Chicago's Magnificent Mile is about to get a magical makeover with the arrival of The Hand & The Eye, a $50 million magic theater set to open in Spring 2026. Located in the historic McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St., this grand venue promises to be an immersive experience, blending world-class magic with fine dining and live entertainment.
A Transformative Vision
Spearheaded by Chicago entrepreneur Glen Tullman and designed by David Rockwell, The Hand & The Eye aims to be more than just a theater; it's envisioned as a "home away from home" for magicians and a unique destination for visitors. Tullman emphasizes that it's an experience to be a part of, not just something to watch, highlighting its indescribable nature.
A Historic Location
The Hand & The Eye will occupy the 35,000-36,000 square-foot McCormick Mansion, a building with a rich history dating back to 1889. Originally commissioned by L. Hamilton McCormick, the mansion has served as a residence, a casino in the 1930s, the Kungsholm Grand Opera Puppet Theatre in the 1940s, and, most recently, Lawry's The Prime Rib for nearly 50 years. The building's exterior, protected as a landmark, will remain unchanged, while the interior is being reimagined by David Rockwell to incorporate a rooftop garden and preserve original features like the grand staircase and fireplace.
What to Expect
The Hand & The Eye will feature seven performance spaces, 37 magic rooms, multiple bars, and a full-service dining experience curated by Levy Restaurants. The venue will offer an all-inclusive ticket, granting access to a series of magic performances and dinner, with a timed sequence guiding guests through different rooms. The experience is designed to be intimate and personalized, with visitors guided through secret passageways and encountering magicians along the way. The menu will evoke nostalgia, drawing parallels to the Pump Room during its prime. Bartenders will also showcase their magical skills while crafting beverages.
A New Era for Chicago Magic
The Hand & The Eye aims to honor Chicago's history with close-up magic while introducing something unique to the city and the global magic community. Jeff Kaylor, curator of magic, notes that the venue will host both resident magicians and guest artists, with the goal of inspiring creativity and becoming a dream destination for performers.
Membership Perks
In addition to the standard ticket, The Hand & The Eye will offer club memberships for local residents, providing exclusive access to the venue's stages and bars through a private entrance. Members may be required to learn a magic trick as part of their application, creating a Soho House-like experience with a magical twist.
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