🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best of Los Angeles for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy Los Angeles without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

  • Things to Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Coca-Cola Foodmarks
  • Attractions
  • Los Angeles

The Magic Castle

A guide to the Magic Castle

Here's everything you need to know about the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, from what to wear to how to get in

When you want to see magic in Los Angeles, you go to the Magic Castle. You've probably seen it perched above Franklin Avenue and have always wondered what kind of mystifying acts take place within the walls of this Victorian chateau. If you're an out of towner, this just might land on your list of  places to visit in L.A.  But if you're a local, it's a right of passage to becoming a true Angeleno. So whether you're going for the bar , restaurant or magic, here's our guide to this exclusive club.

What is it?

The Magic Castle  is a private magic clubhouse in Hollywood that offers magic shows, dining experiences and séances to their members. The club first opened its doors in 1963, but the Victorian building dates back to 1908.

Where is it?

The Magic Castle is located at 7001 Franklin Ave in Hollywood. It’s one block north of the Hollywood Walk of Fame .

When is the Magic Castle open?

The Magic Castle is open daily from 5pm-2am. Weekend brunch is Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3pm. The venue may be open, but the magic schedule may have different times. 

How can I get in?

There are actually a number of ways to get into the Castle even if you’re not a member, which you can find here . The venue is 21 and over, except during weekend brunch.

How much does it cost?

Members can enter anytime without paying an entrance fee. The same goes for up to five guests entering with a member; additional guests must pay. The admission fee if you manage to get an invite is $20 Monday through Thursday and $30 Friday through Sunday, which does not include the cost of dinner, which is required and can bring the cost upwards of $75 per person. 

What do I wear?

The evening dress code is strict and requires all visitors to dress in business attire or evening wear that is conservative and formal. Suit and tie is the best bet for men, but full turtlenecks, ascots, banded collars, bows and bolo ties are also acceptable. For women, a cocktail dress or pant suit is perfect. Country club casual is the dress code for brunch attendees. Be sure to snap a photo of your fancy outfit before heading inside because there are no photos allowed at the Magic Castle. For a full list of their dos and don'ts, visit their  site .

What magicians will I see?

There’s a rotating list of magicians that perform at the Magic Castle. To find out who will be performing when, check out the Magic Castle’s website .  You could even meet Houdini himself during the Magic Castle's special Houdini Séance. After a dinner (and bottomless wine), a medium will summon the other side and invite some spirits to your little gathering.

How do I see a show?

Magic is always taking place at the Castle, with shows happening as often as every 45 mins. As you make your way through the castle, you’ll see magicians set up at tables throughout the property. There are also five venues feauturing close-up magic, stage performers, illusionists and more. The Palace of Mystery is the largest venue (130 seats) and the only ticketed show. The only way to snag a seat is by dining at the restaurant. After dinner you will get a ticket to show. The Parlour of Prestidigitation, Close-Up Gallery, Peller Theatre and W.C. Fields Bar offer a more intimate magic experience. 

Any tips or tricks?

Some of the best magic happens at the bars, and no we're not talking about the delicious drinks being made. Some of the best magicians at the club are behind the bars. Also, be sure to plan out your night and get to your desired shows early or else you may miss the best magicians! 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Can't get enough magic?

6 places to see magic in los angeles.

  • Theater & Performance

6 places to see magic in Los Angeles

If you just can't seem to find a way to score your entry into the Castle, here's a list of all the places you can go to see live magic in Los Angeles.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

  • Press office
  • Investor relations
  • Work for Time Out
  • Editorial guidelines
  • Privacy notice
  • Do not sell my information
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms of use
  • Copyright agent
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Manage cookies
  • Advertising
  • Time Out Market

Time Out products

  • Time Out Worldwide

Time Out magazine

  • Search Please fill out this field.
  • Newsletters
  • United States
  • Los Angeles
  • Things To Do

LA's Magic Castle: The Complete Guide to the Members-Only Mansion

how to visit the magic castle

TripSavvy / Christian Hundley

The Magic Castle is a members-only clubhouse in the heart of Hollywood that has been conjuring up good times full of prime rib and prestidigitation since 1963. Read on to learn about the spellbinding siblings who founded it, the tricks and treats hidden inside, and how to become one of the lucky few to venture inside to mingle with magicians, famous fans, and an ivory-tickling specter. 

Pasadena attorney William Larsen quit his successful day job to pursue magic full-time — touring with his wife (Geri) and two sons (Bill and Milt) as The Larsen Family of Magicians for much of 1930s and '40s — and starting an enthusiast magazine called Genii . When travel was restricted during World War II, he bought the Thayer Magic Company, held shows in the local studio, and turned his Hancock Park estate into a gathering place for magicians. In 1951, he formed the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA) and made Genii subscribers the first members. After his death in 1955, Geri and Bill continued publishing, but his dream of building a magicians social club died with him. That is until Milt, a writer for NBC writer, decided a once glamorous, then-rundown, Franklin Avenue mansion he could see from his office would be the perfect place to revive the AMA. 

