The Magic Castle is a famous private club for magicians and magic enthusiasts. It is located in Hollywood, California. Situated in a beautiful Victorian-style mansion, the Magic Castle offers an enchanting experience unlike any other. It was opened in 1963 and has since become a mecca for magic lovers from all around the world. The exact address of the Magic Castle is 7001 Franklin Avenue, Hollywood, CA 90028. It is nestled in the heart of Hollywood and is easily accessible for visitors.

The Magic Castle

Magic has two different definitions: magic as an illusion or sleight of hand, and magic as paranormal phenomenon or an agent of the supernatural. The Magic Castle, located in Hollywood, California, prides itself on being the intersecting point of both these definitions.

Open only to magician members, associate members, and their invited guests, the Castle serves as the headquarters and clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, devoted to the promotion and development of the art of magic.

On most evenings, visitors can experience a night of dining, drinking, and pretty awesome card tricks – but first, they must get past the foyer, which has no visible doors. A secret password opens a hidden entry to the main building.

Performances include highly produced shows where a very talented magician turns bunnies into doves and doves into mice. Lounge entertainment is provided by Irma, the “invisible ghost” playing any song requested of her on the Castle’s grand piano.

The labyrinthine mansion was originally one of Hollywood’s great chateau-inspired manors, built in 1909. By the 1950s, the once-grand building had passed through many hands and fallen into disrepair. In 1955 magician William Larsen formed the Academy of Magical Arts, and in 1961 William’s son Bill purchased the building and began converting it into a magic-themed clubhouse, which opened two years later as the Magic Castle.

Today the Academy boasts nearly 5000 members, a mix of auditioned magicians and associate members . The building has been expanded and renovated many times over the years creating a decade-spanning pastiche of antiques and vintage collectables colliding with odd, theme-park-style decor in other areas. This peculiar combination and comfortably worn edges give the building a certain charm.

Downstairs in a hallway near the Hat and Hare pub, concept art and objects from Disney’s Haunted Mansion line the wall, including a proof-of-concept diorama of the haunted ballroom scene, which uses a famous illusionist’s trick known as the Pepper’s Ghost illusion.

The castle serves not only as a social gathering place for magicians and magic enthusiasts, but also as an important repository of knowledge on illusions and the history of magic. There is a small museum in a downstairs theater space, dozens – if not hundreds – of historic posters, art and ephemera related to magic and famous magicians, as well as portraits honoring some of the best known. Hidden away downstairs is a research library open to magician members only, dedicated to books on magic.

Over the years, many stories have been told about the building’s alleged resident and visiting specters, including that of former magician-in-residence Dai Vernon. His ashes were once kept on a high shelf outside the Parlour of Prestidigitation, where he watched shows from the front row every night until his death in 1992.

The Castle was badly damaged in a fire that broke out in October 2011 in the attic space of the building. It reopened after repairs in February 2012. Ironically, the Castle’s Halloween theme that year was “Inferno” where, with the use of lighting and projectors, the Castle was made to look like it was engulfed in flames. Unfortunately, on Halloween day, it actually went up in flames.

Know Before You Go

Near the 101, on Franklin Ave, Between Highland and La Brea Ave. It's a giant castle. It can't be missed.

Magic Castle

Do you believe in magic? You will if you spend an evening at Hollywood’s Academy of Magical Arts, and its clubhouse, the Magic Castle. As its website says, “A miracle here, a miracle there, and pretty soon it starts to add up.”

The 1908 mansi, a "what's that up there?" eyecatcher when viewed from downtown Hollywood, houses a warren of rooms where magician members perform their craft in such spaces as The Parlour of Prestidigitation and the Palace of Mystery. See if you can spot the magician’s sleight of hand from just a few feet away in the tiny 22-seat Close-Up Gallery. There are bars and a Victorian-style restaurant, all worthy of a classy night out (jackets and ties required for the men, and dresses or skirts for the ladies). To add an air of exclusivity and mystery, entrance is only allowed to members (various options are detailed on the club’s website). You can also visit if invited by a current member.

Ivy Brown, an art director and designer who lives in downtown Los Angeles, has been to the Magic Castle several times with her fiancé. “There is an air of mystery, and it was all a little bit secretive. It feels like you’ve gone back to a different time,” says Brown, adding that during one visit, “One gentleman performed a sleight of hand with different size marbles that had me completely fooled. I was just blown away!”

It is nestled in the heart of Hollywood and is easily accessible for visitors. The mansion itself is an iconic landmark, adorned with gothic-style architecture and surrounded by lush gardens. To enter the Magic Castle, one must be a member or have a special invitation from a member.

Spotlight: Hollywood

Tinseltown, where starlets are discovered on every street corner (or at least we like to think they are), and the tinted windows of that stretch limo might be hiding a Cruise, Hanks or Anniston. And in the hills, a big sign stretches across with letters as big as your dreams—Hollywood. Visit iconic sites filled with celebrity footprints or wax likenesses—maybe even catch a real one in the flesh at a film premiere or awards show. Anything is possible in Hollywood.

The club strictly enforces a dress code, requiring guests to dress in formal attire. Walking through the doors of the Magic Castle is like stepping into a world of mystery and wonder. Inside, visitors are treated to a variety of magic performances, ranging from close-up magic in the intimate close-up gallery to grand stage shows in the main theater. Throughout the venue, there are many hidden surprises, such as secret doors and hidden passageways that add to the magical atmosphere. The Magic Castle also houses a vast collection of magical artifacts and memorabilia, providing a glimpse into the history and artistry of magic. In addition to being a private club, the Magic Castle also operates a fine dining restaurant that offers an exquisite menu and exceptional service. The dining experience at the Magic Castle is truly one-of-a-kind, as guests are entertained by close-up magicians who perform at their tables throughout the meal. Overall, the Magic Castle is a unique and captivating destination for anyone with an interest in magic. Its location in the heart of Hollywood adds to its allure, making it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. Whether you're a seasoned magician or simply curious about the art form, the Magic Castle offers an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave you spellbound..

Reviews for "Journey to the Magic Castle: Unearthing Its Enchanting Location"

1. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆

I was really disappointed when I visited "Where is the magic castle located". The concept sounded intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The staff were unhelpful and lacked enthusiasm, making the experience feel lackluster. The exhibits were poorly maintained and outdated, with some even appearing broken. Overall, it just didn't live up to the hype and I wouldn't recommend it.

2. John - ★☆☆☆☆

I had high hopes for "Where is the magic castle located" but was left completely unimpressed. The museum lacked any sort of organization or flow, making it difficult to navigate. The displays were confusing and poorly labeled, leaving me with more questions than answers. It was also incredibly crowded, making it hard to fully enjoy the experience. Save your money and visit a different museum instead.

3. Emily - ★★☆☆☆

I must say, I was quite underwhelmed by "Where is the magic castle located". The exhibits lacked depth and detail, making them feel shallow and uninteresting. The interactive elements, which were advertised as a highlight, were few and far between and often didn't work properly. The whole experience felt rushed and half-hearted. I expected more from such a popular attraction and wouldn't recommend it to others.

4. David - ★☆☆☆☆

I regretted visiting "Where is the magic castle located". The museum was poorly maintained and dirty, which really took away from the overall experience. The staff were unfriendly and unapproachable, making it difficult to ask questions or get any sort of assistance. The exhibits themselves lacked any sort of excitement or innovation. It was a waste of time and money, and I would advise others to skip this one.

The Magic Castle's Enchanted Address: Unraveling Its Hidden Location