WOW Museum

WOW Museum

Zurich, Switzerland

Within the colorful cityscape of Zurich, the WOW Museum surprises and delights visitors with mind-bending illusions and immersive installations. Part playground, part gallery, and part science lab, this interactive destination flips the senses while inspiring creative curiosity. The experience goes well beyond traditional museums, encouraging guests to become part of the artwork. With each floor and every exhibit, the boundaries between reality and imagination blur in unforgettable and frequently smile-inducing ways.

Visiting Info

Currency
Entrance fee
29 CHF
Hours
Opening hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Contact Information

Location
Address
Werdmühlestrasse 10, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland

Planning your visit

Planning a trip to the WOW Museum rewards a little forethought. Centrally located in Zurich’s downtown, the museum draws crowds, especially during weekends and school holidays. The museum welcomes all ages, from curious young children to adults eager for a dose of wonder. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended, as same-day entry can be limited. Public transport brings visitors steps from the entrance, while elevators and ramps ensure comfort for families and visitors with mobility needs. A typical visit lasts about 90 minutes, but curious guests may want to linger longer.

  • Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or late afternoons to avoid big groups.
  • How to get there: Tram lines 6, 7, 11, and 13 all stop at Bahnhofstrasse/HB, a short walk from the museum. Bus and S-Bahn options serve Zürich Hauptbahnhof nearby.
  • Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible. Strollers and service animals are welcome.
  • Average visit duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace and group size.

Must see stuff

The WOW Museum unfolds across three floors, each filled with optical illusions, perception tricks, and sensory experiments designed to captivate and surprise. Guests pose in upside-down rooms, gaze through infinity mirrors, and step into glowing tunnels that play with scale and balance. Every corner reveals a new photo opportunity or interactive station, blending science and play in equal measure. Returning visitors often notice fresh details, as no two visits feel exactly the same. A few exhibits stand out as absolute essentials for anyone hoping to capture the true spirit of WOW.

  • Infinity Room: Mirrors and lights multiply guests into endless versions—bring a camera for jaw-dropping selfies.
  • Gravity-Defying Spaces: Rooms tipped at wild angles create playful illusions where visitors seem to walk on walls or hang from the ceiling.
  • Light Lab: Experiments with color and shadow invite people to interact physically, learning while having fun.
  • Hidden Optical Puzzles: Throughout the museum, clever installations encourage problem-solving, with local artists adding distinct Zurich flair.
  • Museum’s Window onto the City: A quirky peek at Bahnhofstrasse from a distorted perspective, giving a whimsical frame to Zurich’s main shopping street.
  • Cultural tidbit: The building housing the museum has a past as a traditional department store, blending Zurich’s commercial roots with its modern creative spirit.

Tips for your visit

Getting the most out of the WOW Museum means keeping a few simple tips in mind. While the entire experience is indoors and climate-controlled, the spiral layout and interactive features reward visitors with comfortable shoes and energetic curiosity. Photography is encouraged, but patience helps when waiting for that perfect mirror shot. Some illusions use dramatic lighting, so visitors sensitive to flashes or strobe effects may want to step around particular rooms. Snacks are not allowed inside, but the museum offers a small shop and recommends nearby cafés for a post-visit treat. Young children should be accompanied at all times, as visual tricks can seem disorienting for little ones. Above all, the best visits are unhurried: taking time to experiment with every exhibit makes the magic last.

  • Best times to avoid crowds: Weekdays outside of Swiss school holidays.
  • What to bring: A fully charged phone or camera, comfortable shoes, and an open mind.
  • Local etiquette: Respect other guests’ space when taking photos and moving through exhibitions.
  • Safety/comfort: Watch for sloped floors, and supervise small children in all rooms.
WOW Museum – Tickets, Hours & Visitor Guide