The Mysterious Mansion

The gothic Edwardian home turned hocus-pocus headquarters was originally constructed as the residence of wealthy banker Rollin B. Lane and his socialite wife, Katherine, in 1909. Nicknamed Holly Chateau, it was the place to see and be seen for 30 years. When the Lanes passed away in the '40s, it was converted into a boarding house and a home for the elderly. By 1960, it was completely trashed.

After Milt made a handshake deal with the owner in 1961, the remaining Larsens renovated for almost two years , acquiring much of the decor and materials from Hollywood studios and estates and buildings scheduled for demolition. Owl Bar’s cityscape backdrop came from "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" while other pieces were featured in Dean Martin variety shows, "Hello Dolly," and "The Witches Of Eastwick." There are tin tiles from a Redondo Beach firehouse, a bar top from Hollywood High’s gym, chandeliers from a Bullock’s (a Los Angeles department store), street lamps from a Venice pier, cast-iron friezes from a Masonic Temple, and a cherub from William Randolph Hearst. As you take your magical mystery tour of the 22,000-square-foot club, be sure to look all around, as the castle contains hidden panels, eye-fooling decor, and magical artifacts. The fun begins immediately as magic words must be said to enter the mansion. Archimedes, a taxidermy owl, answers yes or no questions. Irma the ghost takes requests on the piano. A Pepper’s Ghost prototype created for Walt Disney for the Haunted Mansion sits in the basement. 

Magical Members

The AMA has 5,400 members from 48 states and 47 countries. The registry is a who’s who of tricksters including Penn & Teller, Lance Burton, David Blaine, Harry Blackstone (senior and junior), Doug Henning, and Dai Vernon. Neil Patrick Harris (enrolled in the young magicians program before landing Doogie Howser duty), Tony Curtis, Jason Alexander, and Cary Grant are card-carrying performing members. Other members/frequent visitors include Johnny Depp, Drew Barrymore, Colin Farrell, Patton Oswalt, Sarah Silverman, Jimmy Kimmel, and Zoe Saldana.

How to Get in the Secret Door

Obviously the easiest way to gain access is to be a member. Membership has its benefits like the ability to attend shows and dinner nightly, weekend brunch (all ages), or members-only Friday lunches and events. Members also have the power to grant entrance to friends and family. Magician members can use the extensive library, attend lectures by masters of illusion, and perform impromptu magic in designated areas. Folks with a trick up their sleeve can audition to earn a magician or junior magician (ages 13-20) membership. Associate membership is available for people 21 and over who have an appreciation, but not a talent for magic. The only catch is the six- to eight-month waiting list.

Don’t despair if you’re a mere muggle dying to see some divination. There are still a few ways to get inside:

  • Befriend a member: They can take you along or get you in. Even if you know a guy, you're required to pay for a pricey California steakhouse-style meal. You can’t just go for a drink or show. 
  • Rent the castle: It's available for private events like weddings, business mixers, or even birthday costume party, like the one Katy Perry threw a couple years ago. On top of the cost of the event, you must purchase temporary membership.
  • Stay at the Magic Castle Hotel :  Book a room directly through the property or a live travel agent at the adjacent hotel and if there’s availability, they can secure you a reservation for dinner or brunch. Added perks: there’s a 24-hour free snack bar and popsicle hotline at the pool . 
  • Take advantage of new Hilton partnership: The brand teamed up with the castle through April 2020 and 43 of its LA, South Bay, and Orange County hotels including The Beverly Hilton and Huntington Beach’s Waterfront Beach Resort are participating. Book the Magic Castle Offer when you make the reservation and Hilton’s concierge will work to secure admission and a dining reservation (required). The offer does not cover castle costs incurred or promise availability so the earlier you book and the more flexible you are about dates, the better. Reservations must be made six to eight weeks in advance.

And everyone, no matter how they got in, must dress to impress as the club takes the formal dress code very seriously. If you show up in jeans or other verboten items, you’ll be turned away whether you're a member or not. There’s also a strict no-photography policy.

Related Articles

More related articles.

LA Dreaming

eat sleep pLAy

How to Visit the Magic Castle

The Magic Castle is one of the most exclusive places to visit in Los Angeles. It is a private clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. Inside this special place, there is magic taking place all around you. Visiting the Magic Castle is an incredible privilege and we have some tips for you to help make this experience a reality.

This post contains affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and buy something, I will earn a small commission from the advertiser at no additional cost to you.

how to visit the magic castle

Be invited by a member

Stay at the Magic Castle Hotel ($250+ per night). The hotel is a separate building from the castle itself but it is located next door. You can view the rates here .

Attend the AMA Magic Castle Awards – you will receive an invitation for two for the Magic Castle with your ticket purchase. Tickets start at $105 per person. For 2024 the show taking place in May is sold out. 

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Magic Castle

I do want to be transparent that while this is a very cool experience it does not come cheap. In addition to paying an entrance fee per person, each guest is required to order one entree from the restaurant. 

