The Magnificent Mile is about to get a little weirder in the best possible way. The Hand & The Eye, a $50 million immersive "magic mansion" inside the historic McCormick Mansion, is set to open next Saturday, April 18, turning the stately home into a five-story playground of secret doors, close-up illusions, and high-end cocktails. Instead of sitting in a big theater squinting at a distant stage, guests will wander through more than three dozen rooms as magicians work the crowd at arm’s length. Most of the experiences will be limited to guests 21 and older.
Where And When
The Hand & The Eye will officially debut Saturday inside the McCormick Mansion at 100 E. Ontario St., steps from Michigan Avenue, according to FOX 32 Chicago. The renovation carves roughly 36,000 square feet into more than 37 rooms and several theaters, including a preserved Grand Salon, a 30-seat circular Coliseum for intimate performances, a larger illusion stage dubbed the Monarch, a cozy 10-seat Red Herring bar, and a hidden underground Vault. Guests must book ahead, and organizers say visits will be timed so people rotate between dinner and shows over the course of the evening.
Design, The Team And The Magic
The project is funded by Chicago entrepreneur Glen Tullman and built out with interiors by David Rockwell, with magician Jeff Kaylor serving as curator of magic, according to TimeOut Chicago. Organizers say the mansion will host a mix of resident and visiting magicians and tap into Chicago’s long-running culture of cocktail-and-close-up shows. Levy Restaurants will oversee the food and drink, pairing a retro-leaning menu and hospitality with all the sleight of hand.
Tickets, Timing And Access
Public ticket sales start on opening day, with entry packages beginning at $225 and including a dining credit, according to FOX 32 Chicago. The Hand & The Eye’s guest information notes that reservations are required and that most offerings are restricted to guests 21 and older; the site directs visitors to its booking portal for specifics. The venue is scheduled to operate Sunday through Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., according to the opening announcement.
Why The City Is Watching
Backers are pitching the mansion as an experiential anchor that could pull more nighttime foot traffic back to the Magnificent Mile and help resuscitate the once-bustling shopping strip. The Real Deal reports the project is expected to create about 200 jobs, while Block Club Chicago notes that the team is leaning into the mansion’s storied restaurant history as part of the appeal. Whether it becomes a lasting tourist magnet will hinge on demand for pricey, reservation-only experiences and how quickly downtown nightlife settles into a steadier rhythm.
How To Go
Every visit requires a reservation. The Hand & The Eye’s guest page connects visitors to the booking portal and membership details for locals who plan to become regulars. For basic information and to check available dates, see the venue’s guest details at The Hand & The Eye. Public ticketing and membership options are expected to evolve as the mansion opens its doors next weekend.
