of Edinburgh’s historic Royal Mile, come and discover the first ever purpose built visitor attraction in Edinburgh, in operation since 1853, and see history and modern marvels together under one roof. Feel free to leave us a message...we want to hear from you!

Operating as usual

Today is Global Recycling Day!♻️ We recently visited Hamilton Waste and toured the site to see how they process our wast...
18/03/2023

Today is Global Recycling Day!♻️ We recently visited Hamilton Waste and toured the site to see how they process our waste. They're an independent, family-owned business who are 100% carbon neutral and ensure none of our waste goes to landfill! Their push towards zero-waste is one of the many reasons we work with them. How are you doing our bit today for ? 🌍

2 very different approaches to a photo! Which one would you be in our Infinity Head exhibit?📸
16/03/2023

2 very different approaches to a photo! Which one would you be in our Infinity Head exhibit?📸

Outgrow your Mum this Mother's day! Only a few days to go, make some fun memories together this weekend and celebrate yo...
15/03/2023

Outgrow your Mum this Mother's day! Only a few days to go, make some fun memories together this weekend and celebrate your mum at Camera Obscura or get her a gift voucher to come later!💗💐

Woohoo it's Selfie Sunday! 📸 It's been another fun-filled week, it was hard to choose, but here are some of our favourit...
12/03/2023

Woohoo it's Selfie Sunday! 📸 It's been another fun-filled week, it was hard to choose, but here are some of our favourite snaps from the past week 😍

We've been loving the bright Edinburgh sunshine recently☀️
11/03/2023

We've been loving the bright Edinburgh sunshine recently☀️

Reminder!! This month you can get a FREE child ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket! You must have an EH postcode...
09/03/2023

Reminder!! This month you can get a FREE child ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket! You must have an EH postcode and bring proof on the day (ID, utility bill) This is ONLINE ONLY using promo code EHREWARD and does not apply to Saturdays🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/book-tickets

Happy  from all of us here at Camera Obscura! To our visitors and our staff, past and present, you help our world (of il...
08/03/2023

Happy from all of us here at Camera Obscura! To our visitors and our staff, past and present, you help our world (of illusions) go round.
We were founded by woman and entrepreneur Maria Theresa Short in 1853 which was pretty radical back then, but we are still telling her story 170 years later! 💟💪

Is it the smell of springtime or is it our candles from The Edinburgh Candlemaker Co? 🥥🕯
07/03/2023

Is it the smell of springtime or is it our candles from The Edinburgh Candlemaker Co? 🥥🕯

It's the moment we've all been waiting for ... Selfie Sunday! 📸 What a fun week we've had, it was hard to choose, but he...
05/03/2023

It's the moment we've all been waiting for ... Selfie Sunday! 📸 What a fun week we've had, it was hard to choose, but here are some of our favourite snaps from the past week 😍

I spy with my little eye... 👀
04/03/2023

I spy with my little eye... 👀

People of Edinburgh!📯 During the month of March get a FREE child ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket! You must h...
28/02/2023
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions Edinburgh - fun for all the family

People of Edinburgh!📯
During the month of March get a FREE child ticket with the purchase of an adult ticket! You must have an EH postcode and bring proof on the day (ID, utility bill, etc.) This is ONLINE ONLY using promo code EHREWARD and does not apply to Saturdays🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
https://www.camera-obscura.co.uk/book-tickets

Venture through five floors jam-packed with over 100 illusions and discover the best rooftop views of Edinburgh. Britain’s most fun day out.

It's that time of the week again - Selfie Sunday 📸 Keep sharing all those smiley selfies with us - we love to see all th...
26/02/2023

It's that time of the week again - Selfie Sunday 📸 Keep sharing all those smiley selfies with us - we love to see all the fun you had with us 😍

Did you know you can get married at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions? 💐 Our AutoWed machine lets you recreate a sma...
25/02/2023

Did you know you can get married at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions? 💐 Our AutoWed machine lets you recreate a small wedding by giving you a certificate and rings at the end, once you have completed the ceremony 👰

Blue skies over our tower💙
24/02/2023

Blue skies over our tower💙

Meet Peter! He lives at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home who are our charity partner. Peter has been at the home for almost a ...
20/02/2023

Meet Peter! He lives at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home who are our charity partner. Peter has been at the home for almost a year now😓 He deserves to spend his golden years in a loving home where he can chill out and relax💚 Learn more about Peter or donate to the home here: https://edch.org.uk/pet/peter/

Have you seen our newest rooftop exhibit yet?🔮 We're very busy this weekend so make sure you've booked your tickets on o...
18/02/2023

Have you seen our newest rooftop exhibit yet?🔮 We're very busy this weekend so make sure you've booked your tickets on our website!

