Hollywood’s Most Interactive Museums for the Modern Traveler
Hollywood is a global hub for entertainment and a magnet for visitors seeking to get closer to the magic of the silver screen. While the city is famous for its iconic landmarks and celebrity culture, a new wave of attractions offers a more hands-on and imaginative experience. From mind-bending optical illusions to up-close encounters with cinema history, these cool immersive museums provide unique photo opportunities and a fresh perspective on the world of celebrity and film.
World of Illusions: A Fantastical Photo Journey
Located right in the heart of Hollywood, the World of Illusions is an interactive complex where fantasy and reality blur. This is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun Hollywood experience and creating shareable content. The attraction features multiple distinct areas, including a Museum of Illusions with over 30 3D exhibits where you can pose as if you’re part of the art. Another favorite is the Upside Down House, which contains seven unique rooms that defy gravity, turning your world upside down. The Giant’s House and Smash It room offer additional creative photo backdrops, ensuring you and your friends can capture memorable moments. The museum encourages flash photography and provides helpful guides on the floor to show you the best spots to get the perfect shot.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood: Step into the Limelight
For those who dream of mingling with the stars, Madame Tussauds Hollywood offers a glamorous opportunity to do so, no invitation needed. This world-famous wax museum lets you get up close and personal with lifelike figures of more than 130 classic and modern A-list celebrities, music icons, and movie characters. You can strike a pose on the red carpet, take a selfie with your favorite musician, or share a scene with a famous movie star. The museum features different themed zones, from the Illusions of Horror, where you can brave encounters with Dracula and Hannibal Lecter, to the A-List Party, where you can rub shoulders with Hollywood’s elite. For a more thrilling experience, you can also join your favorite Marvel superheroes in a 4D movie or battle alien robots in the interactive Robot Riot 7D game.
The Hollywood Museum: A Deep Dive into Showbiz History
Housed in the historic Max Factor building just off Hollywood and Highland, the Hollywood Museum is the official museum of Hollywood and a treasure trove of authentic showbiz history. The building itself is a landmark, designed in the Hollywood Regency art deco style and originally home to Max Factor’s world-famous makeup studios. Visitors can explore the preserved makeup rooms where icons like Marilyn Monroe, Lucille Ball, and Judy Garland were transformed into silver screen legends. With four floors of exhibits, the museum boasts one of the most extensive collections of Hollywood memorabilia, including costumes, props, and personal artifacts from movies and TV shows across 100 years of filmmaking. A special “Dungeon of Doom” in the basement, which once served as a speakeasy, features props from classic horror films, including the iconic mask from Silence of the Lambs.
