Aspiring magicians and fans of Neil Patrick Harris, prepare to swoon, there's a hotspot in Hollywood, California that exists just for you. The Magic Castle is for magicians and magic enthusiasts who want to hang out at "the most unusual private club in the world."
Access is only granted to members and their guests, though the public can get a 30-day free trial by saying "Open Sesame" at the door. Formal attire is strictly enforced, with men wearing a coat and tie and women wearing a dress or skirt.
It's also the exclusive clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts that formed in 1962 as a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and developing the art of magic. They provide six week courses to teach basic skills needed in magic acts. Those that pass have the option of becoming an official member.
But what does the fantastic and universally loved NPH have to do with it? Turns out he's one of the biggest magic buffs around, and president of the group. Along with leading the Academy of Magical Arts, he also performs as a magic hobbyist. There have been many celebrity performers, including Johnny Carson, Steve Martin, and Jason Alexander.
The Magic Castle has been a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument since 1989.