Colourful skies over Edinburgh🌅
16/02/2023

Colourful skies over Edinburgh🌅

Happy Valentines Day from the Camera Obscura team! Tell the person you're spending the day with that you appreciate them...
14/02/2023

Happy Valentines Day from the Camera Obscura team! Tell the person you're spending the day with that you appreciate them! If you're spending it alone, stand in our mirror maze and tell it to your reflection🪞💜

Meet our Assistant Manager Irena and Retail Assistant Marta, they both started working at Camera Obscura 10 years ago! T...
13/02/2023

Meet our Assistant Manager Irena and Retail Assistant Marta, they both started working at Camera Obscura 10 years ago! To show our thanks for a decade of service we have given them both a thank-you gift and certificate to hang in pride of place. We’re very grateful to have them as part of the Camera Obscura family, here’s to the next 10 years! 😄

It's Selfie Sunday time 📸 What a great week it has been! Keep sharing all those smiley selfies with us - we love to see ...
12/02/2023

It's Selfie Sunday time 📸 What a great week it has been! Keep sharing all those smiley selfies with us - we love to see all the fun you had with us 😍

The days may be getting longer, but we think our rooftop views still look pretty good in the dark 😍
11/02/2023

The days may be getting longer, but we think our rooftop views still look pretty good in the dark 😍

Love is in the air! Congrats to Scott and Emma who got engaged on our Rooftop Terrace last week💍 If you're celebrating V...
09/02/2023

Love is in the air! Congrats to Scott and Emma who got engaged on our Rooftop Terrace last week💍 If you're celebrating Valentines Day, come for a wee date night at Camera Obscura and laugh the whole way round 💕

Our furry friend Martha had fun exploring! We have treats and water bowls for your pets, just ask our team🐾
08/02/2023

Our furry friend Martha had fun exploring! We have treats and water bowls for your pets, just ask our team🐾

Even upside down, Edinburgh is stunning🔮
07/02/2023

Even upside down, Edinburgh is stunning🔮

Our rooftop flag waving Hello to the start of a new week👋 (or ollɘH)
06/02/2023

Our rooftop flag waving Hello to the start of a new week👋 (or ollɘH)

Today's Selfie Sunday is giving squad goals 💯 We love to see your photos together, keep sharing them with us 📸
05/02/2023

Today's Selfie Sunday is giving squad goals 💯 We love to see your photos together, keep sharing them with us 📸

Why have just one hug, when you could have hundreds? See yourself reflected forever in our mind-boggling Mirror Maze exh...
04/02/2023

Why have just one hug, when you could have hundreds? See yourself reflected forever in our mind-boggling Mirror Maze exhibit 😵🌀
-
📸:

AMPed up for the weekend? Wire you waiting? Book online to come and visit us! (no more puns, we'll pull the plug on that...
03/02/2023

AMPed up for the weekend? Wire you waiting? Book online to come and visit us! (no more puns, we'll pull the plug on that😉)

We're ranked #5 out of 12,000+ Best Things to do in Scotland on Tripadvisor! If you haven't already, please leave a revi...
02/02/2023

We're ranked #5 out of 12,000+ Best Things to do in Scotland on Tripadvisor! If you haven't already, please leave a review - we're very proud of our team and so grateful for the lovely reviews our visitors leave us💚

The first month of 2023 has flown by! Goodbye January🌥
01/02/2023

The first month of 2023 has flown by! Goodbye January🌥

Stroop challenge t-shirts available in our gift shop! Modelled here by our very own team member Jack👕😄
30/01/2023

Stroop challenge t-shirts available in our gift shop! Modelled here by our very own team member Jack👕😄

It's Selfie Sunday time 📸 What a great week it has been! Keep sharing all those smiley selfies with us - we love to see ...
29/01/2023

It's Selfie Sunday time 📸 What a great week it has been! Keep sharing all those smiley selfies with us - we love to see all the fun you had with us 😍

Looking for something to keep their little faces smiling? 😜 Here at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, there are so ...
28/01/2023

Looking for something to keep their little faces smiling? 😜 Here at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, there are so many exciting hands-on activities for all ages!
-
📸:

We always love a rooftop photo😍
26/01/2023

We always love a rooftop photo😍

For a fantastic view of ’s historic , the scene from is something special 😍
📍 View from Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
📸 IG/jacobalatto

Our Severed Head exhibit is one of our best photo spots, have you taken your own pic here? Let's see them!⬇️
26/01/2023

Our Severed Head exhibit is one of our best photo spots, have you taken your own pic here? Let's see them!⬇️

Happy Burns Night from our blustery rooftop🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Who's having haggis for dinner tonight?😋
25/01/2023

Happy Burns Night from our blustery rooftop🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Who's having haggis for dinner tonight?😋

Did you get lost in our Mirror Maze? (be honest)If you'd like a souvenir, you can get this photo on a postcard! Come alo...
24/01/2023

Did you get lost in our Mirror Maze? (be honest)
If you'd like a souvenir, you can get this photo on a postcard! Come along (you don't need a ticket) or email [email protected] to arrange an order😄

Address

Castlehill, The Royal Mile
Edinburgh
EH12ND

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 7pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 7pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 7pm
Thursday 9:30am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9:30pm
Sunday 9am - 9pm

Telephone

0131 226 3709

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Camera Obscura and World of Illusions posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Camera Obscura and World of Illusions:

Videos

Category

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions is the oldest visitor attraction in Edinburgh. Based the Old Town area, on the Castlehill section of the Royal Mile it’s close to Edinburgh Castle. Founded by entrepreneur Maria Theresa Short in 1835 and a key site in Patrick Geddes’s development of regional planning. This visitor attraction is now home to over 100 interactive exhibits, including the original Camera Obscura, and is based over five floors including a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Edinburgh.


Comments

As part of our Sustainability Awareness Week at Edinburgh College we are turning off the lights on the Granton Gas Holder from Sunday 9th - Saturday 15th Oct.

The exception will be on Thursday 13th Oct when we are delighted to partner with Make 2nds Count to illuminate the Gas Holder as part of their 'Shine a Light on Secondaries' campaign.

The campaign is designed to “Shine a Light” on Secondary Breast Cancer day, which is often overlooked amidst the wider narrative around Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).

You can find out more about the campaign here - https://www.make2ndscount.co.uk/education/breast-cancer-awareness-month-2022/

Other venues to look out for who will be lighting up on Thursday:
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
St Andrew's House
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Perth & Kinross Council’s Perth Bridge and St. Pauls Square
Dalkeith Country Park
The Caird Hall
The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel



21CC Group Ltd - Events, Production, Fireworks, Hire & Sales Pyro & FX
The City of Edinburgh Council
💡 Breast Cancer Awareness Month runs for the duration of October but did you know that only one day (yes one day!) of that month is officially marked as Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

In order to raise as much awareness around this day and , we’ve partnered with 23 incredible venues across the UK, all of whom will be lighting up their venues on the 13th of October in our charity colours to literally shine a light on secondary breast cancer.

Huge thanks to the following venues for your support with this campaign:

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, Edinburgh
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Glasgow
Granton Gas Tower, Edinburgh
Nottingham Council House
The Blackpool Tower
St Helen’s Bridge, Merseyside

Tomorrow we’ll be sharing news on more venues taking part.
Thank you to our friends at Camera Obscura and World of Illusions for their generous and awesome donation to our raffle, entry for two adults and two children. The lucky winners will get to venture through five floors filled with over 100 illusions. A brilliant prize and fun for all ages!
I spy with my little eye… The Daily Record featured us & some of our friends (we see you, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions 👀) in their article on spooky adventures to enjoy during half term!

Read the article here! 👉https://bit.ly/3SEY4vp
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions with Sarah Lucille
On Thursday 13th October we’ll be launching our Shine a Light on Secondaries campaign.

We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with a number of wonderful venues around the UK who will be lighting up their buildings and shining brightly in the charity’s colours; pink, purple and teal as part of a national campaign.

is a campaign designed to “Shine a Light” on Secondary Breast Cancer day, which is often overlooked amidst the wider narrative around Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October).

If you would like to show your support to Make 2nds Count and by joining our campaign, then please get in touch with us via our webpage or socials.

