Celebrating Twist Museum’s Connection to London
Situated just a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus, Twist Museum London is located less than ten minutes from the famous Green Man pub on Berwick Street. This is where The Magic Circle was first formed in the early 1900s by a group of magicians (1), including the famous illusionist David Devant, whose tricks included transforming water into wine and floating assistants in mid-air.
Drawing inspiration from this rich heritage of wonder and stagecraft, the main concept behind Twist Museum London is to encourage visitors to explore the fascinating relationship between the mind and reality. This is achieved through a blend of science and art to showcase sensory paradoxes, providing an immersive experience that literally twists visitors’ understanding of visual, tactile and auditory inputs.
A Vibrant Gallery of Original (Mind-Bending) Art
Twist Museum London is extremely proud of its connection with London and the UK, including its people and its history, and continues to strive to provide the best possible unique experience for visitors. It has therefore worked with acclaimed London-based and other British artists including Patrick Hughes and Tom Lawton to create and display original optical illusion artwork and sculptures. Over a dozen artists feature their mind-binding artworks and installations as part of the museum’s interactive exhibition.
The Fascinating Science of Perception
In addition to various artists, Twist Museum London has worked with the University of Glasgow’s Professor Fiona Macpherson (philosopher of mind, perception, and psychology) to bring to life the science and philosophy of perception and illusion. It has developed an education programme that combines interactive exhibits with exclusive resources linked to specific learning objectives within the UK’s National Curriculum.
Brought to life by teachers in collaboration with Science Magician Dr Matt Pritchard, Twist Museum’s School Resources pack engages students and fosters active learning that ensures continued enthusiasm in the classroom. Whilst taking photos during the exhibition is part of the fun and actively encouraged, the exhibits have something of an old-school museum exhibition feel about them.
Thoughtful Curation for a Meaningful Visit
Given that London is world-renowned for its incredible diversity and quality of museums, Twist Museum London values museum curation with the utmost regard. With curators being the caretakers of our cultural heritage (2), Twist Museum London translates thematic visions into a physical experience that resonates with its visitors. The hands-on exhibitions are designed to be touched, seen, and experienced, challenging visitors’ perception of colour, shape, perspective, touch, and sound.
A Fascinating Voyage Through Time
A Brief History of Magical Illusions
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Ancient Mesopotamia (c. 3000 BCE – 1st Century CE): Known for “temple magic” and the Lota Bowl, a vessel that appeared to refill itself. Architects also used five-legged statues to create the illusion of movement.
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Ancient Egypt (c. 2700 BCE): The Westcar Papyrus records the magician Dedi, who reportedly performed animal resurrections and early versions of the “cups and balls” routine.
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Ancient Greece and Rome (c. 5th Century BCE – 4th Century CE): Greek architects used subtle curves (entasis) to make columns look perfectly straight, while Roman street performers popularised sleight of hand with vinegar cups.
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Medieval Period (c. 500 – 1500 CE): Illusions moved to royal courts with automata (mechanical moving objects). Secret handbooks also taught “party tricks,” like turning water into wine using wine-soaked bread.
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18th and 19th Centuries: Professional illusionists like Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin transitioned magic from street performances to grand, large-scale theatrical stage shows.
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Early 1900s: Magic reached its theatrical peak, leading to the 1905 founding of The Magic Circle in London to protect and advance the secrets of the art.
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