ST. LOUIS — Starting Friday, folks can perfect Michael Jackson’s anti-gravity lean, poke one’s head onto a dinner plate or take a photo of a friend that looks like they're hanging from a building as a new Museum of Illusions opens at City Foundry.

More than 9,000 square feet of space is dedicated to a variety of optical illusions and visual perception, including the Walk-in Kaleidoscope, Vortex Tunnel and Infinity Room. Each exhibit challenges perception and ignites the senses.

The museum appeals to all ages. 

"It can be a two-year-old running around having the best time of her life and a 70-year-old person engaging with themselves, and also learning," said Elizabeth Santana, vice president of sales and marketing.

“In today’s world, we have to make (education) fun, engaging and exciting, and I think the Museum Illusions has found a way to do that."

In 2015, the Museum of Illusions was founded in Zagreb, Croatia, by Roko Živković and Tomislav Pamuković.  

With nearly 50 locations in 25 countries, the concept has become the largest and fastest-growing chain of private museums globally, according to officials.

"St. Louis has long been a hub of cultural innovation and creativity, and we are thrilled to bring the Museum of Illusions to this dynamic city," said Kim Schaefer, CEO of Museum of Illusions.

"Our goal is to not only entertain but also to inspire curiosity and spark the imagination of everyone who walks through our doors."

Other exhibits feature an enchanting baseball player with wandering eyes, an upside-down smokehouse and a reinterpretation of St. Louis City Hall.

"We wanted to create a space where guests of all backgrounds and abilities could come together to explore, learn, and have fun," said Steve Garmon, general manager for the new St. Louis location.

"The Museum of Illusions St. Louis is not just a museum; it's a place where imagination knows no bounds, and every visitor can become a part of the art."

Friday’s grand opening will feature live music, entertainment, illusion-themed bites and more.

The museum will be open Saturday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, visit the Museum of Illusions website.