New train-themed selfie photo illusion experience at Union Station is “off the rails”

Just another fun thing to do at Union Station.

WHAT: It’s opening week for the newest attraction at St. Louis Union Station, St. Louis’ family entertainment destination. Called Selfie Express, this is an interactive train-themed selfie experience filled with photo illusions.

The new attraction is train themed to honor the historic 1894 terminal at Union Station, once the biggest and busiest in the nation with 32 tracks serving 22 railroads. Visitors should bring their phones or cameras to capture all the fun. This walk-through experience may delight, amuse or go right off the rails.

WHERE: Located indoors at St. Louis Union Station, 201 S. 18th Street. St. Louis, MO 63103, Selfie Express is on the first floor near the St. Louis Aquarium entrance. Parking is available in the south lot, entered from 18th Street at Poplar Street.

HOW: How does this work? Guests enter an old-fashioned train ticket lobby and move into the first of a series of 11 rooms filled with sets designed to create illusions in selfies and other cell phone/camera pictures.

Rooms range from a mirrored infinity view with flashing rail crossing lights to a train caboose that turns passengers into giant and small figures. Another scene transports visitors from real-life color to old-time black and white. A train dining car’s guests appear to hang flipped upside down from their seats.

Visitors can run from an oncoming train engine over a rickety trompe l’oeil painted bridge. Scenes filled with giant passenger luggage, optically fascinating clocks and even the Gateway Arch are part of the experience. Visitors can leave their shadows on the wall in one of the sets and make cute rainbow-colored shadow figures in another. Railroad fans will enjoy a room filled with model train engines and cars.

DETAILS: Admission to Selfie Express is $10. Tickets may be purchased in money-saving combinations with admission to the Aquarium, St. Louis Wheel, Carousel, Mirror Maze, Mini Golf, and the St. Louis Ropes Course for a full day of fun at Union Station’s attractions.

Selfie Express is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

CONTACT: For tickets or more information, visit www.stlouisunionstation.com. On social media @unionstationstl (Instagram) or /unionstationstl (Facebook).