The House of Houdini: A Magical Experience in the Heart of Budapest
In the heart of Budapest’s Castle District, the House of Houdini stands as a tribute to the world-famous Hungarian-born illusionist, Harry Houdini. This enchanting center was created to serve as a meeting point for magic enthusiasts and practitioners, offering a unique glimpse into the life and legacy of the greatest escape artist of all time. The House of Houdini is the only place in Europe where visitors can see Houdini’s original handcuffs and personal correspondence, preserving his memory for generations to come.
Provided Services
The House of Houdini, located in the heart of the Buda Castle district in Budapest, offers a unique experience for foreign tourists visiting Hungary. This fascinating center is dedicated to preserving and showcasing rare and notable artifacts belonging to the world-famous illusionist and escape artist, Harry Houdini, who was of Hungarian origin.
Upon entering the green gate, you’ll immediately spot some intriguing displays – two water torture cells with incredible visual effects, a giant safe, and a large stopwatch perfect for a selfie opportunity. To enter the exhibit itself, you’ll need to have pre-booked tickets or an invitation, as same-day entry is not possible. Admission is timed in 30-minute intervals and contingent on solving the “Entrance Arcane” – a secret message on your ticket that you must decode to gain entry to the magical inner sanctum. Don’t worry if you have trouble though, the staff will gladly provide some hints. Once inside, prepare to be amazed by the wonders and mysteries that await you in the House of Houdini.
One of the main attractions at the House of Houdini is the extensive collection of Houdini’s personal belongings and memorabilia. Visitors can view the magician’s original handcuffs and personal correspondence, which are exclusively displayed in Europe at this location. The exhibit also features original props from the latest “HOUDINI” film starring Academy Award winner Adrien Brody, adding a touch of Hollywood magic to the experience.
In addition to the captivating exhibits, the House of Houdini provides live magic shows and interactive experiences for visitors. Talented young magicians showcase their skills at the Orpheum, a mini-theater within the House, ensuring that guests are entertained and amazed throughout their visit. These performances aim to bring the best of magic to one location, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of illusions and wonder.
Before concluding their tour, visitors have the opportunity to take a photograph with Houdini’s shadow, creating a memorable souvenir of their time at the House of Houdini. The staff may even surprise guests with a never-before-seen wonder, adding an extra element of excitement to the experience.
In summary, the House of Houdini in Budapest offers a fascinating and entertaining experience for foreign tourists interested in magic, illusions, and the life of the legendary escape artist, Harry Houdini. With its unique collection of artifacts, live performances, and interactive elements, this attraction provides a memorable and educational visit for all ages.
House Rules
The House of Houdini, located in the heart of the Castle District in Budapest, is a unique museum dedicated to the world-famous Hungarian-born illusionist, Harry Houdini. As a meeting point for magic enthusiasts and practitioners, the House aims to preserve and showcase Houdini’s rare and notable artifacts, including his original handcuffs and personal correspondence. To ensure a pleasant and safe experience for all visitors, the House of Houdini has established the following house rules:
- Dress Code: For special events, casual or inappropriate attire is not permitted. Visitors are expected to dress appropriately for the occasion.
- Entrance Arcane: To enter the magic area, visitors must successfully decode the secret message on their entrance ticket. Failure to do so will result in the secret passage remaining closed, and the ticket will be refunded.
- Photography and Filming: Photography and filming may be restricted in certain areas of the museum. Visitors are requested to follow the guidelines provided by the staff.
- Respect for Artifacts: Visitors are asked to refrain from touching or handling the exhibits unless explicitly permitted by the staff. The artifacts on display are rare and valuable, and their preservation is of utmost importance.
- Behavior: Visitors are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner, refraining from disruptive or inappropriate behavior that may detract from the experience of others.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the exhibits. Visitors are encouraged to participate in these tours to fully appreciate the history and significance of the artifacts on display.
- Magic Performances: The House of Houdini features live magic shows performed by talented young magicians. Visitors are requested to follow the instructions of the performers and staff during these shows.
By adhering to these house rules, visitors can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience at the House of Houdini, while contributing to the preservation of Harry Houdini’s legacy for future generations.
Admission
The House of Houdini is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, and tickets can be purchased online in advance. Admission prices start at 8 euros for children between 4-11 years old and 13 euros for adults. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit, it is recommended that guests make a reservation, as the number of tickets available is limited.
Tickets must be purchased in advance, as the House operates with limited capacity. Same-day booking requests are not accepted unless otherwise stated. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and the program is not suitable for children under 4 years old.
Getting There
The House of Houdini is located at 11 Dísz Square, within the walls of the Buda Castle. It is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus lines stopping nearby. To reach the House of Houdini, you’ll need to make your way to the Buda side of the Danube River and up to the Castle Hill.
The most scenic approach is to take the historic funicular railway from the Buda end of the Chain Bridge, which will bring you right up to the Royal Palace. From there, it’s a short walk to Dísz Square.
Alternatively, you can take any of several buses (16, 16A, 116) from the city center to the Dísz tér stop.
If driving, there are some paid parking lots in the Castle district, but spaces are limited. Once at Dísz Square, look for the distinctive green gate marking the entrance to number 11.
Arrival and Entrance
Nearby Attractions
The House of Houdini, located in the heart of the Buda Castle district, is surrounded by several notable attractions that are worth visiting while in the area. Here are some of the nearby points of interest:
- Buda Castle: The historic castle and palace complex, dating back to the 13th century, is just a short walk from the House of Houdini. Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds, gardens, and museums within the castle walls.
- Matthias Church: This stunning Gothic church, also known as the Church of Our Lady, is located just a few steps from the House of Houdini. Its colorful tiled roof and intricate interior make it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
- Fisherman’s Bastion: This picturesque terrace, featuring neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque architecture, offers breathtaking views of the Danube River and the Pest side of the city. It is located right next to Matthias Church.
- Hungarian National Gallery: Housed within the Buda Castle complex, this museum showcases an extensive collection of Hungarian art, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day.
- Faust Wine Cellar: For those interested in Hungarian wine culture, this historic wine cellar, located within the Buda Castle district, offers wine tastings and tours.
- Castle Hill Funicular: This charming funicular railway connects the Adam Clark Square at the base of the hill with the Buda Castle district. It offers a unique and convenient way to ascend to the top of Castle Hill.
- Széchenyi Chain Bridge: The iconic suspension bridge, spanning the Danube River and connecting Buda and Pest, is just a short walk from the base of Castle Hill. It offers stunning views of the river and the city skyline.
These attractions, all within walking distance of the House of Houdini, provide visitors with a rich and diverse experience of Budapest’s history, culture, and architecture.
Summary
The House of Houdini in Budapest is a must-visit destination for magic enthusiasts and those curious about the life and legacy of Harry Houdini. This unique center offers a rare opportunity to see original Houdini artifacts, experience live magic shows, and immerse oneself in the mysterious world of illusions. With its prime location in the heart of the Buda Castle District, the House of Houdini is surrounded by historical landmarks and stunning views, making it an unforgettable addition to any Budapest itinerary. By preserving the memory of the greatest escape artist of all time and showcasing the talents of young magicians, the House of Houdini ensures that the magic of Houdini lives on, captivating and inspiring visitors from around the world.
Image source: The House of Houdini