7001 Franklin Avenue
Turn right off Hollywood Boulevard onto La Brea Ave., then turn right onto Franklin.
- Cost: Admission fee
- Reservations: See below for information about special requirements
- Location: Hollywood, just a few blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, directions below
- How Long: You will be there the entire evening
- Best Time to Visit: Less crowded on weekdays
The Magic Castle, home of the Academy of Magical Arts is housed in a beautiful, ornate Victorian-style house at the base of the Hollywood Hills. Besides training new generations of magicians, the Magic Castle has also been the social club for local magicians since 1963. Local magicians, professionals and serious amateurs gather at the Magic Castle to enjoy each other's company and show off their latest tricks.
Magic Castle Review
Dinner is served at the Magic Castle in three seatings every evening, and they also serve Sunday brunch, but the real attraction at the Magic Castle are the magic shows. They offer five different shows in three showrooms, and magicians we've seen here in the past have frequently turned up on television.
You must be over 21 years old to attend, except for Sunday brunch, and every member of your party must bring a photo ID. The Magic Castle has a very strict dress code. Men must wear a coat and tie. Ladies should dress in a cocktail dress, skirt or pant suit with matching jacket. A nice shirt and dress slacks won't do. Neither will jeans, zippered jackets, sweaters, hooded sweaters or athletic shoes.
If you enjoy watching magicians, it will be worth your effort to pack dress clothes for a night at Magic Castle. We've been twice (thanks to magician friends) and have enjoyed both visits very much. The magic is first-rate, and we've often seen the same performers on television shortly afterward.
Getting into the Magic Castle
The Magic Castle is a membership-only club for professional magicians. Mere mortals can get in by getting a pass from a member, but if you don't know one, don't despair. It's a little-known secret that guests at nearby Magic Hotel and Hollywood Hills Hotel also get admission to the Magic Castle.
Getting to the Magic Castle
7001 Franklin Avenue
Hollywood, CA
323-851-3313
Magic Castle website
From the 101 Freeway, exit at Highland Avenue, go south to Franklin and turn right.
You can take the MTA Red Line to Hollywood and Highland and walk.
The only on-site parking is by valet.