Magic you can touch in Oberhausen. At HOUSE OF MAGIC, you do the illusions, from giant optical tricks to hands-on props inspired by the Ehrlich Brothers. I love the 110+ interactive exhibits because you are not stuck watching from a distance.

What really sells this place is the mix of play and performance. You get puzzle rooms, shadow and mirror illusions, and even a virtual reality flight plus teleportation style effects. It is a great one-stop family outing in a very easy location.

One consideration: it runs on a timed entry, so you need to arrive on schedule, and kids must be with an adult. If you miss your window, you may have to try to join later only if there are spots available.

Key highlights you will care about

• 110+ magical exhibits built for hands-on puzzles, games, and illusions
• Magic workshop with weird objects you can test, like a no-wheel unicycle and an infinite-feeling box
• Shrink-to-mouse scenes inside the Ehrlich suitcase, where everything looks huge
• Shadows and mirrors tricks, including photo-ready invisibility effects
• VR flight and teleportation style experiences for extra wow when you want it
• 360-degree magic cinema where Ehrlich Brothers explain tricks from their live shows

Entering the House of Magic at Westfield Centro Promenade

House of Magic sits right in Westfield Centro in Oberhausen. The easiest route is from the Centro Promenade walkway, then take the escalator from the Promenade up to where you will see the entrance right in front of you. If you are driving, the multi-storey car park 1 is the most convenient, and you can reach the site via level 2.

This matters because the experience is designed to be enjoyed in a smooth flow. You are not hunting across the city or stitching together multiple stops. It is one place, lots of interaction, and you can park without stress.

Also, do a quick check before you go: your ticket is valid only for the selected date and time. So plan to arrive a little early, not right at the start.

What two hours inside really feels like

The entry you buy covers two hours of puzzles, games, and illusions for the whole family. Even though the time window is set, the experience does not feel like a lecture or a scripted tour. Most stations are “try it yourself,” which means you can move at your own pace.

You will likely bounce between different types of challenges. Some rooms are great for quick laughs and photos. Others ask you to slow down and figure out how a trick works. That mix is ideal when different ages have different attention spans.

A practical tip: because there are photo moments everywhere, build in extra minutes even if your plan is strict. The good shots take a second, and some effects are better when you are positioned a certain way.

The magic workshop: hands-on objects that beg you to test them

The first big “wow” zone is the magic workshop. It is full of mysterious objects, and the fun is in experimenting with them. You will see things like a unicycle that appears to turn into a no-wheel version, a book that turns its pages by itself, and a box that feels like it holds an endless store.

This is the core idea behind the whole experience: magic here is not just visual. It is physical and playful, like a puzzle. You will get farther by trying, not by standing still and waiting for the explanation.

The workshop also includes balancing and movement-style stations. Expect setups like teetering on a toothbrush, bouncing on a giant tablet to catch sweets, and making light effects. If you like quirky science demos, you will probably grin through most of these.

Shrink to mouse size in the Ehrlich Brothers suitcase

Then the experience changes scale. You effectively “shrink to the size of a mouse” and land inside the Ehrlich Brothers suitcase, so suddenly your world looks huge. That trick of perspective turns ordinary rooms into something theatrical.

Why I think this works for visitors of all ages: it gives you a built-in sense of story without needing background knowledge. You do not need to know the Brothers. You just need to notice what is made big for you, and then react.

As you move through this zone, look for moments where props and surfaces look out of proportion. Those visual cues are part of how the illusion is staged, and they also make for better photos because the scale reads instantly on camera.

Shadows, mirrors, and invisibility photo moments

Next up is where many people slow down, because shadows and mirrors can be surprisingly convincing. You will find rooms where illusions hide in reflections, and where whimsical sculptures cast surprising images on the wall.

The best part is that these sections are not passive. You can often adjust your position, try different angles, and watch the effect change in front of you. Shadows can take on a life of their own, and mirrors can make visitors appear invisible, at least in the way the setup is designed.

For planning your visit, treat this zone like your “photo hour.” You do not need professional gear, but you do need time. Go a little slower here, especially if you want group shots where everyone is clearly “in” the illusion.

Stage outfits, monster truck selfies, and golden vehicle moments

After the hands-on zones, you get a more performance-oriented section. You can marvel at selected stage outfits of the Ehrlich Brothers. It is a nice change of pace because you stop testing and start looking.

Then the photo opportunities get more playful and very obvious. You can take a selfie in front of a giant monster truck, and also a golden Lamborghini-themed setup. If your group includes teens, these car moments are often the fastest way to get buy-in because they are instantly shareable.

One small consideration: picture spots can get busy at peak times. If you want those vehicle photos without waiting, aim to visit popular selfie points a bit earlier in your time slot.

Virtual reality flight and teleportation: the tech stops the guessing game

If you like the wow factor, this is where it ramps up. There is a daring flying skills test in a virtual reality ride. The idea is simple to understand even if you have never used VR before, and it adds a different texture to the day beyond traditional exhibits.

