Harry Houdini
New York, New York, New York
Marker Inscription
Houdini 1874-1926 The magician lived here from 1904 to 1926, collecting illusions, theatrical memorabilia, and books on psychic phenomena and magic. Famous for daring escapes, no restraints-ropes, chains, straitjackets, bank vaults, or jail cells-could hold him.
Erected by Historic Landmarks Preservation Center
The Story
For more than two decades, this was home to the world's most famous escape artist. From 1904 until his death in 1926, Harry Houdini filled these rooms with illusions, theatrical memorabilia, and a vast library on magic and psychic phenomena. Ropes, chains, straitjackets, bank vaults, and jail cells—none of them could hold him, and his daring escapes made him a global sensation.
Why it matters
Houdini turned stage magic into mass entertainment and became an enduring symbol of American showmanship and self-invention in the early twentieth century.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- 81 Leonard Gallery6.4 mi away
- Gerben Fine Art6.5 mi away
- Bureau6.5 mi away · 112 Duane Street
- Hall des Lumières6.6 mi away · 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY
- Cloud Gallery6.7 mi away
- MĒRCER LABS6.9 mi away · 21 Dey Street
Attractions
- The River Project Wetlab5.9 mi away
- FDNY Ladder 86.3 mi away · 14 North Moore Street, New York
- Cortlandt Alley6.3 mi away
- Dream house6.3 mi away
- Chinatown6.4 mi away
- Textile building6.4 mi away
Food & drink
- Sweetgreen7.3 mi away
- Maman7.3 mi away
- Semicolon Cafe7.3 mi away
- Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen7.3 mi away
- Rumi Turkish Grill7.4 mi away
- Bluestone Lane7.4 mi away
Places to stay
- Conrad6.8 mi away · 102 North End Avenue, New York
- DoubleTree6.9 mi away · 455 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ
- M Social Hotel New York Downtown6.9 mi away · 55 Church Street, New York, NY
- Sonesta Simply Suites Jersey City6.9 mi away · 21 2nd Street, Jersey City, NJ
- Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area7.0 mi away · 170 Broadway, New York, NY
- Holiday Inn7.0 mi away · 51 Nassau Street
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Related people
- · Harry Houdini
Themes & tags
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