The art of magic and illusion has been written about for ages, dating back to the 16th century when the first book explaining magic tricks was published. While the city of New York might not be as significant as other cities in Europe, it surely has given the world of magic its own personal history. From Houdini’s most famous feats to the founding of the first magic society, to some of the world’s most unique magic shops, New York City has quite a magical history and is loaded with places to visit for any fan of the art. Check out five spots to visit on a quest to find some magic in New York City:
1. Tannen’s Magic Shop
Opening in 1925, Tannen’s Magic Shop is New York City’s longest-running magic shop. Although it has moved a few times since Louis Tannen first opened the magician’s playground, the store hasn’t lost sight of what his initial goal was: to help magicians, amateur and professional. The small, personal store space holds many tricks from some of the world’s most famous magicians and is even home to some unique Houdini artifacts.
The store has a feeling of historical significance to it as you walk through the door. Even though it might not be the original location, it is still awe-inspiring to know that the greatest magicians of the last hundred years have trusted that same company to buy their tricks and have wandered Tannen’s sales floor in search of quite possibly their next great idea.
While Tannen’s Magic Shop certainly has quite the history behind it, it isn’t only focused on the past. To teach and inspire the next generation of magicians, Tannen’s holds a magic camp every year for young magicians between the ages of 11-20, and have even started giving away scholarships to attend! Some of the graduates have gone on to be some of the most successful magicians of their time, like David Blaine, or Michael Carbonaro.
2. Fantasma Magic Shop
At 421 7th Ave., Fantasma Magic Shop is one of New York City’s premier magic shops. It is home to a plethora of books and DVD’s on different tricks, trick coins, cards, and anything that the aspiring, or professional, magician needs. Demonstrations and lessons are given daily to bring patrons closer to the magic, and it’s not completely taboo to see many of the city’s most famous magicians shopping and spending time at Fantasma, like New York City’s own David Blaine, who frequents the shop.
3. Speakeasy Magick
Speakeasy Magick is a mesmerizing immersive experience from the creators of Sleep No More and Life & Trust. The evening begins at The Overlook Bar, a swanky cocktail spot. After enjoying a drink, guests are escorted through a secret location that you would never guess obscures a magic theater. In the intimate, candle-lit performance space, live jazz music fills the as a cast of “master deceptionists, con artists, grifters, card sharks, hustlers, swindlers, and prestidigitators” dazzle the audience with card tricks and illusions right under your nose.
4. 493 Sixth Ave., Former Home of The Society of American Magicians
In 1877, the Martinka brothers Francis and Antonio, opened a store at 493 Sixth Ave after years of running a conjuring shop in Essen, Germany. It was a small store, yet it quickly became a popular place for the magicians of New York to gather, discuss the trade, and practice their craft. Advanced professionals would spend their days in the back room, where a small stage was placed, to test their latest tricks for one another in a private environment. It was here, in this small back room of a tiny magic shop, that the world’s first magic society, The Society of American Magicians, was formed in 1902.
The Sixth Ave. location is no longer a magic shop, but the New York chapter of the Society of American Magicians is still going strong. They meet weekly on Zoom and in person at 120 Park Ave.
5. Monday Night Magic
New York City’s longest-running off-Broadway magic show, Monday Night Magic (MNM) has been a staple in New York’s magic scene since 1997 when Michael Chaut founded the show after the last remaining live magic show was canceled, leaving the city without a show for the first time in many years. Chaut searched for some of the art’s most brilliant talents and has since put on the show every Monday at 8:00 pm. The show caters mostly to adults, by performing sophisticated tricks, although families are more than welcome. Monday Night Magic is truly a treat for anyone looking for up-close, in-your-face, world-class magic.
Bonus: Houdini’s Grave
One of the greatest magicians to ever live is buried in Machpelah Cemetery in Queens. The burial monument is a large, curving white bench with a sculpture of a weeping woman. A bust of Houdini sits atop the center of the monument, above a mosaic emblem of the Society of American Magicians (SAM). Magic fans often visit the site and leave rocks, playing cards, and other trinkets on his headstone. Learn more about the site here!
Next, check out 10 obscure museums in NYC. Get in touch with the author on Twitter @WordsByMarc1.
This article was updated in October 2024.