Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin
Centre-Val de Loire
The Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin is a specialized museum located in Blois, Centre-Val de Loire, France, dedicated to the art of magic, illusion, and prestidigitation. Opened in 1998, it honors Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, a pioneering French illusionist, inventor, and clockmaker born in Blois in 1805. Housed in the historic Maison Ballet, a bourgeois house built in 1856 opposite the Château of Blois, the museum showcases Robert-Houdin's private collection of magical artifacts, automata, and posters that trace the history of magic. It is the only public museum in Europe that combines a rich collection of magic-related objects with a permanent live performance. Every half hour, the museum's façade animates with a six-headed dragon whose heads, legs, and tail emerge from the windows, captivating visitors. The museum offers a dynamic experience with regular shows in its Grand Théâtre, making it a lively cultural attraction in the heart of Blois.
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Tip: The museum is best visited during its regular opening hours from April to August daily, with additional openings on weekends in September and special holiday periods. Booking tickets in advance online is recommended, as the museum includes live magic shows with multiple daily performances. Visitors should check the official website for the latest schedules and special events. Discounts may be available for groups, students, or seniors.
Interesting facts
- •The museum is the only public institution in Europe combining magic collections with a permanent live performance.
- •Every 30 minutes, the museum's façade animates with a mechanical six-headed dragon that moves its heads, legs, and tail from the windows.
- •Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, the museum's namesake, was not only a magician but also an inventor and clockmaker, born in Blois in 1805.
- •The museum is housed in the Maison Ballet, a bourgeois house built in 1856, located opposite the Château of Blois.
- •The collection was donated by Paul Robert-Houdin, Robert-Houdin’s grandson, in 1981, after previously being displayed in a private museum nearby.
History
The museum was inaugurated in 1998 in the Maison Ballet, a house built in 1856.
It was established to preserve and display the private collection of Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin’s grandson, Paul Robert-Houdin, who donated the collection to the city in 1981.
The museum celebrates Robert-Houdin, born in Blois in 1805, who is considered the father of modern magic and was also an inventor and clockmaker.
Since its opening, the museum has expanded its collections and become the only public museum in Europe dedicated to magic and illusion with a permanent live show.
Place Guide
The Six-Headed Dragon Façade1998
A mechanical dragon with six heads animates the museum's façade every half hour, with moving heads, legs, and tail that emerge from the windows, providing a spectacular visual attraction.
Grand Théâtre1998
The museum’s theater hosts live magic shows included in the admission, with multiple daily performances showcasing illusions and prestidigitation inspired by Robert-Houdin’s legacy.
Magic Collections
The museum’s collection includes automata, magic apparatus, posters, and historical artifacts related to the art of magic and illusion, highlighting Robert-Houdin’s inventions and contributions.
Contact
Phone: 02 54 90 33 33