Valet parking is $30

Evening Entertainment Fees

Monday – Wednesday $40 per person

Thursday – Sunday $45 per person

Brunch Entertainment Fees

Adults (14 years & older) $25 per adult

Children (5-13) $20 per child

Children under 5 are free

*No one under 21 will be admitted to except for Saturday & Sunday Brunch

Brunch Buffet Fees

Children $30

Entrees for Dinner start at $45

What to Know About Visiting The Magic Castle

They do have a strict dress code. It is extensive and it is best to look at the dress code directly on the castle’s website which you can do here . 

Photos are not allowed beyond the lobby.

After one show ends, get in line for the next as the lines start quickly and seats can be limited.

With a dinner reservation, you will receive tickets to The Palace of Mystery which is the only magic show that requires a ticket. 

I feel so blessed that I was able to visit for Halloween several years ago but I would love to go again as it is difficult to experience everything in one visit.

' src=

About The Author

Michelle Ares is the founder and creative director of LA Dreaming. I have a passion for Southern California and love sharing my adventures and experiences with you. I love to travel, find new places to check out, and watch movies. You can follow me on Instagram @la.dreaming

You might also enjoy:

hollyhock house

Famous Houses in Los Angeles That You Must See In Person

grand central market dtla

A Guide to Food Halls and Food Markets in Los Angeles

the pantages theatre

5 Things to Know About Going to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood

echo park lake los angeles

My Favorite Places to Find the Best Views of LA

Combined Shape .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} region-beach-cities-lax region-downtown region-hollywood region-valley region-westside .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} SMS Main navigation Things to Do Attractions & Tours Arts & Culture Outdoors & Wellness Shopping Family Hidden Gems Luxury Pet-Friendly Eat & Drink Bars Clubs Dine LA Restaurant Week Restaurants Business Spotlight Find Events Itineraries Where to Stay Celebrate LA Heritage AAPI Heritage Black LA Latino Heritage LGBTQ+ Tourist Information Meetings About LA Tourism Travel Trade Membership Business Spotlight Media Research Careers Today's must read The Guide to Outdoor Music in Los Angeles Log in Search Search Things to Do Arts & Culture The Magic Castle: The Story of an L.A. Icon Explore the world-famous private club for magicians & aficionados by Discover Los Angeles   Mar 14, 2019 The Illusioneers outside the Magic Castle | Instagram by @taylorwongphotography Share Been There Login Register My Next Trip Login Register Magic, a source of fascination and wonderment. A flick of a wand renders a room breathless with jaws agape and eyes stunned. And in that moment, silence exudes and the surrounding world ceases to exist. Established in 1962 with its headquarters at the Magic Castle , The Academy of Magical Arts is a non-profit social order that has captivated that unified thrill through every inch of its décor and nightly happenings.

Magic Castle 7001 Franklin Ave. Hollywood, CA 90028 (323) 851-3313 www.magiccastle.com

Avatar of author Discover Los Angeles

Discover LA Newsletter

A trick for getting into the Magic Castle — and how to avoid the bracelet of shame

A magician performs on a stage with red curtains and caricatures overhead

  • Copy Link URL Copied!

The other night, my wife and I paid good money to a business that immediately set about deceiving us. This is not the first time that’s happened to us in Hollywood. But this time, we appreciated it.

In fact, we wandered room to room, drinks in hand, hoping to be fooled again.

The subterfuge is what has made the Magic Castle a rare destination for the past 60 years. Mystery and misdirection are the core of the brand, and you don’t venture to the castle, which is really a customized Hollywood hilltop mansion, unless you’re ready to be flummoxed. Also, you don’t get in unless you’re invited by a member of the Academy of Magical Arts — or if you’re staying in the Magic Castle Hotel next door. More about that in a moment.

LA scene: Santa Monica pier, Venice Beach, Getty Museum, Dodgers Stadium, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign

Travel & Experiences

Have guests in town? Here are 22 essential L.A. spots for every tourist

Los Angeles is massive. When visiting — or hosting tourists — use this bucket list of activities to see a range of landmarks, museums, shops and local eccentricities.

April 13, 2023

Since co-founders Milt Larsen, William Larsen Jr. and Irene Larsen opened it in 1963 as a private clubhouse for members and guests, the castle has seen plenty of good times and bad. There was an attic fire in 2011, the backstage death of a performer in 2017, a closure and layoffs during the pandemic, then a leadership scandal involving allegations of sexual misconduct and racism that were disclosed by The Times in 2020. On May 28, the club’s last surviving co-founder, Milt Larsen, died at 92 .

But the club keeps coming back , now with a set of new leaders who arrived in 2021 and ’22.

We’re witnessing the passage of the Magic Castle into a new era.

An old black-and-white photo of an ornate mansion, in a gold frame hanging on a red wall.

What happens in the castle?

What these dim, glitzy rooms offer is part Old Hollywood, part Las Vegas, part Harry Houdini, part Harry Potter. (Also part Harry Anderson — I spotted an old headshot of the late comedian-magician on one wall.)

