ROLL UP, ROLL UP! A history of magic since the 18th century. The show is presented using six themed exhibition areas: Delgado and María Santoyo, the exhibition – which can be visited between 10 February and 28 May, on the fourth floor of the Espacio Fundación Telefónica – invites the public to be seduced by magic, the only science to be goverened by the laws of wonder. In this exhibition project, Houdini as a public figure and his fascinating life story is combined with the philosophy and thinking of an age that was fundamental to Western history, when modern values began to seep into all sectors of society and extend throughout the entire world.Ĭurated by Miguel A. Houdini used state-of-the-art communication strategies and every medium available to him, including the press, advertising, radio and film, to make himself known worldwide. Paradoxically, he devoted his career to investigating, documenting and disseminating the scientific and rational foundations behind magic to expose those who championed spiritualism and witchcraft. When theatres were still rooted in the traditional imagery of the 19th century, Houdini introduced futuristic concepts to his repertoire such as physical strength, speed, tension and challenge. The Laws of Wonder traces the history of modern magic and its evolution, from fairground booths to mass audience spectacles.

Through his extraordinary life story the exhibition Houdini. Harry Houdini (Budapest, 1874-Detroit, 1926) was one of the most famous illusionists of all time.

It is in this desire that we find the origins of magic, in the taste for surprise and illusion. Since the dawn of time, humans have always sought to shock and amaze their fellows. “ All wonder is the effect of novelty on ignorance”, Samuel Johnson

Harry houdini illusions