Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age April 28, 2011

Spotlighting magicians who were once celebrated innovators in America and Europe but whose stories have mostly been forgotten, Masters of Illusion: Jewish Magicians of the Golden Age is the first exhibition to investigate the significant contributions of Jewish magicians to the development of modern magic. During magic’s Golden Age (1875–1948), Jewish magicians were integral members of a thriving community of Jewish entertainers—actors, singers, comedians—who established Variety and Vaudeville as the “people’s theater” of the day.

Through rare original artifacts including advertising lithographs, playbills, costumes, magic stage props, automata, and film, Masters of Illusion demonstrates the impact Jewish magicians made on entertainment history and on American and European culture, lifestyle, and traditions. It also reveals how Jewish magicians influenced and were influenced by social, political, economic, and technological developments at the turn of the twentieth century and into the modern era.

Included with Museum admission: $10 General; $7 Seniors and Full-Time Students; $5 Children 2–12; FREE to Skirball Members and Children under 2; FREE to all visitors on Thursdays
Tickets available at the door