Surfing giant waves? Easy. Crossing wobbly wooden bridges across waterfalls? Piece of cake. Fighting off dinosaurs? Walk in the park. Billed as the largest interactive art museum in the world, Art in Paradise opened in Chiang Mai in July 2013. And it’s certainly a sanuk experience that will provide you with plenty of photo opportunities to amuse your family and friends.
What is illusion art?
According to the Korean artists behind the work:
Illusion art is a sensory perception that causes a distorted or altered impression. Since illusion is not the opposite of reality, the effect of illusion one experiences is neither true nor false.
The illusion of depth in paintings and installation art are presented as two-dimensional surfaces by combining a variety of art elements, special techniques and professional skills. This transforms ordinary artworks into extraordinary three-dimensional interactive environments.
In other words, it’s very clever and a lot of fun.
Some of the exhibits have directions showing you the best place to take photos or explaining how to interact to get the optimum 3-D effect. In most cases you need to take off your shoes to protect the artwork so wear footwear that is easy to slip on and off.
When I first visited, the museum proved to be much bigger than I expected. I’ve now been twice and on each occasion it’s taken around 2.5 hours to go around. It’s a really fun place to visit and one that can be enjoyed by all the family. If you go by yourself you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding somebody to take a photo for you as you pose with the exhibits, but there’s sure to be more smiles and laughter if you can go with friends or family.
Opening times and entrance fees
Art in Paradise Chiang Mai is open daily 09.00 – 21.00.
Allow at least 2 hours to go round the exhibits and take photos.
Price for adults is 300 Baht (Thai adults 180 Baht) and 200 Baht for children (Thai children 120 Baht).
An attached restaurant and coffee shop serves food and drinks.
Location
Art in Paradise is located within walking distance of the Night Bazaar in the Sea Suan Plaza Building (big white building) on Changklan Road in between the Shangri La and Empress hotels. There is also another Art in Paradise venue located in Pattaya.
