This Pool Plays A Scary Trick On The Eyes… And Everyone Falls For It.

If you ever travel to Japan, consider making a trip out to Ishikawa prefecture. In addition to its many natural landscapes, this central region is home to the renown 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa.

In the museum's courtyard, you will find a swimming pool conceived by Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich. From the top, it appears as though the pool is completely filled. It even comes with a climbing ladder! In reality, there is a layer of water -- about 10 cm deep -- suspended over transparent glass. Visitors can occupy the empty space below, where they will be surrounded by aquamarine walls that project the illusion that they are underwater.

Erlich is known for creating art that undermines the human senses and investigates perception and cognition with a dimension of trompe-l'œil. The permanent installation was completed in 2004, and temporary exhibitions were introduced at New York's MoMAPS1 (1999) and the Venice Biennale.

You think you're looking at a regular swimming pool.

Upon closer look, you'll realize that it's so much more.

What you're actually seeing is an optical illusion created by Buenos Aires-based artist Leandro Erlich.

Visitors can gaze upward...

...or bask in the empty space below.

...or bask in the empty space below.

And there you have it -- a fascinating, interactive art piece made possible with transparent glass, a little bit of water, and one creative mind.