It’s no coincidence that Blois is home to the Maison de la Magie! It was here, in 1805, that one of the greatest magicians of all time, Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, was born. Located in the heart of Blois, this temple of illusion showcases the art of magic and its cultural heritage over an area of 2,000 m², while offering unique family entertainment.
The large building facing the Château Royal de Blois is impressive. Since June 1, 1998, this bourgeois house dating from 1856 has been home to Europe’s only public museum presenting magic collections and a live show that changes every year. The six-headed dragon that emerges from the windows every half-hour sets the scene.
The visit then begins in a room resembling a Greek temple, where automata designed by Georges Proust trace the evolution of magic throughout history. Further on, the optical illusions room plunges visitors into an animated universe of mirrors and inverted perspectives, a must-see for the whole family. We then move on to the areas dedicated to Harry Houdini, the American magician who was nicknamed “the king of escapism” thanks to his spectacular stagings that amazed thousands of spectators.
The Robert-Houdin room houses one of his finest creations, the bronze automaton “La Serinette” (1843), as well as a reconstruction of his clock-making workshop, featuring the triple mystery mechanical clock (1841). A total of 170 objects make up this unique collection, which is partly the work of Paul Robert-Houdin, the magician’s grandson, who donated many of his family’s personal items to the town of Blois.
On the top floor, enter the prestidigitator’s attic, where a magician invites you to perform close-up tricks amidst famous props.
On the way down, in the foyer Méliès, you’ll find a small show in the dedicated auditorium, waiting for the big one. It’s on 3 or 4 times a day, all season long.
Practical info