Does magic intrigue you? Then Magic Immersive is the place to be. December 3 through January 2, 2022, Lighthouse Immersive and the famed British illusionist Jamie Allan invite audiences into a world of intrigue, mystery and wonder with Magic Immersive.
The immersive experience includes an exhibit highlighting illusions from famous magicians in the past and present and a unique performance in a 360 degree, two-story theater. We were invited to attend Magic Immersive to bring you inside info on what to expect and all opinions are my own.
What to Expect When You Get There
We checked in at the ground level and staff directed us to the elevator, which took us up to the third floor. When the elevator opens, you’ll step into a gift shop with magic tricks and souvenirs for purchase as well as a bar with food and small tables while you are waiting to be invited into The Hall of Mysteries.
Coat check is available for $2 and there is a single-stall bathroom, so we recommend leaving time to wait in line.
Vaccine cards or a negative covid test was not required for entry, however masks are required. The staff monitors mask wearing to make sure attendees are wearing their mask over both their nose and mouth.
Magic Immersive Exhibit Space: The Hall of Mysteries
Before experiencing the show, walk through a series of spaces that show the evolution of magic acts throughout history. Magic enthusiasts will enjoy looking at gear from famous illusions and reading about the magicians that created them. For some reason the staff didn’t direct us to the exhibit space with enough time to wander through at a leisurely pace, so we checked out as much as we could in the time we had before entering the theater. VIP tickets include an additional 30 minutes of magic, so that could include more time in The Hall of Mysteries, but we weren’t sure.
The Illusionarium at Magic Immersive
The magic show, called The Illusionarium at Magic Immersive, lasts 45 minutes and features a few magicians who perform six different illusions, including an audience volunteer levitating on a board, illusions mixed with technology and dramatic effects, a card trick led on screen by comedic magic duo Penn and Teller that audience members participate in by using cards that we received when arriving, and the famous water escape. The illusions were dramatic, at times mesmerizing, and definitely well timed. We felt like we figured out some of them, but others left us discussing possibilities after the show ended.
There are several stages around the theater, so the illusions take place in various places during the show. Basic admission is standing room only, but allows you to pivot towards the individual stages. Premium admission has two designated seating areas on either side of the water escape stage and VIP seats span the entire opposite side of the space. Both Premium and VIP seats are folding chairs elevated off the main floor with risers so there isn’t risk of an obscured view by the audience members in front of you.
Admission Prices
Basic tickets for Magic Immersive start at $45 for weekday shows and weekend matinees and $50 for weekends. Premium tickets $55 and $60, respectively and VIP tickets $90 and $100. We had Premium tickets and appreciated being able to sit for the show and not worry about our view being blocked by heads in front of us. We couldn’t see the entire stage on the opposite side of the room, but the illusions took place in the center of the stage so we didn’t feel like we missed anything. Head to the Magic Immersive website for more information on what each pricing tier includes and to buy tickets.
Where to Park
We are big fans of Spot Hero and were able to book a parking spot at 401 N. State Street, which is a covered self-park garage right down the street from Magic Immersive, which is at 360 N. State. It’s also conveniently located near Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop, so you can get a treat after the show. Our tickets were for the 7pm show, so we booked the spot for 6:30pm and were able to stay in the spot until midnight for $14. Obviously my kids didn’t last that long, but it was nice not to have a tight window. The city is so beautiful at night! We had a great time walking around and talking about the show.
Pair This With: Museum of Illusions
Museum of Illusions is a 10 minute walk across the river and is full of interactive illusions that will bend your mind, photo opportunities that create great memories, and puzzles to figure out solo or with your family. Plan to spend about an hour exploring, learning, and taking cool photosโ โ . Children 4 and under are free, then tickets start at $15 eachโ โ .
Click here to find out about more new exhibits and immersive experiences in Chicagoland.
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