Magic Circle Museum at the Centre for the Magic Arts
The museum of The Magic Circle at its headquarters near Euston, seen on a guided tour with close-up magic or on a History and Mystery morning.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Magic Circle was founded in London in 1905 by a group of amateur and professional magicians, with David Devant as its first president. Since 1998 the society has been based in a building near Euston Station, which holds a theatre, a library, a museum, a clubroom and bars.
The museum is part of the headquarters and cannot be visited on its own. Visitors see it on a guided tour of the building, which includes a short close-up magic performance, or on a History and Mystery morning on selected Mondays that adds tea and coffee and a magic show.
The collection includes items linked to well-known magicians, among them Houdini's cabinet, Robert Harbin's Zig Zag illusion, Chung Ling Soo's robes, and props used by television magicians such as David Nixon and Tommy Cooper. A recording of Houdini's voice and the original Sooty puppet with Harry Corbett's equipment are also part of the collection. The building also offers a helical staircase that is popular for photographs.
Highlights
- Guided tour of The Magic Circle's headquarters with a close-up magic performance
- Houdini's cabinet and Robert Harbin's Zig Zag illusion
- Chung Ling Soo's robes
- Props of David Nixon and Tommy Cooper
- Helical staircase and theatre in the headquarters
Permanent exhibition
- Magic Circle Museum – Memorabilia and props of famous magicians, including Houdini's cabinet and the Zig Zag illusion, shown on guided tours of the headquarters.
- Founded
- 1905
- Operated by
- The Magic Circle
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £24 |
|---|---|
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · One free carer ticket is available for guests who need essential assistance and hold an Access Card with the +1 symbol; request it at least 60 days ahead. |
| History and Mystery morning | £27.50£27.50 to £30.50 depending on the booking; groups of 20 or more pay £27.50 per person including fees |
The Magic Circle Tour costs £24 to £28 per place plus a booking fee; the museum is visited as part of the tour.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The headquarters has step-free access and a passenger lift to all floors. There is an accessible toilet on the theatre balcony level, reached by lift. Assistance dogs are welcome with advance notice; emotional support animals are not allowed.
Kids & families
Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 12+
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|
The tour is recommended for ages 12 and above, and very young children may not find it engaging.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Euston Square
A few minutes' walk from Euston and Euston Square stations, and about ten minutes from King's Cross, St Pancras and Oxford Circus.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Up to 162 guests.
The theatre seats up to 162, and the Devant Room and Clubroom take 50 to 60 people theatre-style. The museum can be hired for board meetings of up to 10 people.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The tour is advertised as 90 minutes, and visitors should allow up to two hours including arrival and departure. The tour is recommended for ages 12 and above; the History and Mystery morning has a minimum age of 10. The entrance is a discreet door on a side street near Euston Station. |
