Early one morning, we headed to Chippendale to experience what is touted as Sydney’s most interactive immersive art and illusion museum, Mind Games Art Alive!
Featuring over 70 mind-bending exhibits over two floors, I can almost guarantee you that this hands-on museum will keep your kids (including teens) amused for quite some time, and they will also want you to be part of their experience. Winning!
Sydney’s Most Interactive Art and Illusion Museum
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Please note, the Kid Bucket List is a Fever Ambassador and were invited to experience Mind Games for ourselves. We absolutely loved the experience. We receive a small commission on tickets using our discount code.
What Will We See at Mind Games Art Alive Museum?
The first thing you need to know about this museum is that you must interact with each exhibit to get the most out of the experience. All senses will be tried and tested across the many rooms, and you may even wish to use your phone to capture your escapades. The kids will LOVE it!
Cameras and phones are highly encouraged throughout the experience, with your screen providing you with the perfect frame for your adventure.
Highlight Exhibits: Brain-Teasing and Interactive Experiences
There are two floors of rooms, each providing a different experience, whether it is exploring an illusion or interacting with a space. The radical thing about this museum is that it will test all of your senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
We enjoyed every moment exploring Mind Games, but a few of the exhibits really stood out.
Memory Lane
Memory Lane was one of the very first interactive stations that we came across, and it was so nostalgic, taking me back in time through smell. I never imagined coming across a space where scent would be explored.
Memory Lane consists of five smelling pipes. Place your face near the opening and close your eyes while inhaling.
There are five riddles to help you work out what you are smelling. Smell, then lift the flap to see if you are right.
- The smell of fresh starts and Sunday mornings.
- The taste of childhood rebellion, wrapped in pink.
- Summer in a single breath.
- Warm, sweet, and worth the wait.
- Smoke, stories and starlight.
Sofa Surprise
This is one of the first great photo opportunities on the first floor. Sofa Surprise reminded me of the couch in Beetlejuice, where he finds himself sitting between a torso and legs. So funny! We had to recreate a version of this for ourselves.
This exhibit allows you to split your torso from your legs and feet, creating a hilarious visual effect that will have you all astounded. Super fun.
To help you capture your experience on film, the Mind Games team have little circles on the ground which indicate where the perfect angle is for each shot
Central Station
This is an upside-down space, or rather, subway. Bubble-gum pink, this space provides the opportunity for you to go upside down (through the lens of your camera). There’s bound to be a Mind Games staff member nearby who will capture your shots here as you will want every member of the family involved. They’ll even show you some of the next positions for the perfect snap.
Holographic Moon Room
This is bound to be a favourite with the younger ones in your crew. Grab the glasses from the wall, put them on and head into the Holographic Moon Room and look up. You’ll be transported into space.
The wonders of the universe will come to life before your eyes. Watch as astronauts appear right in front of you, seemingly real yet created entirely from laser generated holograms that you can reach out and pass your hand through. Continue your journey by exploring the International Space Station and venturing all the way to the Moon, all within one unforgettable adventure.
Mirror Maze
Whilst not one of the longest mazes we’ve found our way through, Mind Game’s Mirror Maze has 5 hidden QR codes to collect. We loved finding these throughout the maze, dashing through as quickly as we could to discover them all. Find them all, and you can collect a prize at the gift shop at the exit.
Rotating Tunnel
The rotating tunnel always provides lots of hysterics for our family as the kids love watching me experience vertigo and a loss of equilibrium. My brain just can’t make sense of the conflicting signals from their bodies and senses which means that I tend to loose my balance and struggle to walk through in a straight line. This causes much laughter for everyone.
Challenge your crew to walk through the tunnel, slowly and maintain a straight line. Some of you won’t be able to do it at all!
Camouflage
Don one of the camouflage capes, blend into the wall and let the eyes do the rest. This is the perfect spot to play “where’s Mum?” with the kids. Hide before they get there as see if they can find you. Another hilarious spot.
Optical Illusions
Throughout the two floors you will come across a range of optical illusions on the walls. Make sure you stop at each one, read the the instructions and then let the magic unfold. Both you and the kids will be in awe of how easily your eyes are deceived.
Face Switch
You will need two members of your group to experience the Face Switch activity. With the mirror panel in the middle, you will need to stand on opposite sides and look straight ahead. You’re reflection will become a mash up of the two of you.
Maze Search + FREE Gift
Don’t forget to bring your mobile phone along so you can collect the QR codes through the Mirror Maze. Collect all five and you can grab a sweet treat for all members of your group at the gift shop on the way out!
Planning Your Trip to Mind Games Art Alive!
Opening Hours: 10.00 am to 8.00 pm each day of the week
Duration: You will need 60 – 90 minutes
Location: Level 1&2 | 154-160 Broadway St Chippendale
Age Recommendation: All ages welcome, but I suggest 4+ so they can enjoy the immersive spaces
Tickets: Tickets start at $39.00. Use code “THEKIDBUCKETLIST10” for a discount at checkout. Head across to Mind Games to check pricing.
Accessibility: Spanning two levels, the lift is currently
Where to Park
If you are driving in to the city to experience Mind Games, park at Broadway Sydney for 2 hours free. If wishing to stay longer, I suggest prebooking Market City Car Park for the day, which is one of the cheaper city parking options.
Otherwise, Mind Games isn’t too far from Central Station,
We hope you enjoy your adventure!
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