Key Takeaways
Key takeaways:
- Avante Capital Partners has invested in Museum of Illusions, alongside its longtime partner Brightwood Capital Advisors.
- Museum of Illusions is the world’s largest privately owned museum operator, with more than 60 locations across 27 countries and five continents and over 12 million visitors.
- The opportunity was a complex, non-traditional situation that called for underwriting both a credit and an equity story, a strength that differentiates Avante.
- The investment supports MOI’s continued global expansion as a premier out-of-home entertainment platform.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Avante Capital Partners Invests in Museum of Illusions Alongside Brightwood Capital Advisors
The longtime partners back the world’s largest privately owned museum operator as it accelerates its global expansion
LOS ANGELES, July 1, 2026 — Avante Capital Partners (“Avante”), a lower middle market private credit and structured equity firm, today announced an investment in Museum of Illusions (“MOI”), the largest privately owned museum operator in the world. Avante made the investment alongside Brightwood Capital Advisors (“Brightwood”), a longtime investment partner, to support the company’s next phase of growth.
Founded in 2015, Museum of Illusions has grown into one of the world’s most recognized out-of-home entertainment brands, with more than 60 locations across 27 countries and five continents and more than 12 million visitors to date. Its immersive, interactive exhibits invite guests of all ages to experience the science of perception, and the company continues to open new locations in major markets around the world.
The opportunity represented a more complex, non-traditional situation that called for underwriting both a credit and an equity story. Drawing on a long history of investing together, Avante and Brightwood moved with conviction to support MOI and its management team.
“Museum of Illusions is a rare platform: a globally recognized brand that is still early in its growth,” said Lamar Horne, Principal at Avante Capital Partners. “This was not a conventional deal, and that is exactly the kind of opportunity where we can add the most value. We have a deep, trusted partnership with Brightwood, and we are proud to support their vision for the company’s next chapter.”
Avante expects Museum of Illusions to continue its trajectory as the largest privately owned museum operator in the world, expanding its geographic footprint and further establishing itself as a premier out-of-home entertainment platform.
About Avante Capital Partners
Avante Capital Partners is a lower middle market private credit and structured equity firm that provides debt and equity capital to growing companies. Avante manages approximately $1.5 billion in assets and is one of the few women- and diverse-owned firms in private credit. Over its 17-year history, the firm has maintained a track record of zero cash loan losses. For more information, visit avantecap.com.
About Brightwood Capital Advisors
Brightwood Capital Advisors, LLC is a private credit firm with a long-standing track record of investing in middle market businesses. Brightwood specializes in providing senior debt capital primarily to U.S. businesses with $5-$75 million of EBITDA within five core industries: technology & telecommunications, healthcare, business services, transportation & logistics and franchising. Brightwood partners with non-sponsored businesses as well as private equity sponsors to provide customized financing solutions for directly originated investments.
About Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions is the largest and fastest-growing privately owned museum brand in the world. Since opening its first location in Zagreb, Croatia in 2015, it has expanded to more than 60 locations across 27 countries and five continents, welcoming more than 12 million visitors. Its exhibits explore optical illusions and the science of perception through immersive, interactive experiences. For more information, visit museumofillusions.com.
Media Contact
Jesse Beck, Vice President
Avante Capital Partners
jesse@avantecap.com | 718.612.4785
Disclaimer
The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. The views expressed are those of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.