The Magic Castle is a renowned private club in Hollywood that is known for its prestigious and exclusive atmosphere. One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining the club's unique ambiance is its strict dress code. Members and visitors are required to adhere to a formal dress code that enhances the elegance and sophistication of the establishment. When visiting the Magic Castle, it is essential to carefully select appropriate attire. The dress code stipulates that men must wear a suit or a tuxedo with a shirt, tie, and dress shoes. Women are expected to wear evening or cocktail dresses with appropriate footwear.
The Magic Castle & Magicians
For years, I’ve been a member of the Magic Castle. In fact, after my decision to become a professional, full-time entertainer, I joined immediately. Ever since becoming a professional magician, people have asked about the Magic Castle. Let me explain it in layman’s terms – as it is quite often thought of as simply a theater by those who have not attended this unique, invite only, mysterious old mansion.
(If you are looking to HIRE A MAGICIAN, you are welcome to contact me. If I can not take care of you personally for a private party or corporate event, I can refer or provide the best in each field of magic. Do not hesitate to call.)
The Magic Castle is located just behind the Chinese Mann Theater one block from the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The Magic Castle in located in Hollywood, California. It’s the home of the Academy of Magical Arts. Does that statement even make it more confusing? Here’s the deal… The Magic Castle is a place to see amazing shows, discover the history of the magical arts, have dinner and drink ’til you can’t… as there are six bars conveniently located throughout! But the “Castle”, as pro’s call it, is much more than a showplace. It is an invite only club in which public can witness magicians from around the world on any given night.
Now, the Academy of Magical Arts is like the worldwide union for performing magicians and entertainers and it’s offices are located inside the Magic Castle! Got it? It gets “trickier”…
Won Gold Medal for Interactive Magic.
Within the walls of the Castle, you’ll find endless memorabilia, secret doors, moving parts, numerous showrooms, a fine restaurant, a guarded library and a museum. Shows range from pure sit down sleight of hand presentations to stand up comedy shows to nightly stage shows. It get’s even “trickier”…
Going to the Magic Castle? you might expect or have heard that a particular magician works there.. Truth be told, on any given week, it’s different performers from around the world. No entertainer actually works there permanently… do not confuse this club as the comedy club where acts come and go. Nope. It’s much harder to become a performing member and entertainer than it is to attend as a guest. It gets even “trickier”…
Above is one of numerous intimate showrooms your discover.
To become a member is not easily defined. You have to audition or interview first. Believe it or not, most members are not magicians at all. There are thousands of members worldwide that range from people that collect magic, build magic, research magic, perform magic and those that just love it and want to be a member of the most unique club in the world. Each type of membership has it’s perks and path to becoming an accepted member. Performing magicians have to perform in front of a committee that decides their fate while non-magicians have to apply and be interviewed to ensure they have the best intentions and understanding of the club. It’s certainly a special place indeed… and the numerous, similar places that are compared to it are simply wonderful showrooms and do not have the behind the scenes and industry aspects. It gets even “trickier” yet!…
Along with the obvious features of the Castle, there is even a room devoted to Houdini. Here, you will find his original shackles and other amazing memorabilia. This room is open for very special reservation only dinners where you get to whiteness your own personal seance. Another very popular feature is Irma, the piano playing ghost. Oh, this is not just a self playing piano! Nope, you communicate with her and request any song you want. If you are really sharp and know the lyrics to songs, you can hold conversations. That’s tricky! Told you.
Just behind me, you can see the water barrel Houdini would be shackled and submerged in.
Currently, Neil Patrick Harris is a big part of the Magic Castle as well are numerous well known celebrities who love this unique art. The Castle is a source of the worlds best magicians and is often called upon for hiring magicians for private events. You can even host your own party at the club. Just call the Famous Hollywood Magic Castle for details.
The founder of The Magic Castle is an amazing force in entertainment. Milt Larsen transformed an old victorian mansion into the world famous club in 1961 while his brother Bill helped promote it. He also created the Mayfair Music Hall in Santa Monica, California, The Variety Arts Theatre in Los Angeles and Caesars Magical Empire at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. Milt is seen regularly at the club and still produces top magic shows such as “It’s Magic!”
With Milt in front of the Magic Owl and “secret” entrance
To attend and bring guests, expect to make dinner reservations and adhere to a strict dress code. Learn more about it at MagicCastle.org If you know me and want passes/invitations, just email me anytime. It makes an awesome date and is a wonderful place to take an important client. You have to be 21 and over to attend at night or you may attend for brunch on the weekends with kids. I’ll quickly add that there are classes and special events to look out for as well. When you arrive, you’ll notice the house and think to yourself, “That can’t have too much in it”… when you enter, you’ll be very disorientated since the entire building is like an iceberg as 2/3 is underground. Pretty tricky! When you first enter, you will have to say the “magic words” to the golden owl on the bookcase to have the bookcases open to let you into the main building …That’s tricky too!