You turn up in formal attire at a three-story mansion, built in 1909 with dramatic turrets. It’s just up the hill from the Dolby Theater, just down the hill from the panoramic-view restaurant Yamashiro .

The entrance to the Magic Castle in Hollywood.

Outside the front door, a greeter will make sure you have a reservation, then give you a good once-over, enforcing the club’s formal dress code , which bans denim, sneakers, shorts, skorts, athletic wear, hoodies, bare midriffs, exposed undergarments and more.

They mean it. I wore a coat and tie but was almost refused entrance because of my too-casual shoes (wool, not leather). In fact, the greeter fitted my left wrist with a pink plastic bracelet so that security wouldn’t eject me. Thus I entered the Castle of Magic shackled by a bracelet of shame.

Stepping into the entry room for an evening visit, you will hand over $35 to $45 per person, up slightly from pre-pandemic times. Then you say the magic words and duck through the secret door ( Psst! the bookcase! ) and the adventure is on. You’ll climb stairs and step through a series of rooms full of oak paneling, stained glass, eerie oil portraits and posters announcing illusionists and tricksters of bygone years.

A guest disappears behind a faux bookshelf.

The new leadership’s challenge is to hold onto the best of that throwback atmosphere while purging sexism and welcoming a diverse, contemporary crowd.

Though the vast majority of working magicians are male, Magic Castle spokeswoman Vicki Greenleaf said, the club has 38 women in its regular rotation of performers (among 482 magicians over the last three years). She also noted that the club has rewritten its guest dress code to eliminate all gender-specific requirements, and that of 67 children taking magic classes through the club’s Junior Society, most are girls, people of color or international students.

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Derek McKee, left, with fellow magicians Franco Pascali and Zach Davidson hone their sleight-of-hand skills during small gatherings called "magic jams." Photographed on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times)

Entertainment & Arts

Behind the curtain: How L.A.’s working magicians hone their tricks in private ‘magic jams’

Many of L.A.’s emerging and established magicians share and hone tricks in private ‘magic jams.’

Oct. 13, 2022

“We can’t change the past, but we can change the future,” Chuck Martinez, president of the Academy of Magical Arts, said in a statement. “We are making every effort to ensure that the club’s culture is inclusive and diverse for members, guests, staff and on our stages.”

We came on a Monday night, prepared for business to be slow. It wasn’t. The dining room and main theater were just about full, the barkeeps busy.

A stuffed owl in front of a stained glass window.

As you explore, every other room seems to be a bar (there are five in the building) and every cocktail seems to be steeped in mystery nomenclature (Sorcerer’s Sangria? Tropical Trickster?). You’re obliged to have dinner, which costs about $45 to $60 per main dish. The dining room is swanky and the menu leans toward steakhouse fare. Our server was welcoming and attentive; my filet mignon wasn’t my favorite of this year (that would be Jocko’s Steakhouse in Nipomo) but it was tender and tangy.

If you start with dinner, as we did, you proceed next to a 45-minute magic show in the 130-seat Palace of Mystery, a.k.a. the building’s main venue. First Danny and Stacey Cole did crazy things with shirts, ties and chairs. Then came Levent Cimkentli, perhaps the most high-velocity conjurer-comedian I’ve ever seen.

After dinner and the big show, you meander the mansion by your own timetable, dropping in on card tricksters, sleight-of-hand artists and other entertainers working the Close-Up Gallery, the Parlour of Prestidigitation, the Library Bar, Peller Theatre, and the Hat and Hare pub.

Two photos side by side, one of a bar with an empty chair, and one of hands displaying a playing card.

In the Palace of Mystery and the rooms that followed we saw levitation, disappearances, appearances, juggling, fake rabbits, card tricks, interlocking rings, many sight gags and audio gags. (You won’t see any of this on Instagram. Once you’re beyond the entry room, photography is forbidden.)

The crowd was diverse in age and heritage, all dressed to impress. Whether you glimpse a celebrity or not, the people-watching is top-notch.

Even after video-game mogul and magician Randy Pitchford bought the castle building and neighboring hotel in 2022, co-founder Milt Larsen remained a regular at the castle’s Palace Bar until days before his May 28 death.

For Subscribers Only logo

Subscribers get exclusive access to this story

We’re offering L.A. Times subscribers special access to our best journalism. Thank you for your support. Explore more Subscriber Exclusive content .

Cary Grant and Johnny Carson used to be members; visitors have included Johnny Depp, Katy Perry and Ryan Gosling. Performers have included Steve Martin and Neil Patrick Harris, who served as president of the academy from 2011 to 2014.

Soon after my visit, I heard the story of how the club once ejected Siegfried Fischbacher (of Siegfried and Roy fame) for showing up in jeans.

The castle is adults-only except for brunch performances on weekends, when guests under 21 are allowed and the entertainment is tailored to accommodate kids.

Vintage glass slides of a woman in profile, a seated man, a seated woman and a group photo on steps outdoors.

