In Hollywood Hills, a magicians' meeting ground

Nestled in the Hollywood Hills and accessible only to invitees and initiates, the Magic Castle has become hallowed ground and home to magicians eager to make their name.

The castle was born out of the vision of Milt Larsen, a television executive whose interest in magic inspired him to revitalize a fading Victorian mansion into a private club for dabblers in the arts of illusion.

For those who can get inside, the Castle boasts three distinctive theatres, a séance room, trick doors and surprises hidden in every corner. A "Close-Up Gallery" is the smallest showroom dedicated to the art of close-up magic while the two other theatres: the Parlour of Prestidigitation and Palace of Mystery, provide performance spaces of different themes for budding or professional magicians to showcase their work.

Members of the Castle’s Academy of Magical Arts can invite guests to dine, drink, and watch performances at the Castle. Guests are welcome to watch any of five magicians perform per visit.

Up-and-coming magicians like David Blatter consider performing at the Castle an honor. Blatter, who begins a two-man show on Aug. 30, will be standing on a stage once graced by the greats like Johnny Carson and Steve Martin.

“I know I’m standing on the shoulders of giants,” said Blatter.

The Magic Castle
7001 Franklin Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90028