Inside Hollywood's Magic Castle, the inspiration for a novel Sun Princess experience
Princess Cruises recently revealed that a nondescript black door on Deck 8 aboard the new Sun Princess will house Spellbound, a collaboration with Hollywood's famed Magic Castle.
To better understand what Princess President John Padgett promised will be an 'extraordinary experience,' Seatrade Cruise News visited The Magic Castle with a small group of media who were wowed by the history and quirky characters within, and dazzled by the close-up magic acts involving cards, sleight of hand and flying shrimp (don't ask!).
This reporter emerged with a metal fork bent and twisted, allegedly by psychic powers, an autographed playing card used in a show and a tiny shrimp lapel pin.
And, like the other reporters, scratching her head over the coins vanishing into thin air, the multitude of baffling card tricks, the seemingly impossible appearance of large objects from small cups and those flying shrimp — raw on the table then fried when flipped into the air and mysteriously popping up time and again on someone's shoulder.
But it was more than the close-up magic that impressed. The venue and the scene were like being transported back to the Victorian era but amid contemporary, elegantly dressed patrons and more than a few eccentrics. A private club, performance venue and restaurant, The Magic Castle contains four theaters, six bars, a fancy dining room and a library off-limits to anyone who's not a magician.
The Magic Castle has 5,000 members, half professional magicians, and the rest are magic enthusiasts. There's a strict formal dress code and photography isn't allowed past the lobby.
Iconic institution
For Negin Kamali, a longtime Angelino who works for Princess Cruises, The Magic Castle is an 'iconic institution. There's a lot of mystery about it. It's an honor to be able to work with them to bring The Magic Castle to the world aboard Sun Princess.'
Erika Larsen welcomes visitors to The Magic Castle. Above right, with Artemis the owl. Lower right is the lobby
Erika Larsen, whose whose Uncle Milt opened The Magic Castle in 1963 with her parents Bill and Irene Larsen, was the lively guide to the media group. Erika, president of Magic Castle Enterprises, has magic in her blood since her grandfather William Larsen began publishing Genii, the Conjurer's Magazine, in 1936 and founded the Academy of Magical Arts in 1952.
Poised on a hill in a formerly dilapidated 1909 chateau, the building is not just mysterious; it's been designated a Los Angeles cultural-historical monument.
'All the famous magicians and the big acts of the day performed here,' Erika Larsen said.
That's still true.
Open sesame
When patrons enter the lobby, with its wood paneling, flocked wallpaper, Tiffany lamps, Houdini poster and a front desk topped by rabbits and hats, they have to say a password to Artemis the owl before the bookshelves swing open to admit them to the club.
Inside last Thursday night was an incredible scene. Not exactly the Mos Eisley cantina from 'Star Wars' — no intergalactic creatures or violent outbreaks — but the people-watching was stellar, and everyone was elegantly behaved and attired in suits, ties, cocktail dresses or evening gowns.
The Magic Castle is a warren of intimate, dimly lit rooms, all Victorian in style, with antiques, vitrines of curiosities, a fireplace and paintings, photos, posters and displays of famous conjurers. Erika's Uncle Milt, who died in April, collected bits and pieces from condemned mansions, saving treasures from the wrecking ball, and some items are from movie sets (one bar is from 'Hello Dolly!').
The eyes of a painting in another bar move. One room houses a piano played by Irma the ghost, who takes requests. When someone said 'Play "Walking in Memphis,"' instantly Irma did. Eerie! Shows take place in rooms with a few chairs around a table or bar for close-up magic or in small theaters, one called The Palace of Mystery.
Seance room
In the Houdini Seance Room, current Magic Castle owner Randy Pitchford, great nephew of the renowned British magician Cardini, was seated with his wife Kristy and guests last Thursday night.
'We hold seances here. This room is profound,' Pitchford said.
Later, he joined several resident performers, one called The Shaman, to present a rapid-fire cornucopia of close-up magic.
'Things the cruise world has never seen'
'There are so many things we'd like to create with The Magic Castle, things the cruise world has never seen,' Pitchford told the reporters.
Renderings of Spellbound by Magic Castle on Sun Princess show the same ornately decorated Victorian interiors. The space will have three intimate rooms including a fireplace, a bar with sleight-of-hand servers, a 30-seat theater and even a resident spirit.
Plus, of course, Artemis the owl.
Multiple shows by reservation will take place throughout, with the admission fees to be announced soon.