How do you get in?

If one of the club’s roughly 6,000 members invites you, you can make a reservation. (If you don’t know any members, you could check the castle website to see who’s performing on the night you hope to visit, then DM a performer on social media to politely request an invitation.)

If you don’t know a member and don’t want to chase one down on the internet, you can turn to the Magic Castle Hotel, as my wife and I did.

If you book a night or more at the Magic Castle Hotel , you automatically get access to the castle next door (but still have to pay the entrance fee). Once a 1950s apartment building, the hotel is painted bright yellow, with an 88-degree pool, pool toys, games and free soft-serve ice cream and snacks.

Most rooms are suites with kitchens and a fold-out sofa in the living room. Rates start about $225. Across the street to the west is the Highland Gardens Hotel , where Janis Joplin died of an overdose in room 105 on Oct. 4, 1970.

The Magic Castle Hotel is quirky. I need to say that its furniture and grounds are worn and the interiors are plain; I wouldn’t suggest a romantic weekend here.

An empty dining room hung with ornate red and gold drapes

But the emphasis on families is unmistakable, the location is central, the rates are lower than at many Hollywood hotels, and I found the service snappy and upbeat. If you offer your guests a welcome glass of Champagne (as the hotel does), much will be forgiven. It’s also a great move to poll families on what movie they’d like to see screened in the evening on the wall above the pool.

(FWIW, going by the Vegemite bottle and accents I heard at the breakfast buffet, I am guessing that the place is popular with Australian travelers.)

One more thing about this hotel. Next to the pool is a red phone. Anytime during the day, you or your kid can pick it up and someone at the other end will answer “Popsicle hotline!” Free delivery follows. And then, if you learned anything at all from this experience, you make the popsicle disappear.

More to Read

APRIL 18, 2013. ANAHEIM, CA. Victoria Dale, guest relations guide holds open the door to Club 33 for visitors on a special paid VIP tour, "Walk in Walt's Disneyland Footsteps" at Disneyland in Anaheim, CA on April 18, 2013. There is a growing popularity of VIP tours at theme parks. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Disney-obsessed couple lose lawsuit to get back into exclusive Club 33

Sept. 4, 2024

Guests raise a glass amid flickering fake candles and fantasy wall sconces.

Choose your own adventure at this Dungeons & Dragons-inspired pub hidden in downtown L.A.

photo illustration of a figure in shirt with Cinderella's castle as their head

In defense of Disney adults

July 18, 2024

Subscriber Exclusive Alert

If you're an L.A. Times subscriber, you can sign up to get alerts about early or entirely exclusive content.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

how to visit the magic castle

Born and raised in California, Christopher Reynolds has written about travel, the outdoors, arts and culture for the Los Angeles Times since 1990.

how to visit the magic castle

Dania Maxwell is a staff photographer at the Los Angeles Times. Before joining the newsroom in 2018, she worked in Colombia, South America and at the Naples Daily News in Florida. Her work has been awarded an Emmy, POYi, Sigma Delta Chi and Edward R. Murrow. Maxwell received a master’s degree in visual communication from Ohio University and a bachelor of arts from Sarah Lawrence College.

More From the Los Angeles Times

montage of six photos of Redding, CA in circles on an aerial photo background

This under-the-radar city is the hiking trails capital of California

Sept. 10, 2024

Emma Robbins, left, Burgandi Trejo Phoenix, center, and Katie Janss, right, laugh.

‘By Natives, for Natives’: This new L.A. hub is drawing in the young, artsy and Indigenous

Sept. 9, 2024

Venice handwritten typography

This must be Venice

Sept. 6, 2024

The cast of the world-premiere run of "October 7," making its West Coast debut next month with a staged reading at UCLA.

‘October 7’ play to make West Coast debut at UCLA on anniversary of Hamas attacks

Sept. 5, 2024

What is The Hollywood Magic Castle? An Expert Guide

How do you get an invite to The Magic Castle? Can anyone go, and when? We answer all your questions.

The Magic Castle in Hollywood is one of the most exclusive venues in the world, and not just anyone can enter. But, if a trip to a star-studded world of wonders is on your bucket list, read below to find out how you might visit the Castle.

What is the Magic Castle?

Founded in 1963 as the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts (AMA), the Castle hosts the world’s greatest magicians on a daily basis. Since opening, thousands of celebrities have worked at and visited the historic venue, which was built in 1909. Notably, Neil Patrick Harris was the president of the AMA from 2011-2014.

What’s it like inside the Magic Castle?

Once inside, you’ll visit many showrooms, from the 100-seat Palace of Mystery, to the 26-seat Close-Up Gallery, to the Parlour of Prestidigitation, and multiple unique bars. The Castle is full of priceless artwork, a library full of historic magic books, and surprises at every corner. Many shows even start after midnight.

How do you get invited to the Magic Castle?