Right after that, you can experience teleportation. Until you try it in this setting, teleportation is basically science fiction. Here, you get a live experience of what it feels like to be teleported from one place to another.

These tech moments are great for mixed-age groups because they act like a “shared headline.” Adults often enjoy them too, even if they are skeptical about magic tricks. Your job is just to follow directions and give the experience your attention for a few minutes.

If you prefer low-tech activities, you can still enjoy most of the museum without lingering in VR too long. But if VR is a must for your group, plan your time so you do not end up rushing at the end of your two hours.

Ehrlich Brothers magic tricks in 360-degree cinema

Magic lessons show up in two ways. First, guides bring cool magic tricks during the visit. If you want to learn, you can pick up a few tricks, with an extra emphasis on a trick from the Brothers’ live show.

Second, there is a 360-degree cinema element where the Ehrlich Brothers explain a trick on-screen. This is an important detail because it turns the visit from “look, wow, walk through” into “I can try this at home later.” Even if your first attempt is clumsy, it is still a win because you will be repeating a real piece of the experience.

There is also a free online workshop with the Ehrlich Brothers included. That extends the value beyond the two hours on site, especially for kids who want a souvenir activity that is not just a photo.

Photo and video strategy: where to aim your phone

You can take photos and videos throughout the House of Magic. That sounds straightforward, but the trick is knowing where your best results come from.

I recommend three tactics:

1. Use shadows and mirrors as your first priority for visual clarity.
2. Go for the big scale moments next, like the suitcase “mouse size” effect.
3. Save VR and teleportation for last if you need to recharge your brain between rooms.

Also, some attractions are better when you are positioned correctly. So if you take a photo and it looks off, do not panic. Move half a step. Wait for the right angle. Then try again.

One more note: food and drinks are not allowed inside, so if your plan includes snacks, handle that outside the exhibition area. It helps you keep the day focused and keeps you from feeling distracted later.

Rules that affect families, and who should skip it

This place is designed for family fun, but the rules are real. Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and children may only participate if accompanied by an adult. There is also a clear age threshold: it is not suitable for children under 3.

Medical considerations matter too. It is not suitable for people with epilepsy. If that applies to someone in your group, you should skip this attraction.

You also should know what you cannot bring in. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, smoking is not allowed, and weapons or sharp objects are not allowed. Pets are not allowed either. These are standard safety rules, but they can change your day if you were planning to bring something “just in case.”

Finally, keep an eye on the “be on time” rule. If you arrive late, they will try to let you join later only if there are enough places available.

Is anything showing wear and tear

One practical drawback to keep in mind: some interactive elements can look like they could use better upkeep. That does not ruin the day, but it means you should expect a bit of “hands-on attraction” reality. Magic props get touched a lot, and over time they can show it.

The upside is that the overall mix of exhibits, the big perspective scenes, and the tech moments still create a full experience. Even if one station is a little less perfect than you hoped, you still have plenty of other things to try.

Should you book HOUSE OF MAGIC powered by Ehrlich Brothers?

You should book if your group loves hands-on challenges, optical illusions, and lighthearted “try it yourself” fun. The price, listed at about $29 per person, is easy to justify because you get a full two-hour block, 110+ interactive exhibits, plus VR and 360-degree cinema elements. It is also in a very convenient spot at Westfield Centro, with free parking at nearby garages.

You might want to skip if you need a quiet, sit-down museum experience, or if anyone in your group cannot handle the kind of effects used in the attraction. Also, if you struggle with timed entry and you tend to arrive late, plan extra buffer time.

If you want the best day, arrive early in your time slot, give yourself room for the photo zones, and treat the workshop and shadows-and-mirrors rooms as your main targets. That is where the magic feels most hands-on and most satisfying.

FAQ

How long is the House of Magic experience?

Your ticket covers two hours of puzzles, games, and illusions.

How much does a ticket cost?

The price is listed as $29 per person.

Where is the House of Magic located?

It is directly at the Westfield Centro Promenade in Oberhausen. From the Promenade, take the escalator and you will be right in front of the House of Magic.

Is there free parking near the entrance?

Yes. Free parking is available at Centro in multi-storey car park 1 and multi-storey car park 2. From multi-storey car park 1, you can reach the site via level 2.

Can I take photos and videos inside?

Yes. You can take photos and videos everywhere in the House of Magic.

Is there virtual reality and teleportation?

Yes. There is a virtual reality ride for flying skills, and you can also experience teleportation in the House of Magic.

Do birthday children get free admission?

Yes. Birthday children of all ages get free admission when they present their identity card.

What is not allowed at the House of Magic?

Unaccompanied minors are not allowed. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, smoking is not allowed, and weapons or sharp objects are not allowed. Food and drinks are not allowed, and pets are not allowed either.