The 3D illusions rely on the principle of 'forced perspective,' a technique that manipulates human visual perception to make objects appear larger, smaller, or further away.
Most of the artworks were created by a team of artists from South Korea, who spent significant time hand-painting the murals on-site.
The museum encourages a 'do touch' policy, contrasting with traditional museums that forbid contact with exhibits.
ArtBox is an interactive 3D trick art museum located in Siem Reap that specializes in perspective-based optical illusions. Visitors engage with over 150 hand-painted murals designed to create the illusion of three-dimensional depth when viewed from specific angles. The facility is divided into multiple themed zones, including adventure, animal, and surrealist settings. Each exhibit encourages tactile participation, requiring visitors to stand on marked spots to complete the visual effect. The museum is entirely indoor, providing a climate-controlled environment away from the local heat. Its collection consists of large-scale artworks produced by professional Korean artists.
The 'giant' or 'shrunken' person exhibit zones, where perspective manipulation is most effective.
Check the floor for designated photo markers, as these indicate the precise spot where the 3D effect works best.
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for stretching or sitting, as many poses require interacting directly with the floor and wall murals.
Bring a wide-angle lens if using a professional camera, as some murals are very large and difficult to frame at close range.
Avoid taking photos from outside the marked floor stickers, as the perspective will be distorted and the 3D effect will be lost.
Remove your shoes before entering the gallery areas; socks are recommended for hygiene.