The Magic Castle, located in Hollywood, California, is a famous private club for magicians and magic enthusiasts. As a premier destination for magic performances, the Magic Castle has a dress code that adds to the ambiance and experience of the venue. The dress code at the Magic Castle is strictly enforced, ensuring that guests maintain an elegant and formal attire. The intention behind the dress code is to create a sense of sophistication and create an atmosphere reminiscent of old-school Hollywood glamour. For men, the dress code requires a coat and tie. This means that a suit or a sport coat, along with a collared shirt and a tie, is mandatory.
I was recently invited by few friends of mine to attend The Magic Castle for shows, drinks etc. I lived in Los Angeles all my adult life and since I never been I was thrilled to visit this highly talked about Hollywood attraction. I was told here are the requirements:
As we approached the check desk to pay for the show, my two friends sailed right in and I was told that I needed a shirt and a tie or I can not enter. I am excited to announce that I will be the featured performer in the esteemed Close-Up Gallery at the legendary Magic Castle in Hollywood, California for the week of April 4th-10th.
This means that a suit or a sport coat, along with a collared shirt and a tie, is mandatory. It is important for gentlemen to prioritize dressing smartly and avoiding casual attire such as t-shirts, jeans, or sneakers. Women attending the Magic Castle have a variety of options for their dress code.
Magic casfle dress code
[Last Updated 11/4/19 9:32 PM PT—photo added]
The first time I got invited to the Magic Castle, I didn't realize what a special invitation it was. I didn't live in LA yet. I thought the only exclusive Hollywood parties were movie premieres and awards show ceremonies.
But the Magic Castle is pretty hard to get into unless someone invites you. And you must be invited by a member of the private club that's housed there.
That means, most likely, you must be invited by a magician.
Fortunately, LA attracts so many aspiring performers, while you're here, you'll probably come across a magician or two. Or a puppeteer or a comedian who happens to know enough magic to qualify for membership.
But while you're waiting for that invitation, the Magic Castle awaits you—perched up on a hill above Hollywood Boulevard, looking down at both the tourists and the locals who aren't "in the know," and may never get the chance to get in there.
circa 2019If you do know, and if you've ever been there, all you can think about is how you can get back in. It taunts you with its exclusivity.
Even an invitation doesn't guarantee you admission. You have to adhere to a strict dress code: suit coats and ties for men, dresses or pants suits for ladies, no athletic shoes or flip flops, and no denim anywhere (not even a denim suit). If your dress is not acceptable, they won't let you in. Although they have some jackets and ties for men to borrow, they're intentionally horrible to shame you for not wearing proper attire.
The Magic Castle isn't a castle exactly—it's more of a converted Victorian mansion that just kept growing, its magical elements proliferating.
And since 1963, it's been the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts, and a sought-after destination for Hollywood's most bizarre nightlife.
circa 2018Once you've been invited, gotten all dressed up, and made it through the front door into the lobby.
. getting through the secret bookcase and into the Castle is as easy as "Open Sesame."
circa 2018Prepare to be amazed.
circa 2016The magic shows change every week, with each professional magician doing shows on a seven-day rotation. Even on a relatively slow Monday night, there are three performance spaces open—the tiny Close-Up Gallery, the Parlour of Prestidigitation, and The Palace of Mystery—each with multiple performers doing multiple shows throughout the night. Later in the week, you can also find magic at the W.C. Fields Bar and The Peller Theatre, and maybe an impromptu performance at the Hat and Hare Pub.
When it comes down to it, though, you can find magic pretty much anywhere at The Magic Castle—not just in the official performance venues. Magicians (often amateurs) might set up at a table at any given corner, or do a trick or two for their guests during dinner. The Magic Castle is a bit like Disneyland, with all of its Easter eggs hidden throughout the winding hallways and multiple levels of an enchanting labyrinth.
circa 2016Strike up a conversation with an unlikely companion at The Owl Bar. Press a button and watch ghostly apparitions appear and disappear. Contact Houdini during a seance.
Throw a dollar (or two or three) into a bird cage and request a song (or two or three) from Irma, the piano-playing ghost who haunts the mansion. Her repertoire ranges from Tin Pan Alley to Taylor Swift.
Much of the castle's decor was salvaged from film and TV movie sets (the headboard from The Witches of Eastwick, the backdrop from Johnny Carson's Tonight Show, the bar from Hello Dolly). Even some of the walls are made of salvaged doors, whose keyholes are still visible.
With its hidden passageways, memorabilia, spirits, and surprises, it feels akin to the Mission Inn in Riverside or the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. I've managed to get into the Magic Castle three times so far—each through a different person or organization—and I still haven't seen everything. As they say, "There's a lot to see, so try to avoid blinking."
It's a Mecca for magicians—and for magic enthusiasts—but it's also a piece of living history, and a repository of artifacts that are both bewitched and bewitching. The whole experience is a bit baffling. Delightfully so.
Photography is forbidden anywhere inside—even in the restrooms. And whatever you're privy to while you're there, you're sworn to secrecy once you've left.
They can choose to wear formal or semi-formal dresses, cocktail dresses, or elegant pantsuits. The aim is for women to look stylish and refined without being excessively revealing. Avoiding casual footwear is equally important. Men should wear dress shoes or elegant loafers, while women can opt for heels, flats, or dressy sandals. It is discouraged to wear athletic shoes, flip-flops, or any kind of casual footwear that disrupts the formal atmosphere. The emphasis on the dress code at the Magic Castle is integral to the overall experience of the venue. It adds a touch of elegance and creates an immersive environment where guests feel transported to a magical world. By adhering to the dress code, patrons contribute to the sense of exclusivity and sophistication that the Magic Castle strives to maintain. In summary, the dress code at the Magic Castle is a crucial element that enhances the experience of visitors. It ensures that guests dress in a formal and elegant manner, contributing to the magical ambiance of the venue. By adhering to the dress code, visitors become part of the exclusive and enchanting world of the Magic Castle..
Reviews for "The Perfect Outfit: Dressing to Experience Magic at the Magic Castle"
- Amy - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the dress code at Magic Castle. I expected to dress up and feel glamorous, but instead, I felt like I was going to a stuffy wedding. The dress code seemed overly strict and outdated. It felt like they were more concerned with appearances than creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for their guests. I would have much preferred a more relaxed dress code that still allowed for elegance and style.
- John - 1 star - The dress code at Magic Castle was a complete turn-off for me. I understand the need for a certain level of sophistication, but it felt pretentious and elitist. I didn't enjoy being judged based on my attire rather than my character or personality. It seemed like a place for people to show off rather than appreciate the magic and entertainment. I won't be going back because of the restrictive and unwelcoming dress code.
- Sarah - 3 stars - I have mixed feelings about the dress code at Magic Castle. On one hand, I appreciate the effort to maintain a certain level of elegance and class. It creates a unique atmosphere and sets it apart from other venues. However, I also felt self-conscious and uncomfortable when I visited because I was constantly worried about adhering to the strict dress code. I think there could be a better balance between maintaining a certain standard and making guests feel at ease.