Perched atop Budapest’s Castle Hill, an area known for its historic attractions including the Royal Palace, Matthias Church, and Fisherman’s Bastion, a new point of interest draws visitors intrigued by both legend and history: the House of Houdini. The museum, located in Dísz Square, offers an in-depth look at the life and legacy of Harry Houdini, the renowned magician and escape artist whose real name was Erik Weisz.

The House of Houdini presents a blend of entertainment and education. Visitors are greeted with performances of classic magic tricks before moving through the exhibits. Highlights include genuine artifacts such as handcuffs, leg irons, a brass breastplate, and a family Bible signed by Houdini’s father. These items, over a century old, were collected by David Merlini, the museum’s owner and himself a professional escape artist. Merlini also curated replica props used in the 2014 miniseries “Houdini,” starring Adrien Brody, shot in Budapest.

One exhibit features a poster from the 1953 film “Houdini” starring Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh—the latter portraying Houdini’s wife, Bess, who played a vital role in his performances. The poster was donated by Curtis’s daughter, Jamie Lee Curtis, adding a personal connection to the display.

The museum also addresses myths surrounding Houdini’s death on October 31, 1926. While officially attributed to peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix, historical debate persists over whether repeated blows to his abdomen by a fan, J. Gordon Whitehead, nine days prior might have hastened his demise. This nuanced examination offers visitors a more complex understanding of the magician’s final days.

David Merlini, who was born in Budapest and has a lifelong passion for magic and escape acts, plans a series of events to mark the centenary of Houdini’s death. The celebrations, scheduled for October 31, will span three days and include a lock-picking contest, a short-film festival spotlighting emerging magicians, private tours of the museum, and a grand magic performance at Budapest’s Capital Circus. The program will culminate with a gala dinner at the Gundel restaurant, a landmark venue in the city.

Merlini’s background includes early training at Turin’s Circolo Amici della Magia in Italy, where he became the youngest member at age 13. His decades-long career as an escape artist adds authenticity to the tribute, reinforcing Budapest’s place in the ongoing story of Houdini.

The House of Houdini offers a unique cultural experience by combining historical intrigue with live performance, providing insight into both the man and the myth that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.