I went to Blois knowing I would visit a wonderful château, but I didn't know I would also find a Museum of Magic!

Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin was born in Blois in 1805 and began studying magic (along with watch making) at a young age. Fascinated with the art, he started developing new tricks.

The Museum, which is just across from the Château Royal de Blois, presents the history of magic and illusionism. Practicing what it preaches, illusion and magic and fantasy prevail, including a six-headed gilded dragon that periodically welcomes visitors from the windows.

Exhibits, posters, and models present information about magic and magicians. A small theater provides the opportunity for visitors to see amazing acts of conjuring and illusion.

Robert-Houdin is considered by many to be the inventor of modern magic and conjuring. In tribute to him, the young Ehrich Weiss chose the name Houdini when he began his professional magic career.

A man of many talents, on the base of his statue Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin is described as a prestidigitator, watch maker, mechanic, inventor, scientist, ambssador, and literary man.

And here's a fun fact: In 1952, Paul Robert-Houdin, grandson of Jean Eugène, presented the world's first Sound and Light Show at the nearby Château de Chambord! It too must have seemed like magic.

Maison de la Magie
41000 Blois, France
Tel: +33 (0)2 54 90 33 33
Fax: +33 (0)2 54 90 33 31
contact@maisondelamagie.fr

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