There are four main ways you can gain entry to the Castle. All performers get comp tickets, so knowing someone on the bill can secure you a seat. Likewise, members are allotted guest passes. Third, you can stay at the Magic Castle Hotel (which features a 24/7 popsicle hotline), and try to get a ticket through the concierge, though they are not guaranteed. Finally, you can become a member.

Membership options vary based on your age and interest in magic. If you’re a magic fan, and simply want a place to enjoy world-class entertainment with friends, you can become an Associate Member–no card tricks required. But, if you want to gain membership as a magician, which affords you access to the library, lectures, and other magician-only events, you’ll have to audition to prove you’ve got the stuff. You’ll also need a current member who has seen you perform to sponsor you. Both memberships are 21+.

But, most magicians catch the “magic-bug” as kids, and the Castle has a junior program for 13-20 year-olds. As of 2023, the program is now accepting members from around the country (there were previously rules requiring members to make at least a monthly trip to the Castle). The junior program holds auditions in March and October, and acts are strictly limited to five minutes–any longer, and you’ll be immediately disqualified and asked to reapply in six months.

Advice for your visit to the Magic Castle

So, are you ready to visit? Be warned, you must obey their dress code–a suit and tie for gentlemen, and a “ravishing dress” or pantsuit with a matching jacket for ladies. The AMA advises visitors to “err on the side of being overdressed.” The Castle has turned down many celebrities for not obeying the dress code, but after all, how often do you get to visit a magic castle?

See more on: The Magic Castle

  • Pop Culture
  • DIY Classes
  • Brit+Co Picks
  • Relationships

This Week’s Stories

16 washable rugs we’re swooning over for every space, 13 new october movies that will get you in the mood for halloween, 10 birkenstocks from dsw that are so perfect for fall, where to stream 'challengers' with zendaya, josh o'connor, & mike faist, penn badgley finally spilled on that 'gossip girl' finale wedding scene with ex blake lively, 'bridgerton' star yerin ha praises showrunner jess brownell for this "empowering" character change, i scrolled through 900 fall dresses from lulus – these 16 are the most flattering, will taylor and travis make their red carpet debut at the vmas after their nyc weekend.

how to visit the magic castle

You Can Now Visit the Magic Castle in L.A. Thanks to This Cool Trick

You Can Now Visit the Magic Castle in L.A. Thanks to This Cool Trick

There’s magic in the air at the Hilton Hotels in the Los Angeles area; serious magic. There was a time when the only way to get inside the stately Hollywood Victorian known as the Magic Castle was through knowing a magician who happens to be a member or by joining the club yourself. But now, thanks to Hilton Hotels, any of us mere mortals have the chance to materialize into the private, members-only clubhouse. No magic wand is required, just a bit of planning and preparation.

Entering is pure magic. After arriving and checking in, you head through a secret passageway behind a bookshelf into the mansion itself. There’s a maze-like collection of bars and performance spaces as well as a large restaurant. Sprinkled throughout is a collection of magical artifacts from props to posters as well as oil paintings featuring notable magicians of yore.

With a reservation, you can enter the club early to enjoy pre-dinner drinks at one of the bars or see magicians at work throughout the building. At various times throughout the evening you can see tricks performed at the Close-Up Gallery, the Parlour of Prestidigitation, The Library Bar, and the Peller Theatre.

Dinner is served at set times in the upstairs dining room, composed of various sitting areas with plenty to look at, like vintage photographs and magic ephemera. The menu is heavy on meats, from Prime Rib to Beef Wellington, but there are vegetarian options and lighter fare such as Thai curry crab bisque and a watercress endive salad starter. The service is smooth, and the food is delicious, but it’s hard to focus on eating when there’s magic afoot.

There's a show! Immediately after dining, guests are given tickets to The Palace of Mystery, where a few headliners perform their acts. After the show, guests are invited to wander to the smaller performances happening all around the Magic Castle. There are magicians doing miraculous things with decks of cards, some seeming to read minds, and others doing jaw-dropping acts with a variety of props. Crowds can be larger on weekends than on weeknights, so if you prefer more elbow room, then you might consider a Monday through Thursday reservation.

Dinners are only for those 21 and over. If you're bringing the kids, the Magic Castle offers brunch on Saturday and Sunday with a show just for the little ones. There are other things you’ll need to know before heading for this wonderful world of wonders. To enter the club, there is an additional cover charge (either $25 to $35 per person depending on the night).

The Magic Castle also has a strict dress code that they take very seriously. Women must wear "elegant business attire or evening wear," while men are required to wear a suit with a tie (or “bow ties, bolo ties, ascots, and banded collars when worn correctly.”)

The other thing is that your phone will need to stay in your purse. There are no photographs allowed in the club at all. Not a single selfie or quick snap is allowed, which can be torture for those who are addicted to Instagram and capturing the moment.

So, what’s the deal with the Hilton promotion: To visit the Magic Castle, you’ll need to plan in advance, way in advance. To secure entrance, you’ll need to make a reservation via the Magic Castle Offer at least six to eight weeks before your visit. First, before reserving your date, contact the Hilton concierge by making an inquiry about availability to [email protected] . Keep in mind that availability is limited.

