The Hand & The Eye opens in Chicago
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The Grand Salon. Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Reeves and The Hand & The Eye
The Hand & The Eye — touted as the largest magic venue in the world — opens in Chicago on April 18.
Why it matters: Tickets are on sale for the 36,000-square-foot venue that transformed the old McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St.
Flashback: The building housed Lawry's Steakhouse for over 40 years until it closed in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a wave of closures on the Mag Mile.
State of play: Investor Glen Tullman is behind the $50 million venture, designed by David Rockwell, whose bio notes that "his love for the color and spectacle of theater" was formative in his work.
Context: The Hand & The Eye joins a wave of recent openings on or near Michigan Avenue that draw crowds, including Harry Potter Shop, POP MART, and the new Uniqlo, exciting businesses and city officials as more tourists and locals flock to the popular street.
Zoom in: The five-story venue includes more than 37 rooms that transform into performance spaces, with names like "The Grand Salon," "The Monarch," and "The Red Herring."
- Many of the ornate design features, from lush fabrics, gold finishes, and textured wall coverings, aim to echo the building's original prominence during the Gilded Age.
- Upscale dining is part of the draw, and the venue has partnered with Chicago hospitality stalwarts Levy. A release describes a unique experience with each visit, but promises to keep favorite dishes on a changing menu.
Zoom out: The Hand & The Eye may be the grandest, but it's not the only game in town for magic fans.
- Chicago Magic Lounge offers nightly shows in Andersonville and magician Dennis Watkins entertains at six shows a week at The Magic Parlour, next to The Goodman in the Loop.
The fine print: Guests at The Hand & The Eye must be 21 and up, as dining and drinks are expected to be an important part of the business. Guests will also be prohibited from taking photos and videos during performances.
- For men, collared shirts and jackets are required, but suits and tuxedos are encouraged, according to the website.
- Women should wear evening attire, such as cocktail dresses or suits.
- Leave your Meta/smart glasses at home!
What they're saying: "When in doubt, dress with elegance."
If you go: Each experience runs three hours and includes dinner in addition to the magic performances, which unfold during a tour of the mansion.
- Tickets begin at $225.