Living museum of magic and illusion facing the Royal Château of Blois
The Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin is the only public museum in Europe to combine heritage collections and live performances around the art of magic and illusion. Inaugurated in 1998 opposite the Royal Château of Blois, this unique venue pays homage to the famous Blois illusionist Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin, father of modern magic. Over five floors, the museum offers permanent and temporary exhibitions, stage magic shows, interactive activities, and the famous six-headed dragon that emerges from the facade every half hour, making every visit a magical experience for young and old.
The Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin is an exceptional cultural venue located opposite the Royal Château of Blois, on the Château square. Inaugurated in 1998, it is the only public museum in Europe to combine heritage collections dedicated to magic with a space for permanent live performances.
The museum is dedicated to the memory of Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin (1805-1871), a native of Blois, considered the father of modern magic. A magician, illusionist, inventor, watchmaker, and automaton maker, Robert-Houdin revolutionized the art of magic in the 19th century. His inventions and automatons, presented in the permanent collections, bear witness to his creative genius and his fundamental contribution to the history of magical arts.
The museum is spread over five floors within a large 19th-century mansion. Visitors can discover permanent exhibitions retracing the history of magic, a rotunda presenting artifacts and objects related to the history of illusion, interactive rooms where one can try out tricks and illusions, and a Grand Theatre where professional magicians give 3 to 4 performances per day.
The iconic attraction of the venue, the six-headed dragon is a spectacular automaton designed by artists Michel and Jean-Pierre Hartmann. Every half hour, the dragon's six heads emerge from the facade windows in a striking mechanical ballet, offering a free show visible from the Château square.
The Grand Theatre of the Maison de la Magie hosts several magic shows each season, which are renewed. For the 2025 season, the program includes Magic under the Lanterns (April-September), The Astonishing Lord Martin (All Saints' Day holidays) and Magic in Motion (Christmas holidays). Magical encounters are organized on weekends in July and August, and galas from Blois magic clubs punctuate the season.
1 place du Château, 41000 Blois. The museum is located opposite the Royal Château of Blois.
Parking nearby: Château parking (the closest), Place Valin-de-la-Vaissière parking. Access via the Loire quays or the city center.
From the Blois-Chambord station, the museum is a 10-minute walk up the Denis-Papin stairs towards the historic center.
The museum is open from April to early November. Open every day during school holidays. Hours vary depending on the period: consult the official website for detailed hours. The six-headed dragon operates every half hour during opening hours.
3 to 4 performances per day (duration: 30 minutes). Shows included in the entrance fee.
Prices vary depending on the period. Combined tickets are available with the Royal Château of Blois. Reduced prices for children, students, and families. Consult the official website for updated prices.
The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility on certain levels. Inquire at the reception for access conditions.
Phone: 02 54 90 33 33
Website: www.maisondelamagie.fr
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Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin
1 place du Château, 41000 Blois