Museum of the Eye’s Craft & Learn: Wonder Turner (July 18-25)

American Academy of Ophthalmology

Join us for a hands-on crafting session to learn how the eye and brain communicate to interpret images by creating your own optical toy.

Discover the fascinating science behind optical illusions in Craft & Learn: Wonder Turner! Learn about the wonder turner (thaumatrope), a Victorian-era toy used to demonstrate how the brain processes image through “persistence of vision.”

The toy is made from a small paper disc with a different image on each side. When spun quickly with strings, the two images appear to merge into one, creating a simple but captivating illusion.

Craft & Learn: Wonder Turner
Saturdays, July 18 & 25, 2026 | 2p – 3:30p
Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye, 645 Beach St., SF
FREE | RSVP – Seats are limited. Ages 8 & up

During this free, hands-on event program, you’ll learn how  the persistence of vision works, explore the history of optical toys, and create your own wonder turner to take home.

Museum of the Eye

 

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