David Rockwell Designs Chicago Magic Venue The Hand & The Eye
David Rockwell has designed his first magic venue, The Hand & The Eye, a 36,000 sq ft space in Chicago's McCormick Mansion. The Renaissance Revival building, dating from 1895, previously housed a casino, Swedish restaurant, and steakhouse. The venue operates as both a private members' club and a public performance space, offering a three-hour guided experience with magic shows, bars, and dining. Rockwell collaborated with magicians to embed tricks into the design, including adjustable tables and secret doors. The project was commissioned by healthcare entrepreneur Glen Tullman, a lifelong magician. Rockwell's childhood fascination with magic, including performing with a hamster named Herman the Great, informed the design. The venue pays homage to Chicago-style close-up magic.
Key facts
- The Hand & The Eye is a 36,000 sq ft magic venue in Chicago's McCormick Mansion.
- The building dates from 1895 and was originally a private residence.
- Previous occupants include Pierre's Continental Casino, Kungsholm restaurant, and Lawry's The Prime Rib.
- David Rockwell designed the space, his first for magicians.
- The venue is both a private members' club and a public performance venue.
- Guests experience a three-hour journey guided by a concierge.
- Custom Ginori 1735 tableware is used for dining.
- The design includes adjustable tables, removable center panels, and secret doors.
- Glen Tullman, a healthcare entrepreneur and magician, commissioned Rockwell.
- Rockwell performed magic as a child with a hamster named Herman the Great.
Entities
Artists
- David Rockwell
- Glen Tullman
- Jeff Kaylor
- Matt Schulien
Institutions
- Rockwell Group
- Wallpaper*
- McCormick Mansion
- Pierre's Continental Casino
- Kungsholm
- Lawry's The Prime Rib
- Ginori 1735
- The Hand & The Eye
- Galerie Magazine
- Broadway
- Kungsholm Grand Opera Puppet Theatre
- Lawry's
Locations
- Chicago
- United States
- 100 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
- Magnificent Mile
- Mexico
- Guadalajara