Hey [Friend's Name], I hope you're doing well! I wanted to personally reach out and invite you to a magical event happening at the Magic Castle. I know how much you love all things magical, so I thought this would be right up your alley. The event is scheduled for [date] at [time]. It's an exclusive invitation-only gathering, and I managed to secure a few extra spots, so I wanted to extend the invitation to you. I promise you won't be disappointed! If you haven't heard of the Magic Castle before, it's an iconic place located in Los Angeles, and it's every magician's dream come true. This private club is known for its rich history, elegant atmosphere, and mind-blowing performances.

It’s magic: How I got into LA’s most exclusive address

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“Do any of my friends know a magician”, I type into my phone, tailing the request with a twinkling wand emoji. This is not a Harry Potter fetish, nor am I hung-up on Houdini. My attempt to gain access to one of LA’s most exclusive addresses starts where most things do these days: on social media. Anyone with the right amount of money, looks or status can blag their way in LA. But you’ll need a few tricks up your sleeve to get into 7001 Franklin Avenue.

Invitation only . The Magic Castle.

Surrounded by the macro billboards and neon lights of Hollywood, The Magic Castle is an invitation-only private members club that looks like it belongs in a snow globe. Built in 1909 by a wealthy banker, the heritage-listed Gothic renaissance chateau was restored into a hub for the magical arts in 1963 by the Larsen brothers. The stained-glass windows are original Tiffany & Co. According to a tribute on the website, co-founder, actor and writer Milt Larsen died this year at age 92. The headquarters for members of the non-profit “Academy of Magical Arts”, it’s open every night for dining, drinks and a variety of shows. If you can get in.

There are many things that money can buy in Hollywood, but magic isn’t one of them. To gain entry to this Hollywood society, you need to be invited by a member, pay for a stay at the Magic Castle Hotel nearby or become a member yourself (if you practise magic). The first option seems like my best bet. After a dead-end lead on Facebook, Instagram pulls a rabbit out of a hat. Within a couple of hours, a world-travelling circus performer I’d matched with on a dating app years ago connects me with a magician friend who works at The Magic Castle. Ta da!

Co-founder Milt Larson died this year at age 92.

That was the easy part. I’m promptly emailed a booking code, which includes a long list of rules and a strict, somewhat dated dress code (for women, no shorts or rompers). It’s mandatory for anyone entering to dine, and every guest must order a main. It was sounding less like an exclusive invite and more like a military drill. Archaically, reservations are made over the phone with a credit card, and after an hour-long wait on the phone from Australia with 20 punters ahead of me, I finally secure a booking.

Arriving at the Magic Castle feels a little like flopping out of a limo on The Bachelor. There’s a long line of people dressed in black-tie and over-the-top sparkly ball gowns and stilettos. I’m wearing an Obi Wan Kenobi-esque cloak over a more low-key ensemble that’s giving wizard vibes. It’s freezing outside and the queue moves slowly. When we reach the front desk, the woman at reception asks “Who are you here with?” I stumble back with “ourselves” and mentally kick myself in the shin as my friend lets out a cackle.

The gatekeeper takes pity on me and next thing I know we’re shouting “open sesame” at a small wooden owl on a bookshelf. The shelf peels sideways to reveal a passageway, where a large sign overhead reminds us that cameras are forbidden. Inside it’s all dark wood, antique banisters, weird art and vintage paraphernalia. Journey plays on an unmanned piano, then Lady Gaga. People are mingling at a small, carpeted bar with stairways leading up and down. “Have you seen the artwork on the walls here? It’s wild,” says my friend Lizzy. I may have only had one Mystical Margarita but I swear I see a woman in a painting move out of the corner of my eye.

The “Open Sesame” owl is among a number of quirky, mystical paraphernalia.

The Magic Castle is a 929 square-metre maze of bars, restaurants and theatres, and shows are held at intervals throughout the night. You can arrive as early as 5pm, but we’ve timed our visit for dinner and the “Palace of Mystery” show at 10pm. In the busy Dante dining room upstairs, we both order the signature Beef Wellington. It’s surprisingly tasty, but no amount of magic could make the bill disappear. This is not a cheap night out – with dinner, drinks, tips and entry, it’s more than $US200 ($299) each. But it is an interesting diversion from the Hollywood norm.

It’s nearing Chinese New Year when we visit, so the shows are culturally themed, with magicians Robert Chau and Juliana Chen headlining. Robert performs a heartfelt astrology performance with disappearing planets and moons, while Juliana’s gig is a contemporary take on traditional “Bian Lian” or Chinese “face-changing”.

The Magic Castle is not as cheesy as people have told me it is, and I admire the commitment and creativity of the performers. However, we don’t feel the urge to hang around after the show and head straight to Short Stop in nearby HiFi (Historic Filipinotown) for Motown into the early hours. On a Monday night, might I add. That’s LA for you. No magic necessary.

THE DETAILS

Fly
Fly to Nadi then onto LA via Fiji with Fiji Airways, See fijiairways.com.

Dine
The Magic Castle is invitation-only or accessed with a booking at The Magic Castle Hotel, rooms from $US239 ($359). Entry is $US35 a person during the week and $US45 on the weekend. Guests must dine at the in-house restaurant.

The writer travelled to LA as a guest of Fiji Airways and visited The Magic Castle at her own expense.

