Museum of Illusions launches nationwide Croatia tour and first-ever festival

(Photo credit: Museum of Illusions)

ZAGREB, 27 May 2025 – To mark its 10th anniversary, the Museum of Illusions – which has grown from a local Zagreb concept into a global phenomenon – is launching the inaugural Festival of Illusions. Taking place from 26 to 29 June on Zagreb’s European Square, the festival promises a vibrant programme for all ages. It also kicks off a nationwide pop-up tour bringing illusions to cities across Croatia.

“Exactly ten years ago, an idea that many considered an illusion itself began in Ilica Street, Zagreb. The vision of Roko Živković and Tomislav Pamuković has since transformed into a worldwide success. Today, the original Museum of Illusions celebrates a decade of existence and operates over 60 museums across 26 countries on four continents, with more than 20 million visitors to date,” the museum stated.

The Museum of Illusions is now the world’s largest private museum chain, managed by Croatian company Metamorfoza, based in Zagreb. All illusions and exhibits are created by the museum’s dedicated research and development team in Oroslavje and are exported to locations worldwide.

“Ten years after first opening its doors in a small Zagreb space, the Museum of Illusions has become a symbol of innovation in culture, education, and entertainment. Over the past decade, it has emerged as one of Croatia’s most recognised cultural and tourism exports,” the team added.

Festival of Curiosity, Wonder and Play

The Festival of Illusions is designed to celebrate curiosity, perception, and interactive play. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of educational and entertaining activities, including children’s workshops, a magic show by illusionist Luka Vidović, theatre performances, quizzes, and interactive installations.

For adults, the festival offers Paint & Wine sessions, ceramic painting workshops hosted by the Chia Cups studio, and a unique floral experience by Samonikla’s Kolorflorist brand. Guests will also enjoy pop-up exhibits, music, and a rich culinary offering.

(Photo credit: Museum of Illusions)

Alongside the anniversary celebrations, the museum is using this occasion to express gratitude to its many partners, friends, brands, institutions, franchise family members – and above all – its visitors.

Illusions on the Move: A Nationwide Pop-Up Tour

Running in parallel with the festival is a nationwide Samsung Roadshow that blends illusion and technology in a mobile, interactive format. A specially designed truck is touring six Croatian cities, bringing some of the Museum of Illusions’ most iconic exhibits directly to the public – free of charge and without the need for a ticket.

The tour began at the Sea Star Festival in Umag and will continue throughout June and July with stops in:

• Osijek (3–8 June)

• Crikvenica (10–15 June)

• Bjelovar (18–22 June)

• Zagreb (26–29 June, during the festival)

• Poreč (12–16 July)

• Umag (returning, 19–26 July)

With this unique initiative, the Museum of Illusions continues to captivate audiences of all generations, proving that what started as a bold idea in Zagreb now holds a firm place on the global cultural map.