Excitement is growing as Camera Obscura and World of Illusions puts the finishing touches to its highly anticipated renovation, set to launch just two weeks today.

Edinburgh’s oldest purpose-built visitor attraction will open the doors to its £1.2m extension on Tuesday 06 July, unveiling a collection of brand new exhibits including a number of Scotland and UK exclusives.

Visitors will have the chance to experience a host of interactive illusions including Scotland’s first swirling vortex tunnel and mind boggling mirror maze, both of which can currently be seen in the making via the attraction’s Facebook page.


The ambitious expansion is taking Camera Obscura and World of Illusions into the upper two floors of the original Ragged School – formerly a charitable school for destitute children in the 19th century, which has stood derelict since its closure in 1920. The building is thought to be haunted, with TV series Ghost Hunters International recently conducting an investigation for its ‘Whispers from Beyond’ episode.

The extension more than doubles the size of the attraction, which celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, and creates additional space for a host of much larger and more immersive exhibits. It will also reinstate the old access passage between the two buildings with a glass aerial walkway, revealing unique views across the rooftops of the city’s old town.

(GK)