Engineering, not just sleight of hand
Mechanical and optical devices made beyond the precision of their era's factories.
A small museum of stage magic in Hamburg, named after Bellachini, a German magician famous in the nineteenth century and known as the Prussian court conjurer. The collection is apparatus, tricks, posters and playbills from the history of stage magic in Europe: boxes with false bottoms, altered cards, and mechanical devices built for particular illusions. What makes the subject more interesting than it sounds is that stage magic is a technical history as much as a theatrical one: many tricks rest on precise engineering, optics and mechanics, and some devices were made with a skill beyond the factories of their day. The museum is small and private, with limited hours, and a visit may need an appointment or attendance at a show. Check before going. Many such museums give a live performance with the tour, which is what separates the visit from looking at cases — ask when booking. It stands in the St. Georg district east of the main station, a short walk away.
Mechanical and optical devices made beyond the precision of their era's factories.
Bellachini was among Europe's best-known magicians in the nineteenth century.
Publicity from an age when magic was among the largest forms of entertainment.
St. Georg, east of central Hamburg
Museum of Art and IndustryHamburg's Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe is a museum of design and applied art, fo4 min walk
St Mary's CathedralSt Mary's is Hamburg's Catholic cathedral, and its story reflects the city's rel4 min walk
Hamburg Central StationHamburg's central station is the busiest railway station in Germany and the seco5 min walk
Hamburger KunsthalleThe Kunsthalle is one of Germany's largest art museums, its collection spanning 7 min walk
St James' ChurchSt James' is one of Hamburg's five principal churches, its origins reaching back11 min walkYes, particularly if there is a live performance. Children respond to magic more than to any static display. But the museum is small with limited hours, so check in advance and do not arrive unarranged with excited children — a closed door disappoints.
Miniatur Wunderland, the world's largest model railway, which needs booking ahead; the International Maritime Museum with its ships and models; Hagenbeck zoo; and the sailing ship Rickmer Rickmers moored in the harbour, which can be boarded.
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