House of Houdini

About the museum

House of Houdini opened in 2016 in the heart of the Castle District, on the ground floor of the house at Dísz tér 11, in the immediate vicinity of Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), the Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom) and the Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya). Its founders are the escape artist David Merlini and the illusion designer John Gaughan, who also created David Copperfield’s illusion “Flying”. Their aim was to give the memory of Harry Houdini, who was of Hungarian origin, a special place in his native city.

Harry Houdini (born Weisz Erik) was born in Budapest in 1874; at the age of four he moved with his family to the United States and became the most famous escape artist of all time. The private collection preserves rare objects connected with him, including his handcuffs and personal correspondence, as well as original props from the Houdini film shot in Hungary with Adrien Brody in the lead role.

Visitors take part in programmes that start every half hour: interactive experiences and live performances by young Hungarian magicians await them in the Orfeum, a small stage. The house’s research group, working together with the Országos Széchényi Könyvtár (National Széchényi Library), is investigating Houdini’s Hungarian roots and family connections.

Highlights

• Harry Houdini’s handcuffs and personal correspondence
• Original props from the Houdini film
• Live magic show on the Orfeum mini stage
• Solving a secret code on the ticket
• Photo opportunity beside Houdini’s shadow

Permanent exhibition

• Harry Houdini-gyűjtemény – The private collection presents Houdini’s handcuffs, his correspondence and the original props from the film shot in Hungary about him.

Founded

2016

Operated by

House of Houdini

Admission & discounts

The admission ticket must be bought in advance. Solving the secret code printed on the ticket opens the entrance; if the visitor cannot solve it, the ticket price is refunded.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 4+

• Hands-on stations

The programme cannot be visited under the age of 4; under 18s may only enter accompanied by an adult. Family ticket packages are available.

Getting there & parking

Located on Dísz tér, in the immediate vicinity of Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), the Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit