Oberhausen: HOUSE OF MAGIC – powered by Ehrlich Brothers

Magic is for everyone here. It feels like you are the prop, not the spectator. The House of Magic, powered by the Ehrlich Brothers, turns a simple ticket into a try-it-yourself day of puzzles, games, and stage-style illusions.

I like how much is hands-on, not just look-and-hope. With 110+ magical exhibits in a theme inspired by the duo, you get repeated chances to solve, test, and react, instead of walking past the same idea in different rooms. The experience also leans family-friendly, so kids stay busy while adults still have fun guessing what is going on.

One thing to consider is fit. The venue is not suitable for people with epilepsy, and kids under 3 cannot participate, plus unaccompanied minors are not allowed. If your group needs a very calm, low-stimulation outing, this may feel like a lot.

Key things that make this worth your time

• 110+ exhibits you can try, not just watch
• A magic workshop with objects that seem to break common sense
• Shadows and mirrors rooms where illusions behave differently as you move
• Photo-friendly set pieces, including big vehicle and costume moments
• Virtual reality flight and live teleportation-style effects
• 360-degree trick explanations plus an included online workshop

Getting oriented at Westfield Centro Promenade

The House of Magic sits right at Westfield Centro Promenade in Oberhausen. If you enter from the Promenade, take the escalator on the Promenade, and you are basically at the front doors.

Parking is easy to plan. You can use multi-storey car park 1 (free parking in the Centro), and there is direct access via level 2. If you are coming with kids, being able to park close and move straight to the entrance saves real energy.

It is also the kind of place where being early matters. The ticket is tied to a selected date and time, and if you are late they may try to fit you into a later slot only if space allows.

Two hours of hands-on magic for all ages

Your visit is built around a two-hour block of puzzles, games, and illusions for the whole family. I like that the time is long enough to get momentum, but short enough that kids usually stay engaged without melting down from boredom.

What makes this work is the variety. You shift between problem solving, physical play, light and shadow effects, and moments where you are photographed in front of oversized props. That pacing is what keeps the experience from turning into one long hallway of tricks.

The “powered by Ehrlich Brothers” part is not just branding either. The exhibition uses original-style show elements and invites you into the magic, including a scenario where you shrink to the size of a mouse and land inside an Ehrlich Brothers suitcase.

The magic workshop: when everyday objects act weird

One of the best parts is the magic workshop. It is full of mysterious props that feel like they were designed to spark questions, then answer them through interaction.

Examples in the workshop include a unicycle that turns into a no-wheel idea, a book that turns its pages by itself, and a box that suggests an infinite store. Even if you do not get the exact method, the point is that the exhibits are meant to feel plausible in the moment, like you are witnessing a real-life “how did that happen” effect.

This is also where the experience becomes more than entertainment. You are not just watching illusions, you are learning what kinds of questions to ask, like what your senses are expecting, where your attention goes, and how small actions change what you see.

Shadows and mirrors: illusions that react to you

After the workshop, you move into rooms where shadows and mirrors do more than decorate the walls. Illusions appear in shadow patterns, and mirrors are used to make visitors seem invisible in certain viewpoints.

I like this section because it rewards movement. Stand still and the trick may look simple. Shift your position and it can feel like the illusion “turns on” again, which is great for families because everyone gets a turn trying a new angle.

There are also whimsical sculptures that cast surprising images on the wall. The effect is visual play with a little performance energy, and it tends to keep kids curious while giving adults something to test.

Stage costumes, big photo moments, monster truck, and golden Lamborghini

The exhibit includes selected stage outfits of the Ehrlich Brothers. This matters because it gives the magic a visual context, like you are seeing the show look made into part of an interactive world.

Photo moments are built in. You can take selfies in front of big, recognizable set pieces, including a giant monster truck and a golden Lamborghini. If you have ever had a fun day ruined by “no good pictures,” this is the opposite. The venue clearly wants you to capture the goofy scale and the dramatic lighting.

You can also take photos and videos throughout the attraction to share with friends. That makes it easier to remember details later, especially the weirdest illusions you might forget once the day ends.

VR flight and teleportation-style fun

If your group likes tech and action, look for the virtual reality ride. The experience includes a daring flying test on a flight setup, which feels like a theme-park moment inside an artful exhibition.

