The Magic Castle - A Visitor's Guide

If you have the opportunity to visit the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, go! If you want to see some amazing magic tricks, and you're free for an evening, go enjoy some grown-up fun. It is a place unlike any other – and your visit will be a life-long memory.

Back To Basics – Things To Know Before You Visit

A word of warning before you start planning your visit to the Magic Castle: not everyone can attend. Because it is a private club for magicians and those who love magic, members (Magician members and Associate members) pay for the privilege of attending as much as they want in any given year. For you, (a non-member) to attend, you will need to know someone who is a member and get a guest pass from them. Or, even better, get them to take you with them.

Attending the Magic Castle is a formal affair. You would not be out of place in a tie and jacket (for men) or evening gown (for ladies) – in fact, it is required. What? You don't have a jacket, you say? Don't worry – the front desk has several jackets and ties they lend for the evening, so you might be just fine. But don't show up with running shoes on, or expect to take your jacket off once you get inside – it just isn't done. Formal places call for formal attire.

The Magic Castle is situated just north of the Kodak Theater. There is not much parking on the streets, so expect to pay for valet parking. It will run you less than ten bucks, which is a bargain in that neighborhood.

Also, expect to have dinner in their fine restaurant. They have great food – many selections for those who love meat, seafood, or are vegetarians. Prices range from $28.00 to $65.00 for an entrée, and there are plenty of “adult beverages” to be found at the several bars throughout the Castle.

Once You're Inside

After you enter the Magic Castle, you'll have to get past the receptionist by showing your identification of adulthood. If you're there on a guest pass, present the pass and pay the door charge - $20 each. They will also confirm your dinner reservation that you called in earlier. If you're there with a member, there's no door charge, and eating dinner is optional. You will then be given the secret code word to be able to enter the door to the showrooms.

As for the shows, expect to be fully entertained. There are three major showrooms – the Close-up Gallery, the Parlor of Prestidigitation, and the Palace of Mystery. The shows in those rooms run on a schedule, and you'll want to be in line early in order to get in. Also, many nights there are other magicians to entertain you in other various rooms - down in the museum, or in the dungeon, or even roving magicians to show you effects while you are in line for another show. There's always plenty to see and do at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California.