Houdini Museum-Tour & Magic Show

1433 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508, USA

Address:	1433 N Main Ave, Scranton, PA 18508, USA
Phone:	+1 570-342-5555
Site:	houdini.org
Rating:	4.1

Location

Photos 28

Reviews 21

Joe Pulcinella

If you’re interested in seeing the real America, the kind of America that isn’t centered around an amusement park, then the Harry Houdini Museum should be on your list. It’s a small, one-of-a-kind museum run by Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz in Scranton PA. It’s a converted house in a residential area so be careful not to drive right by looking for a big, commercialized attraction. But inside is everything you’d ever expect in a museum dedicated to Houdini. Dorothy and Dick scour the Earth looking for any bit of genuine Houdini memorabilia from the actual equipment he used in his tricks (such as an actual milk can fron his most famous escapes) to genuine theater programs detailing his life as it was recorded during his lifetime. The museum houses the most complete Houdini collection anywhere. The Houdini Museum is more than just a walk-through, 25-cent tour. Its proprietors, as well as providing a magic show for its patrons, take great care in preserving the Houdini legend in the most factual manner possible. They told us as much about Harry Houdini the man as they did about Harry Houdini the magician and it is a most fascinating story about a most fascinating individual. I came away with much more respect for this entertainer, entrepreneur and most honorable American. Operating the museum is a labor of love for Dietrich and Brookz. I doubt they are wealthy people because of it, but they pour their hearts and souls into keeping alive the Houdini legacy and history for us all. The Houdini Museum is truly an American treasure but one that will not last forever. Maybe in a generation it will not be here anymore replaced by a Disney-fied version of Houdini complete with all the embellishments of a comic book hero cleansed of any trace of his real humanity. I fear that once the museum is gone, Houdini himself will be permanently lost so please plan on seeing it soon. With that all said, I obviously give the Harry Houdini Museum two thumbs up. It’s a genuine slice of America and the perfect afternoon diversion from the theme park scene. Yes, they will offer things like for purchase (we bought a deck of magic cards and a reproduction theater program - both very reasonably-priced) but you can rest assured that every dollar you spend there goes directly back into keeping the museum going.

A Private User

We visited the museum recently in May and it is not to be missed! Dorothy and John were terrific and what an impressive background they both have... its fascinating!! They made every effort to make sure you had a great time and were sincerely grateful for your visit! We were amazed to find out that Dorothy was the only woman to successfully perform the one trick that Houdini wouldnt do and other magicians died doing it.... "The bullet catch trick", she is a "female Houdini" and "first lady of magic" as her history shows in the trades! Their collective Houdini experience and knowledge is unbelievable... Put the Houdini books down and go to this museum!

sarah bernhardt

My kids loved this place! They loved the story, the museum stuff and the magic show at the end!! They were 7 & 10. I, on the other hand, thought it was too expensive for what it was. It was cramped to the point you had to side step around things. The show was great!! It was entertaining enough for me not to be too upset about the price. And the kids really did have a wonderful time! The couple who own the place were very kind. They engaged with the kids and answered questions. Noone was left out.

HJ C

Small museum with world class magic act at the end. I came away with an appreciation for Houdini and how huge he was back in the day and how his legacy has lived on. It was quite a bit of a time commit though. We got there at 1pm and left at 4:30pm. I didnt appreciate the sales pitch at the end for the magic related products they had for sale there. The kids got really tired by then. But the hosts of the show were fabulous, which made it tolerable.

Michael Rusciano

Dont recommend waste of money the magic show is cute for kids but very overpriced, they charged $20 for a 3 year old and spent 3 hours talking into a microphone that didnt work about how famous they are/were and showing what they claim to be real objects Houdini used or wore etc. I love magic and do NOT recommend I left feeling legitimately robbed.

太野俊一郎

稀代のマジシャン、フーディーニの博物館。彼の使用したマジックの小道具等を間近な見られます。楽しいマジックショーもあり、子供連れで楽しめます。

Sharkey Shark

Absolutely loved it. Be sure to call ahead for show information. Great guided tour through 2 room museum loaded with great memorabilia. Then a live magic show. Plan around 3 hours. Dont forget to call ahead. Park in back. There is a parking lot

917699 3364

Great for kids and adults....Bravo and Dorothy are sweethearts ....hidden museum gem...make sure you plan for the seance in October and Make sure ur kids wear pants with lots of pockets for the show. Go support them and may Houdini live on.

A Private User

What a great place to visit. At least do it once in your life. There is an impressive amount of Houdini Memorabilia. The owners, Dick Brooks (aka Bravo the Great) and Dorothy Dietrich are terrific hosts, performers and magicians.

Ryan Palmer

Great historical tour of Houdini relics. They have a warehouse and exhibits are rotated out seasonally. The magic show is a nice add on, and is enjoyable, and make sure to check out the gift shop filled with magic tricks.

Tony Kamensky

My boys and I had a really good time.We enjoyed the entertainment and all the history on Houdini.I would definitely recommend the museum to all ages.Dont let this attraction ESCAPE from your places to visit list!!!

Jay Janoski

Great for the family, interesting and informative. Bravo took the time to sit with our six year to give him a on one lesson on how to perform one of the tricks we purchased in the magic shop. Worth every penny.

nb181046 nb181046

I went on a Field Trip here. It was amazing getting to learn about Harry Houdini. The magic show was also breath taking. Especially the show starter. I was very happy to be able to meet Dorothy Dietrich as well

Stephen Smith

My family and I had a great time it seemed a bit steep at first we paid 20 per person but the kids my wife and I had a great time. Its a show that lasted from 1 to after 4 and it was really interesting

Nalaka Dias

We visited Houdini Museum during spring break and we loved the Magic show and the Museum tour. Dorothy & Bravo were great. Anyone visiting the area should not miss this great show suited for all ages.

Madison Decker

Had an amazing time, very real houdiniesq scene... my great great grandfather used to be the guy in the bikini who would help him with the chains! Very fun!!!!!!!

Kristi Heck

Tons of Houdini memorabilia. Really cool magic show! Fun for the whole family. Dorthy Dietrich was amazing! Myself and both of my sons helped out in the act!

Chad Ridge

This place is absolutely amazing! It caters to children of all ages its the perfect mix magic and history. A must see when visiting Scranton Pennsylvania.

Garrett Ewald

Travel back in time to an old fashioned magic show. Interesting exhibits about houdini. The littlest ones might find the show runs long.

Philana Pellegrino

Great people. Super interesting place run by total experts. Fun and educational. Arrive by one to catch the whole show!

Steve Markert

Took my son here and he loved it. They put on a good show and really want you to enjoy yourself.