Then there is the “teleportation” element. Instead of talking about sci-fi, the House of Magic gives you an effect that tries to recreate what it might feel like to be teleported from one place to another. It is the kind of sequence that creates a story you can tell later, because it changes your sense of scale and location.

There are also moments described as head-related effects and floating-style experiences. You should treat these as show-like segments, not quiet museum stops, so keep expectations in line with an active family attraction.

One practical thought: if anyone in your party gets motion sensitive, you might want to pause and decide on VR-style options before jumping in.

The 360-degree cinema and learning a trick

A standout value piece is the included “learn cool magic tricks” component. The Ehrlich Brothers explain tricks on screen in a 360-degree cinema, including a trick from their live show.

I like this format because it gives you a concrete takeaway. Even if you only remember a single step, you leave with something you can try later at home, which makes the visit feel less like disposable entertainment.

There is also a free online workshop with the Ehrlich Brothers included. So the magic does not have to stop when you walk out of the building.

If you like the idea of learning, plan to pay attention in the trick explanation segment, even if you are tempted to just rush to the next exhibit.

Rules that affect families, kids, and planning

A few rules shape who should book and how smoothly your visit goes:

• Unaccompanied minors are not allowed, so plan on an adult staying with kids.
• Food and drinks are not allowed, which means you will want to eat before you arrive or after you finish.
• Smoking is not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
• Pets are not allowed, and you should avoid bringing anything sharp or weapon-like.

The venue is also not suitable for people with epilepsy. If you know someone in your group is sensitive to light or visual effects, take that seriously here.

There is also a minimum age. Children under 3 years are not suitable for the experience, so keep that in mind if you are traveling with toddlers.

Price and value: is 29 USD a good deal?

At about $29 per person for a 1-day outing that includes a two-hour interactive exhibition, I think the value depends on one thing: how much you want your group to participate.

If you and your kids enjoy trying hands-on puzzles, chasing photo moments, and moving through themed rooms, the price makes sense. You are getting 110+ exhibits, not just a short show, plus a workshop and VR-style thrills. That combination is usually what separates a “ticket to something” from an “experience day.”

If your group prefers quiet museums or strictly guided tours, you might feel like the attraction is too play-focused. The venue is set up for action, so it can feel busy even when you are just standing in line and getting oriented.

One small drawback to keep in mind: an included review mentioned that some items could be in better condition. That does not mean the whole place is worn out, but it is a good reminder to expect a hands-on attraction, not a pristine showroom.

Who should book this Oberhausen attraction?

Book the House of Magic if you are traveling with kids who love illusions and experiments, or if you and your group enjoy figuring out how effects work with your own hands and eyes. It also suits families who want a day that is not overly structured, but still feels like it has a clear storyline.

It is less ideal if you need low stimulation, if you have someone who should avoid visual effects, or if you are traveling with infants or toddlers who do not meet the age guidance.

If you are in Northern Germany and want something very “Germany but playful,” this is a smart one-day option near a shopping and dining area, so you can build the day around it easily.

Should you book or skip?

I would book if your group likes interactive magic and you want a solid two hours of hands-on fun, not a short passive show. The combination of workshop objects, shadow and mirror rooms, and Ehrlich Brothers show elements gives it more staying power than typical pop-up attractions.

Skip it only if age or health factors apply, or if you strongly prefer quiet cultural stops. If neither is true, this is a straightforward, high-energy way to have a memorable day in Oberhausen, with plenty of moments you will actually want to photograph.

FAQ

How long is the House of Magic ticket experience?

The ticket includes two hours of puzzles, games, and illusions.

How many exhibits are inside?

You can discover and try out over 110 magical exhibits.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes admission for the two-hour slot, the chance to learn cool magic tricks with the Ehrlich Brothers explained in a 360-degree cinema, and a free online workshop with the Ehrlich Brothers.

Where is the House of Magic located?

It is directly at the Westfield Centro Promenade in Oberhausen. From the Promenade, you take the escalator, and you will be right in front of the House of Magic.

Can I hire a guide to go through the exhibition?

A guide is not included, but you can book a guide for an extra cost.

Are photos and videos allowed?

Yes, you can take photos and videos throughout the House of Magic.

Is it suitable for children under 3?

No. The experience is not suitable for children under 3 years.

Is there a free cancellation option?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.