Impossible Triangle

Principle of Science: Visual Illusion

Look at the triangle. Now follow one face of the triangle all the way around to where it starts, and notice that you can’t. Also notice that each face seems to change its orientation when it turns a corner: an outside face becomes an inside face.

The Impossible Triangle is a startling, three-dimensional visual illusion. Looking at this sculpture from a particular vantage point, it appears to be a triangle in which all three sides meet at right angles, a form that cannot physically exist. Viewing the exhibit from other vantage points allows someone to see that the sculpture is neither a triangle nor a complete shape.