Overview

The museum's location is steeped in history; Eling was once a cultural hub during the Anti-Japanese War, where famous artists like the "Four Great Magicians of the Republic of China" performed charity shows, boosting the morale of soldiers and civilians with their tricks. Today, the cultural and creative park breathes new life into ancient magic in an industrial-style space. The museum's permanent collection spans a century of magic props, rare magic manuscripts, old master photographs, yellowed performance posters, and historical documents, clearly outlining the evolution from the "street performances" of the late Qing Dynasty to patriotic magic charity shows during the Anti-Japanese War, and then to contemporary innovative magic that incorporates elements of Bashu culture, such as Sichuan opera face-changing. Particularly precious are the physical archives of the Lu family's five generations of magic inheritance, classic props of ancient colorful magic (such as "Immortal Picking Beans," "Empty Bowl Changing to Fish," and "Universe Bag"), and historical materials of performances with artistic masters like Mei Lanfang. In addition to static displays, the museum has created an immersive interactive theater, where performances blending traditional magic with modern staging are presented daily. Audiences can witness artists in traditional long gowns performing authentic ancient colorful magic, enjoy the cross-cultural fusion of Sichuan opera face-changing and magic, and participate in close-up interactive magic, personally experiencing the wonder of "the universe in one's fingertips." Simultaneously, the museum also hosts intangible cultural heritage lectures, magic experience classes, and youth magic research tours, aiming to bring classical magic from the stage to the public and achieve living heritage. As a cultural window connecting tradition and modernity, the common folk and art, the Chongqing Classical Magic Museum is not only a must-visit for magic enthusiasts but also an important venue for the public to understand the charm of traditional Chinese illusion and the diversity of Bashu culture. Stepping inside is like traveling back a hundred years, touching stories of the mountain city and patriotic sentiments hidden within the magic, amidst the interplay of light, shadow, and finger movements.

Highlights

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Cancellation policy

• Free cancellation with 24 hours' notice.

Additional info