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

Sunny Chanel is a freelance writer as well as the founder of the whimsical site Wonder and Company. When this proud San Franciscan isn't writing, working on her fixer-upper or doing crafts, she is playing dress up with daughter and planning her next trip to Disneyland.

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.

Sunny Chanel is a freelance writer as well as the founder of the whimsical site Wonder and Company. When this proud San Franciscan isn't writing, working on her fixer-upper or doing crafts, she is playing dress up with daughter and planning her next trip to Disneyland.

2 Tickets to the Invite-Only Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA

You and a guest will enjoy two tickets to The Magic Castle in Hollywood, California!

The Magic Castle, the clubhouse of the Academy of Magical Arts, is private, allowing entrance only to members and their guests, or through courtesy invitations which are available to magicians visiting from out of the United States. A typical evening—if there even is such a thing here—features magic shows that range from miracles right under your nose to full stage illusions that stun an entire room.

The Castle is full of rare memorabilia and magnificent posters, so there’s a lot to see. There’s also a critically acclaimed full-service dining room and a number of unique bars, each with its own personality, making it easy to find just the perfect spot for whatever mood you’re in.

Enjoy a visit to the invitation-only Magic Castle where you will enjoy magic shows from the world's best magicians.

• Experience expires on Dec 16, 2023.
• Experience expires on Dec 16, 2023.

• Valid for 2 people.
• Participant must be 21 years or older for a visit in the evening Monday - Sunday (children are permitted to attend for Sunday brunch).
• Approximate duration: 3 hours.
• Meal reservations are required to visit the castle and are not included in this package (winner is responsible for the meal cost).
• The Magic Castle has a strict evening dress code. Casual or athletic attire, flip-flops, sandals, sneakers, work boots, denim, skorts, rompers, outdoor jackets, & excessively revealing clothing are ALL prohibited. Guests who do not meet the dress code or minimum age requirement will not be admitted to the clubhouse. If you have any questions about the dress code, please call the Castle before you make your visit. When in DOUBT, overdress!

• Experience cannot be resold or re-auctioned.
• Blackout dates may apply.
• Travel and accommodations are not included.
• We expect all winning bidders and their guests to conduct themselves appropriately when attending an experience won at Charitybuzz. Decorum and adherence to all rules and guidelines are a must.
• Seat location will not be known in advance.
• To be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon date, based on the experience provider's availability.
• All Charitybuzz patrons are required to comply with current government, venue, and event requirements associated with the redemption of this lot. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of the experience and final purchase price.

Television Academy Foundation
Preserving and celebrating the history of television while educating and inspiring the future generation.

100% of Net Proceeds (as defined in our Terms and FAQs) of the Hammer Price will go to Pledgeling Foundation, a nationally registered 501(c)(3) public charity, who will then grant the funds, less fees, to Television Academy Foundation.

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This private club is known for its rich history, elegant atmosphere, and mind-blowing performances. It's truly a haven for anyone who appreciates the art of magic. During the event, we'll have the opportunity to witness incredible magic tricks, interact with some of the best magicians in the country, and even get a chance to try some magic tricks ourselves! It's a night filled with wonder, amazement, and endless surprises.

The dress code for the evening is formal attire, so make sure to dress to impress. And don't worry, this isn't just your average magic show; it's an immersive experience where you become part of the magic. Get ready to be enchanted from the moment you step foot inside the castle. Please let me know if you're able to make it. I can't wait to share this unforgettable experience with you, and I know we'll have an amazing time together. If you have any questions or need more information, just give me a call or shoot me a message. Looking forward to hearing back from you soon! Best regards, [Your Name].

Reviews for "The Power of Connection: The Key to a Magic Castle Invite"

Review 1:

Name: Sarah

Rating: 2/5

I was really disappointed with the "Magic Castle Invite" app. The graphics and user interface were very outdated and unappealing. The app also had several glitches and would often freeze or crash. The overall experience was extremely frustrating. I also found the selection of invitations to be quite limited and not very customizable. I was expecting a much better app considering the high ratings, but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype.

Review 2:

Name: John

Rating: 1/5

I have to say, I was not impressed with the "Magic Castle Invite" app. The concept seemed interesting, but the execution was just poor. The app was slow and laggy, making it nearly impossible to navigate smoothly. Additionally, the available templates for invitations were nothing special and lacked creativity. It was a waste of time and money, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a good invitation app.

Review 3:

Name: Emily

Rating: 2/5

I had high hopes for the "Magic Castle Invite" app, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The features advertised were not as impressive as they seemed, and the overall design of the app was quite lackluster. The templates were boring and didn't offer much customization. Additionally, the app often crashed, leaving me frustrated and annoyed. I would advise looking for a better invitation app that actually delivers on its promises.

Review 4:

Name: Robert

Rating: 2/5

I was really disappointed with the "Magic Castle Invite" app. The user interface was confusing and not intuitive at all. It took me way too long to figure out how to navigate and use the app properly. The available templates were also not very appealing, and I couldn't find one that suited my needs. Overall, I found the app to be frustrating and not worth the price. I regret purchasing it and would not recommend it to others.

Review 5:

Name: Michelle

Rating: 1/5

The "Magic Castle Invite" app was a big letdown for me. Not only did it lack creativity in its templates, but it also had a lot of bugs and technical issues. The app would often freeze and crash, making it nearly impossible to complete an invitation without frustration. I expected more from an app with such positive reviews, but it was a complete waste of money. Save yourself the trouble and find a better invitation app.

A Magical Evening Behind the Doors of a Magic Castle Invite