Inside Chicago’s $50M magic mansion: ‘The Hand & The Eye’ opens April 18

CHICAGO - A new immersive magic destination is set to open in the heart of downtown Chicago, where guests don’t just watch the show – they become part of it. 

What we know:

The Hand & The Eye will officially open Saturday, April 18 inside the McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St., just steps from Michigan Avenue. 

The $50 million project reimagines the 36,000-square-foot property into a multi-level venue filled with performance spaces, dining rooms and hidden areas designed to surprise guests at every turn. 

Dig deeper:

Unlike a traditional theater, The Hand & The Eye is designed as a fully immersive environment. Guests move through more than 37 rooms, each doubling as a performance space, where magicians from around the world present close-up illusions and interactive acts. 

Organizers say no two visits will ever be the same. 

"We’re creating a singular experience of wonder where memories are made and magic is shared," founder Glen Tullman said in a press release.

The five-story venue is divided into distinct spaces, each with its own theme, design and experience. 

Highlights include: 

• The Grand Salon: A historic entry space featuring a preserved staircase and immersive experiences.
• The Coliseum: A 30-seat circular theater designed specifically for close-up performances.
• The Monarch: The largest performance area, inspired by classic illusion theater.
• The Red Herring: A 10-seat bar focused on intimate, Chicago-style magic.
• The Vault: A hidden underground theater where guests will experience final performances.
• Other spaces include dining rooms, lounges and a conservatory overlooking Michigan Avenue.

What's next:

Public ticket sales begin April 18, with entry packages starting at $225, which includes a dining credit. 

The venue is open Sunday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

Reservations are required, and most experiences are limited to guests 21 and older, with select family offerings expected later. 

More details can be found online.