Step out of reality and into a mirror maze that will defy your perceptions and make you do a double-take with each step, as you progress through this bright and airy space.

If you've been to the Garden of Unearthly Delights this year, then you would have walked past a purple-pink 'box' that has been installed across from the Wonderland Spiegeltent. Cleverly keeping the inner components a mystery with its opaque exterior, the Kaleidoscope maze incorporates larger-than-life (700m) vertical mirrors to wander around, while basking in an enhanced ambience from the dreamy soundscape (thanks to Tamil Rogeon and the National Boys Choir of Australia) and rainbow lights illuminating your journey (in pastel form during the day and in bold form at night time) for 30 minutes.

Despite the space having no roof and a providing a sense of relief at the idea of this not being a completely enclosed box - a true nightmare for claustrophobic individuals like myself - there is an element of the experience feeling confronting (or riveting) when navigating through the maze. So be prepared to find yourself walking into mirrors (multiple times) but all I can say is laugh it off and perhaps put your hand out if you're unsure what you're walking into!

Kaleidoscope is a fun and mesmerising playground of optical illusion for adults, children, and everyone in between. The space is set up to replicate the vibe of a prism and triangulations of your reflections will not only trip you up but also others who may choose to follow your lead. It also offers a mix of illusions and sounds that will keep you constantly wondering what's real and what's a reflection. Prepare for a lot of mirror selfies, because this space is an Instagrammer's aesthetic.

While I have not had a chance to explore the mirrored maze at night time, I have been recommended by several sources to check it out and see the space light up in colours (which will also make it a tad more entertaining to explore the pathway in the dark). And if you can't make it to the night show, know that the day show will be a one-of-a-kind, multisensory experience, so don't be shy to go back again (and again) - it'll be a new adventure every single time.

Kaleidoscope will be available for exploration in the Garden of Unearthly Delights till March 17, 2023. Tix can be purchased here.

Date attended: 08/03/2023
Overall review: ★★★★