There are quite a few Hilton Hotels to choose from as part of the offer, like the affordable Hilton Garden Inn (which is located within walking distance of the Magic Castle) to the legendary Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills . The Magic Castle Offer also includes either breakfast for two or premium WiFi access, depending on the property you choose. Warning: access to the Magic Castle is only available via this offer; you can’t book your Hilton stay via another avenue.

See, no magic trick is needed, just a click right here.

Have you been to the Magic Castle? Let us know @BritandCo.

Photography courtesy of The Magic Castle; last photo of Hilton courtesy of Hilton Hotels.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Trending Stories

Trending topics.

  • Blake Lively + Taylor Swift
  • Fall Shoes Guide
  • Easy Potluck Ideas
  • Interior Design Style Quiz
  • Join our Newsletter
  • Indian Food Recipes
  • B+C Classes
  • Selfmade Business Accelerator
  • Crockpot Recipes
  • Easy Lunch Ideas
  • Healthy Dinner Ideas

Exploring the MAGIC Spell Studios: A First-Time Visitor's Experience

The MAGIC Building on the RIT campus

MAGIC Building at RIT

Nice to be on the RIT campus again! I was excited to come to the MAGIC Spell Studios , waiting to see what comes to life. After being in the room for just a few minutes, I can't help but notice the creativity that fills the place.

Arriving at MAGIC Spell Studios

Starting the visit, my eyes pop open when I see how large the MAGIC Spell Studios is. Covering a vast area of 52,000 sq. ft., this is a film hub that is just as good as many of the major film studios in New York City and Hollywood. My excitement increases with my arriving at the multiplicities that this place brings.

Inside a movie theater with low lighting

3D Animation Lab in Magic at RIT

White wall with a lot of different screens on it

Sahruday Sherla

Hey, I'm Sahruday Sherla, a first-year Master's student in Computer Science with roots in the city of Mumbai. I’m passionate about coding, a total movie buff, and love exploring new places whenever I can. I’m looking forward to discovering all that RIT has to offer and sharing my experiences with you as I navigate this exciting journey!

IMAGES

  1. LA's Magic Castle: The Complete Guide

    how to visit the magic castle

  2. A Magical Evening at the Magic Castle in Hollywood

    how to visit the magic castle

  3. Things You Didn't Know About The Magic Castle

    how to visit the magic castle

  4. The Modern Postcard Travel Blog The Magic Castle: An Enchanting Evening

    how to visit the magic castle

  5. The Magic Castle

    how to visit the magic castle

  6. Secret LA: How To Visit Hollywood's Famous Magic Castle

    how to visit the magic castle

VIDEO

  1. Magic castle. #ello

  2. Magic castle (Zaccaria 1984)

  3. MAGIC CASTLE GRADARA 2024

  4. Magic Castle

  5. Magic castle 🏰 #boracay2024 #castle #magic #shorts

  6. Magic Castle #147 April 24th, 2024 Paul Green Comedy PaulCast

COMMENTS

  1. 4 ways to get into the Magic Castle

    1. Know a member. Photograph: Courtesy the Magic Castle. For most Angelenos, this will be the easiest and least expensive way to enter. Finding a friend who can get you into the Magic Castle is ...

  2. Guide to the Magic Castle, from ticket info to tips and tricks

    The Magic Castle is located at 7001 Franklin Ave in Hollywood. It's one block north of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. When is the Magic Castle open? The Magic Castle is open daily from 5pm-2am ...

  3. Visiting The Magic Castle

    The Magic Castle is the exclusive private clubhouse for members of The Academy of Magical Arts. You must be a member or have a guest card from a member to gain admittance. Valid Photo ID required. We adhere to a strict dress code. See below. Guests are required to dine with us. One entrée required per guest. NO ONE UNDER 21 will be admitted to ...

  4. Secret LA: How To Visit Hollywood's Famous Magic Castle

    3) Take a magic class. If you're truly fired up about getting into the Magic Castle, a short-term pass comes along with tuition for a class (ages 21 and up). However, the pass restricts entry to specific days and only works while you're enrolled. Guests are also limited, and most classes last six to eight weeks. 4) Visit a local magic shop.

  5. The Magic Castle

    Feb 2020 • Friends. The Magic Castle is a Hollywood gem! The private club full of magical nostalgia will leave you with a child like delight. When you first walk into the lobby, you will have to say the magic phrase so the secret door opens and lets you into a magical world of wonder and enchantment.

  6. LA's Magic Castle: The Complete Guide

    7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028-8600, USA. Get directions. Phone +1 323-851-3313. Visit website. The Magic Castle is a members-only clubhouse in the heart of Hollywood that has been conjuring up good times full of prime rib and prestidigitation since 1963. Read on to learn about the spellbinding siblings who founded it, the tricks and ...

  7. Magic Castle

    A visit to The Magic Castle is always amazing, literally. The mansion is full of surprises, the dining is superb, and the shows are no less than remarkable. You're in for a truly unique, unforgettable experience. The Houdini Séance. Houdini promised his beloved wife that he would, if he could find a way, send her a message from the other side.

