Ep 5. Erno Rubik's Magic Cube

In season 9, episode 5 of Mysteries at the Museum, viewers are taken on a journey to Hungary to explore the story of Erno Rubik's Magic Cube. This iconic puzzle has captured the imaginations of people all over the world since its invention in 1974, and this episode delves into the history of how it came to be.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to Erno Rubik, the man behind the cube. Born in Budapest in 1944, Rubik was a professor of architecture who spent his spare time tinkering with puzzles and games. In the early 1970s, he began working on a puzzle that would eventually become the Magic Cube. Viewers are treated to a glimpse at Rubik's original prototype, made out of wood and string, which he used to test out various configurations and solve the puzzle himself.

As Rubik continued to refine his invention, the episode explores how the cube became an overnight sensation when it was first introduced in Hungary in 1977. Viewers get a chance to see early demonstrations of the puzzle, which some people found so difficult that they believed it was a hoax. However, others quickly became obsessed with solving the Cube's complex algorithms, and soon it had become a national phenomenon.

The episode then moves on to examine the various iterations of the Magic Cube that were released over the years, including the Rubik's Revenge, a larger version with four rows of cubes, and the Megaminx, a dodecahedron-shaped puzzle with 12 sides. Viewers are also introduced to a number of people who have devoted their lives to solving Rubik's puzzles, including world champion speedcuber Feliks Zemdegs, who can solve a standard Cube in less than five seconds.

One particularly fascinating segment of the episode explores the burgeoning subculture of competitive cubing, with competitions held all over the globe where people come together to race against the clock and each other to see who can solve various puzzles the fastest. Viewers get to see footage of these competitions, which often draw crowds of onlookers and have become a breeding ground for new strategies and solutions to Rubik's puzzles.

The episode then segues into a discussion of the cultural impact that the Magic Cube has had over the years, touching on everything from art exhibitions inspired by the puzzle to its use in film and television. Viewers get to see examples of this phenomenon, including footage from a music video that features the Cube prominently and a scene from the TV series The Big Bang Theory in which a character solves a cube while blindfolded.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a look at Rubik himself, who has become a celebrated figure in the world of puzzles and games. Viewers are treated to a rare interview with Rubik in which he reflects on the lasting impact of his creation and the surprising ways in which it has affected people's lives over the years.

Overall, season 9, episode 5 of Mysteries at the Museum is a fascinating exploration of one of the most iconic puzzles in history. With its blend of historical context, behind-the-scenes insights into the world of competitive cubing, and personal stories from people who have been affected by the Magic Cube, this episode is a must-watch for anyone who has ever been intrigued by Rubik's ingenious invention.