This Chateau-Style Hollywood Building Houses America’s Most Exclusive Magic Society

Magic Castle, Hollywood

Tucked away in the hills of Hollywood sits a grand Victorian mansion that most folks walk past without a clue. Since 1963, this old home has been the hub for the world’s top magic minds.

Built back in 1909, the Magic Castle now serves as the key spot where top card sharks, mind readers, and trick masters gather to show off their best work—but only if you can get past the front door.

How a Magazine Started the Magic Castle

The roots of this place go back further than the building itself. William Larsen Sr. started the Academy of Magical Arts back in 1952 through his magic magazine called Genii. At first, anyone who subscribed automatically became a member, but there wasn’t much structure until his sons took over the idea years later.

The Castle officially opened its doors on January 2, 1963, after brothers Bill Jr. and Milt Larsen transformed an old rundown mansion into what would become the world’s most famous place for magicians to gather, perform, and share secrets.

The First Trick is Getting In

To get inside, you have to whisper a secret phrase to an owl named “Poe” in the entrance, which triggers a bookcase to slide open and reveal the door. This password isn’t something you can just look up. It changes regularly and is only given to members and their guests.

It’s Full of Secret Passages

Some take you to tucked-away bars, others to private show rooms or members-only areas. Members who’ve been around a while know shortcuts through the building that let them avoid crowds during busy nights. Keep your eyes open for panels that might slide or shelves that might pivot.

The Room Where People Try to Talk to Houdini

You can join a special Houdini Séance in a room filled with artifacts that belonged to the famous escape artist. The experience includes dinner with unlimited wine and a medium who attempts to contact spirits from beyond.

The séance follows old-school Victorian traditions to create an authentic spooky atmosphere. Everything in the room looks like it came straight from the early 1900s – antique furniture, crystal balls, and genuine Houdini items surround you as you try to reach the other side.

A Magic Library With Books From the 1500s

Tucked away inside is one of the world’s best magic libraries, filled with rare books, historical papers, and old magic instructions that only magician members can access. The collection includes English magic books from as far back as 1584 and original tricks created by legendary performers.

Hollywood Stars Love to Visit, Too

Throughout history, entertainment icons like Johnny Carson, Cary Grant, and Orson Welles regularly visited and sometimes even performed magic tricks for private audiences. Many Hollywood stars frequent the Castle, including Neil Patrick Harris, who loves magic so much he’s served on the board.

What the Magic Castle and Disneyland Have in Common

People often compare the creative energy of Castle founder Milt Larsen to Walt Disney, who opened Disneyland with his brother Roy around the same time.

The Castle contains several Disney-related items and nods to Disney Imagineers. Milt specifically created the place as a “dreamland bursting with mischief and architectural detail,” transforming what he called a “haunted house into a magic castle.”

Many Disney Imagineers have belonged to the Academy over the years, bringing their creative vision to both worlds.

It Rescued Parts From Old LA Buildings That Were Torn Down

The Castle interior is like a time capsule of lost Los Angeles. When decorating, Milt Larsen rescued beautiful pieces from old LA buildings being torn down – elegant banisters, colorful Tiffany windows, and fancy Lalique light fixtures all found new life here.

He turned the old gym floor from Hollywood High School into a bar counter. Another bar features the original backdrop from Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show.

These salvaged treasures create a genuine Victorian feeling while preserving bits of LA history that would have otherwise ended up in landfills.

Where Magicians From Nearly Fifty Countries Meet

Magicians from everywhere consider this place their spiritual home. Around 5,400 members from 47 different countries belong to the Magic Castle, making it truly “The Mecca for Magicians.”

You’ll find performers from Korea, Spain, and countless other nations during special themed weeks, bringing different magical traditions and styles. The venue hosts major competitions and serves as headquarters for the Academy of Magical Arts.

With five different performance spaces running different shows each night, you can experience everything from close-up card tricks to grand illusions in a single visit.

Visiting The Magic Castle (If You Can)

You’ll need one of these: an invitation from a current member, a stay at the Magic Castle Hotel next door, a connection with a performing magician, or your own associate membership.

If you manage an invite, leave your casual clothes at home. Think “old Hollywood glamour and traditional date night.” Men need dinner jackets and ties with proper dress shoes, while women should wear cocktail dresses or evening attire. Show up underdressed and they’ll turn you away at the door.

You’ll find the Magic Castle on Franklin Avenue in Hollywood. It’s on a hill overlooking Hollywood Boulevard, and the Victorian mansion is lit up at night so you can spot it from various places around town.