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American Museum of Magic Plans Houdini Centennial Séance Halloween

By Drooid · Oct 25, 2026, 4:25 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Museum Hosts Houdini Séance

The American Museum of Magic will host a centennial séance honoring Houdini on Halloween.
The ceremony runs from noon to 3 PM at 107 E. Michigan Ave, Detroit.
Regular seats cost $30 each and no discounted tickets are offered.
A select group of distinguished guests will gather around Houdini’s milk-can escape apparatus.
Organizers say the event draws inspiration from Bob Lund’s 1978 inaugural Houdini séance.

Summary

Harry Houdini Dies

Harry Houdini died of peritonitis on Halloween, Oct. 31, 1926, after a ruptured appendix.
He performed a show at Detroit’s Garrick Theatre on Oct. 24, 1926 despite a 104°F fever.
His contract would have fined him $1,000 for each night the venue remained dark.
After collapsing, he was taken to Grace Hospital where doctors confirmed a ruptured appendix, peritonitis.
Bess Houdini held Halloween seances for ten years without making contact.

History

Historical Context

In 1900 Houdini launched a European tour that made him “the Handcuff King” and ignited global interest in escape acts. His 1916 effort to recruit Detroit magicians into the Society of American Magicians gave the city a lasting magical heritage. The American Museum of Magic’s 2024 centennial Halloween séance revives that heritage for today’s cultural tourism.

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Museum Hosts Houdini Séance

The American Museum of Magic will host a centennial séance honoring Houdini on Halloween.
The ceremony runs from noon to 3 PM at 107 E. Michigan Ave, Detroit.
Regular seats cost $30 each and no discounted tickets are offered.
A select group of distinguished guests will gather around Houdini’s milk-can escape apparatus.
Organizers say the event draws inspiration from Bob Lund’s 1978 inaugural Houdini séance.

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