The Magic Castle: Hollywood's Enchanting Clubhouse

Magic CastlePhoto byAuthor

If you are driving through Hollywood, California, you may see The Magic Castle. It is located at 7001 Franklin Avenue. It is a private club for people who are interested in magic.

They serve Dinner from Mondays through Sundays from 5:00 PM until 1:00 AM. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Magic is part of the daily program, and they have special events.

Reservations are required, and a Dress Code is observed. People who attend must be members or be accompanied by a member.

William W. Larsen Sr. was a Criminal Attorney based in Pasadena, California. He had a great love for the art of Magic. He and his wife published an independent magazine of magic, Genii, in 1936.

Because of his love of magic, he gave up the practice of law. He and his family, including his wife and two sons, went on the road as "The Larsen Family of Magicians."

Travel was restricted during World War II so he bought the Thayer Magic Company in the Wilshire area of Los Angeles. He operated the Thayer Studio of Magic.

Bill Larsen Sr. announced the formation of the Academy of Magical Arts and Sciences in April 1951. The subscribers to his magazine became instant members. The Academy would have the purpose to advance the art of magic in America and give recognition to magicians.

Bill Larsen Sr. passed away in 1953 at the age of 48. His wife and his son Bill Jr. continued with the magazine, but the Academy did not continue.

Larsen's younger son, Milt, was a writer for Bob Barker's Truth or Consequences TV show on NBC in 1961. His office overlooked the residential property on Franklin Avenue that included a grand old mansion. Milt had the idea of turning it into a clubhouse for magicians.

After convincing the owner of the mansion that his idea had merit, he and a partner worked on the physical building now known as The Magic Castle. He then convinced his brother Bill that they should resurrect the Academy of Magical Arts. They formed The Academy of Magical Arts, Inc. as a not for profit organization.

The Academy of Magical Arts was incorporated in 1961. The Castle opened its doors on January 2, 1963. It has grown to about 5,000 active magicians and non-magician members.

They offer two types of Memberships, Magician Membership and Associate Membership. The Magic Castle is a place for people who enjoy MAGIC.

[Website: https://www.magiccastle.com]