  8. How to Visit the Magic Castle

    How to Visit the Magic Castle. Be invited by a member. Stay at the Magic Castle Hotel ($250+ per night). The hotel is a separate building from the castle itself but it is located next door. You can view the rates here. Attend the AMA Magic Castle Awards - you will receive an invitation for two for the Magic Castle with your ticket purchase.

  9. Frequently Asked Questions

    The Magic Castle® is an exclusive private club. Guests must be invited or accompanied by a Member. Dress Code strictly enforced. Reservations: (323)-851-3313. 7001 Franklin Avenue. Hollywood, CA 90028.

  10. The Magic Castle: The Story of an L.A. Icon

    To the Larsen brothers, whose lineage of magical family members spanned generations of illusionists and spellbinders, the estate was a perfect setting to house a world of mystique. Thus the Magic Castle opened its doors on Jan. 2, 1963. "When we started the castle, we thought it should feel a bit like the Addams Family or Disney's Haunted ...

  11. Visiting Magic Castle

    Upon arriving, There is a valet that costs $25 ($8 for members) and a door cover charge that ranges from $35 (week days) and $45 (weekends). Children 10 and under are $15 and infants are free. If you are not a member, you are required to dine at the Magic Castle during your visit. Menu prices range from about $30 to over $200 for an entree.

  12. A trick for getting into the Magic Castle

    Thus I entered the Castle of Magic shackled by a bracelet of shame. Stepping into the entry room for an evening visit, you will hand over $35 to $45 per person, up slightly from pre-pandemic times.

  13. The Magic Castle

    Usually, you might be able to see a few magicians in an evening at a small magic club, if the city even has one. But since the Magic Castle is a gathering place for magicians, you could see a ...

  14. What is The Hollywood Magic Castle? An Expert Guide

    The Magic Castle in Hollywood is one of the most exclusive venues in the world, and not just anyone can enter. But, if a trip to a star-studded world of wonders is on your bucket list, read below to find out how you might visit the Castle.

  15. Magic Castle

    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." ...

  16. How do l get passes to the Magic castle

    There are a variety of ways to get a pass. The easiest part is to go to a 'brick and mortar' magic shop, like The Magic Apple in LA and ask the owner, Brent Geris for one. He's been pretty good about given invites. After all, the member can give out a large number of invitations: the guest passes, which the member physically brings a party to ...

  17. How to Gain Access to The Magic Castle

    Getting into the exclusive Magic Castle has always proved a daunting task. You either need to be a member or score an invitation from a member in order to receive a guest pass. While access to The Magic Castle is typically available only to members and invited guests, for the first time through the calendar year, guests staying at participating ...

  18. Show Schedules

    A visit to The Magic Castle is always amazing, literally. The mansion is full of surprises, the dining is superb, and the shows are no less than remarkable. You're in for a truly unique, unforgettable experience. Gift Shop. Hundreds of items, straight from the Academy of Magical Arts and its famed Clubhouse. ...

  19. The Magic Castle

    Things to know before you go. You need a membership or a guest card for entry to the Magic Castle. Dress up, not down—the dress code requires a jacket and tie. Leave the kids at home, since evening shows are for guests 21 and older. Eat, drink, and be merry—dining is required with your visit, and the castle has bars and a full-service ...

  20. Exploring the MAGIC CASTLE Hollywood 5 Star Dining and ...

    Steve Cha (aka Rockstar Eater) makes a special visit to the Magic Castle in 2021, which is one of the most exclusive clubs in the world. Since 1963, the Magi...

  21. Magic Castle in Hollywood: Hardest trick is getting in

    The Magic Castle was established by Milt Larsen in 1962. The Academy of Magical Arts. "Let me know if you feel the slightest stabbing sensation in your throat," says tonight's headlining ...

  22. You Can Now Visit the Magic Castle in L.A. Thanks to This Cool Trick

    Aug 21, 2019. There's magic in the air at the Hilton Hotels in the Los Angeles area; serious magic. There was a time when the only way to get inside the stately Hollywood Victorian known as the Magic Castle was through knowing a magician who happens to be a member or by joining the club yourself. But now, thanks to Hilton Hotels, any of us ...

  23. Exploring the MAGIC Spell Studios: A First-Time Visitor's Experience

    Arriving at MAGIC Spell Studios. Starting the visit, my eyes pop open when I see how large the MAGIC Spell Studios is. Covering a vast area of 52,000 sq. ft., this is a film hub that is just as good as many of the major film studios in New York City and Hollywood. My excitement increases with my arriving at the multiplicities that this place ...

  24. Membership

    Our objective is to advance the art and provide a positive image of magic and magicians worldwide. The Academy offers two types of Memberships: MAGICIAN MEMBERSHIP. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP. Non-Resident Membership rates for yearly Associate and Magician members. To qualify as a Non-Resident Member, you must reside outside of a 60-mile radius of ...