The House of Magic

Facing the Royal Château of Blois, you can’t miss this grand 19th-century building. And if it already looks impressive from the outside, just wait until you step inside… Welcome to the House of Magic, the only museum in Europe entirely dedicated to the art of illusion. Why here, in Blois? Because this is the birthplace of Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, one of the greatest illusionists of the 19th century and often called the father of modern magic. A trained watchmaker and brilliant inventor, he transformed stage magic forever and even inspired a young Harry Houdini, who borrowed his stage name in tribute. Since opening in 1998, the Maison de la Magie has been enchanting visitors of all ages with 2,000 square meters of exhibitions and live performances. Spread over five floors, the museum takes you on a journey through Robert-Houdin’s fascinating automatons, the mysteries of Eastern magic, dazzling optical illusions, and even a whole section devoted to the escape artist himself, Harry Houdini. Every year a brand-new show is created exclusively for the venue, with several performances a day. But the real scene-stealer is the dragon. Every half hour, the windows on the façade swing open and out bursts a monumental automaton: six golden heads, claws, and a long tail that never fail to startle and delight passers-by in Château Square. Silent while they sleep, spectacular when they awaken, these dragons capture the spirit of the place perfectly—suspended somewhere between dream and reality. So if you’re after an experience that’s both cultural and full of wonder, the Maison de la Magie in Blois has plenty of surprises waiting for you.