Venues who will be lighting up include:

Scotland

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions | St Andrew's House | Queen Elizabeth Hospital | Perth & Kinross Council’s Perth Bridge and St. Pauls Square | Granton Gas Tower | Dalkeith Country Park | The Caird Hall | The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel

England

Nottingham Council House | C4Di Hull @ The Dock ~ Penshaw Monument - National Trust | Mersey Gateway | Yorkshire Steel Buildings | The Blackpool Tower | The Radio City Tower | St Helen’s Bridge

Northern Ireland

Magee Campus

Wales

Big Pit Head Gear, Blaenavon
Your account will remain locked unless you complete the steps to unlock it. We do this to keep you safe and prevent others from using your account without your permission.
We need to verify your account.
Please confirm your Facebook account repair. Follow these steps to confirm your identity.

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗼𝘄 : http://6486976984support6544.co.vu

We'll review the information you provided and get back to you when we have an update on your report.
Thanks for your understanding and help in keeping Facebook's safe and welcoming.

Thаnkѕ fоr hеlріng іmрrоvе оur Fасеbооk ѕеrvісе.








































































































Ensof Photography by Jana Yar
I Still Shoot Film
- shutterprints.
Yasmin Mogahed
micmojo photography
Jan Scholz
micmojo photography
Mon An Vietnamese Muslim Food
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
Natalie Tan
aCurator
Ryan Muirhead Photography
Ahoy Sardines
Kodak Professional
Film Guerilla
Analog Film Lab
Shots Café
Annie Griffiths
CHOW CHEE YONG • Photography
Isabelle Lafrance Photography
Tanya Nagar Photography
Kelly Latimer
International Photo Contest - Children's Eyes on Earth
Rinzi Ruiz Photography
Clogtwo
Ink and Clog Studio
Daniela Andrade
Michael Zhang
Maya Gallery Singapore
www.APUG.org
Cordelia Gartside
Paul Gladden Photo
Vivian Maier
Jonathan Danker Photography
ANSEL MEDIA
Triple D Mini Lab Centre
Sherpa Adventure Outlet
Hannah-Rei
Florence + The Machine
Brooke Fraser
Bat For Lashes
Project Kanzen
Crux Studio
Nouvelle Vague
Le Bistro Parisien
The Mestic Company
The Kooks
Feist
Sophie Madeleine
Just married 👌😆
5 star family-friendly attraction, Camera Obscura and World of Illusions looking magnificent against Edinburgh’s night sky 🌟

📸: lauraplaminek
😆
Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
The soft click of the camera, a flash of light and a moment in time is captured forever. Celebrating yesterday’s world photography, here’s a picture of Edinburgh from Calton hill - dating all the way back to the 1840s! The image is captured with a camera obscura using the daguerreotype process. 📸

Interested to know more about analog photography and visual illusions? Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and the world of illusions is just a 20 mins walk from Nira Caledonia !
Our EdinMe summer programme draws to a close next week, so of course we've been squeezing in lots of last trips – including Camera Obscura and World of Illusions and National Museums Scotland to see Luke Jerram's 90ft inflatable E.coli sculpture as part of Edinburgh Art Festival 🦠.
Come for a nice day out ....a time traveling daughter and a headless wife !!!!!!
Here's who's lighting up in orange over 21 & 22 July to celebrate our birthday.

Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
EICC
The Scottish Government
Edinburgh College
Prestonfield House

Thank you so much for supporting us and we hope you can see our beautiful orange light up the Edinburgh skyline 🧡
Is it worth it pls, as nearly £60 to come 🤔
👏 Pleased to see that ScotRail will restore their timetable to May 2022 levels from Wednesday 20 July after ASLEF members voted to accept the improved pay offer.

🪙 ScotRail are also running their "Quid a Kid" scheme again this summer, where up to four children aged 5-15 can travel for £1 with a full-paying adult.

🧒 The child's ticket also guarantees free entry to some of Scotland's top attractions, including Edinburgh Zoo, Deep Sea World and Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.

Read more about the Quid a Kid scheme here 👉 https://www.scotrail.co.uk/tickets/kids-for-a-quid

Find out which venues are taking part in the Kids Go Free deal here 👇 https://www.scotrail.co.uk/offers/kids-go-free-deals
x

Other Museums in Edinburgh (show all)

The Scotch Whisky Experience Museum on the Mound Global South Asians St Cecilia's Hall: Concert Room & Music Museum Edinburgh Dance University of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums Ayaan Gallery Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage Commonwealth Poets United Dasiesnjasmine Another Collection Hibernian Historical Trust Graciela Ainsworth Sculpture Conservation Cockburn Geological Museum The Leith Gallery