The Escherian Stairwell is a widely circulated internet myth that describes a set of stairs that appear to loop infinitely, inspired by the impossible architecture of M.C. Escher’s artwork. The illusion suggests that someone can continuously ascend or descend without ever reaching an end.
Origins of the Myth
The Escherian Stairwell hoax originated from a viral video created in 2013 by Michael Lacanilao, a filmmaker who presented it as part of a fictional documentary project. The video claimed that the stairwell was located in Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), New York, and that it had been designed by a Filipino architect, Rafael Nelson Aboganda, in 1968. However, neither the architect nor the stairwell ever existed.
How the Illusion Works
The video cleverly used camera tricks, seamless editing, and perspective manipulation to create the illusion that people could walk in an endless loop without changing elevation. This concept mirrors Escher’s famous lithograph “Relativity”, which features staircases defying the laws of physics.
The Truth Behind the Hoax
- The Escherian Stairwell does not exist in reality. It was created purely as a fictional viral experiment to test how easily people believe in and share incredible ideas online.
- The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) has no such stairwell, but the myth persists due to the compelling nature of the video.
- It serves as a great example of how perception and belief can be influenced by well-crafted illusions.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever hoped to experience the Escherian Stairwell, you might be disappointed—but the concept remains a fascinating study in visual illusions and the power of storytelling. While you won’t find an actual infinite staircase, Escher’s influence can still be seen in real-world architectural designs and optical illusions that play with perspective and perception.
Author: Scary Nights
This site is a place for us to connect over our shared love of the macabre. Here you'll find reviews, articles, top 10 lists, personal experiences, etc. I'm always looking for new and exciting scares, so feel free to reach out and share your own spooky stories and recommendations!
