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Camera Obscura and The World of Illusions
Address: Camera Obscura, Castlehill, City of Edinburgh, EH1 2NDTel: 0131 226 3709
Opening Hours:
July and August 09.30 - 19.30, September and October 09.30 - 18.00
November - March 10.00 - 17.00, April - June 09.30 - 18.00
Originally founded in the 1850’s by optician Maria Theresa Short, Camera Obscura and The World of Illusions is housed in the striking Outlook Tower at the summit of the Royal Mile near Edinburgh Castle and the Castle Esplanade. This fascinating attraction in Edinburgh’s Old Town offers visitors five stunning showcases and presents the magic of photography and optical illusions in a captivating and engaging manner.
Situated on the 6th floor of the Outlook Tower, The Dark Room itself features an awe-inspiring live motion panoramic vista of Edinburgh’s dramatic cityscape where you will be able to identify some of the neighbouring structures and prominent landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and The Scott Monument. On approach to the room itself, visitors are rewarded with an exquisite visual feast of art work, pinhole photography and intriguing exhibits of camera obscuras that adorn the staircase, each providing a point of interest as you climb up to the 6th floor.
At appointed times, visitors are filed into the camera obscura to marvel at the spectacular array of optical illusions and photographic trickery and welcomed by an experienced and animated guide who presents a 15 minute demonstration of the darkened room. Between presentations, the lights can be switched on to give you the opportunity to take your own photographs of the interior of the room. .
Following your visit to the Camera Obscura, The Magic Gallery offers both children and adults a unique and entertaining experience, showcasing 200 years of spectacular optical illusions and hands-on fun. Spy at passers-by outside and be amazed as you catch your shadow and visualise external objects on the palm of your hand.
The Light Fantastic is a must see exhibit featuring an amazing hologram display and the truly magnificent Edinburgh Vision where you can view Edinburgh’s contrasting cityscapes in 3D. Light Fantastic also incorporates a host of live city view cams that you control and operate with the palm of your hand, giving you close up snippets of various sections of the city.
Complimenting your visit to Camara Obscura and the World Of Illusions, visitors are rewarded with magnificent 360 degree panoramic vistas across Edinburgh and beyond from the rooftop terrace. Take a look through the 'Superscope', the most technologically advanced public telescope in the UK where you can see for miles on end, across the Forth to the Kingdom of Fife.
To complete the full visitor experience to this unique attraction in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, why not browse through the award-winning shop situated on the ground floor of the Outlook Tower, retailing a stunning range of curiosities, holograms, books, films and products associated with the world of photography and optical illusions.
A reasonable entrance fee is incurred at £6.45 for adults, £5.15 for concessions and £4.15 for children to experience a sensational visual feast at one of the world’s oldest and finest Camera Obsucras.
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