Wrapped 2025

If 2025 had a theme at Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, it would be this: more wonder, more laughter, and more brilliant humans walking through our doors than ever. From headline-making awards to brand-new exhibits (hello, Light Dancer!), from charity miles to net zero milestones, it’s been a year packed with feel-good moments, all while doing what we do best: keeping it fun, hands-on, and delightfully silly. 

 

This year, we welcomed over 300,000 visitors to our wacky world of illusions and we’re still buzzing. Whether you came as a wide-eyed first-timer, a returning fan, or a local showing friends “the best bit”, thank you for being part of it.

 

And speaking of “best bits”…

 

Our most popular exhibit in 2025? The Rooftop Terrace, because those stunning views for miles hit different in Edinburgh, whether you’re catching golden hour, watching the city sparkle at night, or peering through our free-to-use telescopes and binoculars. It’s the kind of spot that turns a “quick look” into a “wait… one more photo”. And then another. And then another.

 

 

We’ve had some big moments this year, the kind that make you do a little happy dance behind the scenes:

• We won the Inclusion Award at the VisitScotland Central & East Thistle Awards

• We received a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award

• We were named finalists for the Living Wage Scotland Awards

We’re proud of these because they reflect what matters most to us: welcoming as many people as possible, creating memorable experiences, and doing things the right way.

 

In 2025, we introduced our brand-new Light Dancer exhibit and it’s already been making visitors stop in their tracks.

If you haven’t tried it yet: expect playful, colourful movement, and that classic Camera Obscura moment of “HOW is it doing that?!” It’s a perfect example of what we love: interactive fun that feels a bit magical.

 

 

This year, we laced up our comfiest trainers and walked 21 miles for The Kiltwalk, a proper team effort powered by snacks, determination, and the occasional “are we nearly there yet?” Funds were raised for our chosen company charity Calum's Cabin, who provide holiday homes for families affected by childhood cancer. It was a brilliant reminder that the Camera Obscura experience doesn’t stop at our doors. We love being part of the wider community and showing up for good causes whenever we can.

 

We also took further steps on our journey towards net zero in 2025. We know sustainability is a long game, it’s about consistent progress, better choices, and building momentum year on year. We’re proud to be moving in the right direction, and we’re excited to keep pushing forward in 2026.

 

Edinburgh always brings a special kind of energy and 2025 delivered. We opened our doors for wonderfully kooky Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society photoshoots, filling the building with creative chaos (our favourite kind). We also took part in Edinburgh Resident Rewards, because locals deserve a little extra love and we adore seeing Edinburgh folk rediscovering the attraction.

 

 

In 2025 we received 340 TripAdvisor reviews, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5. We read and respond to all your reviews (yes, really!) and they mean the world. Whether you mention the views, the laughs, the weirdest illusion, or the moment someone in your group screamed in the Mirror Maze, it all helps future visitors know what they have to look forward to.

 

This year, you didn’t just visit - you posted.

• TikTok: 65,147 likes and 996,615 views

• Instagram: 17,350 likes and 682,333 views

From rooftop panoramas to illusion reactions to “POV: you got lost in the Mirror Maze”, we loved seeing Camera Obscura through your eyes.

 

Whether you visited with pals, brought the kids, popped in as a couple, or made us part of your Edinburgh adventure - thank you. Every laugh, photo, and “no way!” moment is what makes Camera Obscura, Camera Obscura.

 

We can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026 for more mind-bending exhibits, big views, and brilliantly silly memories. See you soon and don’t forget your camera when you hit the Rooftop Terrace.