Halloween 2021
Halloween — one of the most popular times of the year at The Magic Castle — is back! And this year, it’s a monthlong hellish affair!
In honor of the 10-year anniversary of INFERNO Halloween 2011, the theme this year is “Dante’s Inferno 2.0!” We will take you on a spooktacular journey through the 9 circles of the underworld, and celebrate the legendary magician Dante.
For the first time, decorations (by our talented Décor Committee) go up at the beginning of the month and evolves all month long, beginning with decorations and special effects on October 6th, and leading up to the official kickoff on Friday, October 22nd.
Members and guests with invitations, call to make your reservations:
(323) 851-3313 ext. 1 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
Members enter with five guests at no charge. For additional guests, the entry/entertainment fee is $45 per person (Monday-Thursday) or $55 per person (Friday-Sunday). Dinner and/or non-dining reservations are required to enjoy the club.
And, as an added bonus to members, we have “Member Priority” from Monday, October 25th, to Sunday, October 31st. No guest pass reservations will be allowed until before the week begins – giving members first chance at all the most popular dates. And Wednesday, October 27th, will be members-only (with your invited guests) with all the famously fun festivities and our popular Costume Contest at midnight.
Halloween Week (10/22-10/31) includes:
- Halloween Costumes is the Dress Code!**
- Costume Contests (10/27 and 10/31)!
- Our famous Candy Coffin in the Lobby!
- Staff in full costume & makeup (provided by MAC)!
- Tarot and palm readings!
- Photo Booth!
- DJ/dancing in the Milt Larsen Inner Circle!
- Souvenir Cocktail in a take-home glass!
- RFID triggerable fun gags with your MagicKey!
- Kids Fall Festival (Sunday, October 24th)!
- Members-Only Night (Wednesday, October 27th)!
- Prix Fixe Menu in the Dining Room (October 25th-31st)!
- Themed magic in our showrooms!
- And more!
**Halloween costumes are welcome from 10/6 to 10/21, then costumes are required 10/22 to 10/31. Costumes must be appropriate, tasteful, and obviously a Halloween costume. Any props must be obvious. No realistic weapons, please. And no costumes in relation to hate groups/hate speech. And due to COVID-19 restrictions, face masks/mouth coverings are required when you’re not actively enjoying food and beverage. Feel free to creatively incorporate your mask into your costume. Thank you!
Call to speak with one of our hauntingly friendly reservationists for what’s happening/available on any particular date in October and make your reservations. You’re in for a hellishly good time!
Questions? Email Ben Roman, Director of Events, at: [email protected].
THE MAGIC CASTLE is an exclusive private club. Guests must be invited or accompanied by a Member.
Dress Code strictly enforced.
Women are expected to wear evening or cocktail dresses with appropriate footwear. The dress code also prohibits casual clothing such as jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. As a result of the dress code, photographs are notoriously limited inside the Magic Castle.
This restriction aims to maintain the club's air of exclusivity and prevent any potential disruption to the members' experience. While photography may be permitted in certain areas designated for private events, it is generally not allowed in the public areas of the Magic Castle. The strict dress code and photography policy contribute to the club's mystique and allure. By adhering to these rules, members and visitors demonstrate their respect for the traditions and etiquette of the Magic Castle. This adherence ensures that the club maintains its reputation as an elegant and sophisticated haven for magic enthusiasts and social elites alike.=.
Reviews for "Spectacular Fashion at the Magic Castle: Exclusive Photos Showcasing the Dress Code"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - The dress code at The Magic Castle was absolutely ridiculous. I understand the need for a certain level of formality, but this place takes it to a whole new level. The staff made me feel uncomfortable and unwelcome because of my attire. I wasn't expecting to go in wearing jeans and a t-shirt, but I was dressed nicely and still felt judged. It's disappointing that such a prestigious establishment would prioritize appearances over the enjoyment of its guests.
2. John - 1 star - I had heard great things about The Magic Castle, but I was extremely disappointed with their dress code. Not only did they turn me away at the entrance for not wearing a suit jacket, but the staff was incredibly rude about it. I understand the need for a certain level of professionalism, but this was just excessive. As a tourist, I didn't have a suit jacket with me and I felt completely blindsided by this dress code requirement. It ruined what could have been a great evening.
3. Emily - 2 stars - The Magic Castle dress code is just too strict for my taste. Their rules and regulations on what can and can't be worn are absolutely ridiculous. It's supposed to be a place of entertainment and fun, but all I felt was a constant pressure to adhere to their strict dress code. I didn't come all the way to The Magic Castle to worry about what I was wearing. I won't be returning anytime soon, that's for sure.