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Archimedes Lab

Gianni Sarcone's workshop of puzzles and illusions, half optical trickery and half mathematical recreation, running since the 1990s.

Opens in a new tab. We do not control this site and it may have changed since we catalogued it.

How to get the most from it

Archimedes Lab sits in Optical Illusions under Weird, filed as coffee break.

  • Set aside five to fifteen minutes and give it your proper attention.
  • It works on a phone or a desktop, so open it on whatever is nearest.
  • It works with the sound off, so it is fine on a train or in a quiet office.
  • No account needed — you can start without signing up.
  • Go in expecting something brainy and clever.

About this category: Illusion collections and perception demos. The good ones keep working after you have been told exactly how they work.

Good for

  • Filling a coffee break properly
  • Giving your brain a workout
  • Being impressed by a clever idea
  • A quiet break at your desk
  • Killing time on your phone
  • Trying it with zero commitment

Archimedes Lab: quick answers

Is Archimedes Lab free?

Yes. Archimedes Lab is free to use and needs no account.

Do I need an account to use Archimedes Lab?

No. You can use Archimedes Lab without signing up for anything.

Does Archimedes Lab work on a phone?

Yes. Archimedes Lab works on phones as well as desktop browsers.

Is Archimedes Lab safe for work?

Yes, we file it as safe for work. It also works muted.

How long does Archimedes Lab take?

We file it as "Coffee break": Five to fifteen minutes of proper attention.

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