As some of you may know, I am a longtime member of the Academy of Magical Arts, which few people ever refer to as the Academy of Magical Arts. They instead talk about the organization's clubhouse, The Magic Castle, an Edwardian manor up in Hollywood built in 1908 but now serving as our clubhouse. It's a magnificent place to tour, dine in and see some of the world's greatest magicians demonstrating their artistry.
For as long as I have been a member — more than four decades now — there have been concerns about the future of the Castle and controversies over its management and finances. I don't know how many times in those 40+ years, members who should have known better have told me the Castle might not be around in X years…and X was always a frighteningly low number. The number was also dead wrong because the Castle is still here, better than ever in some ways, and its future may at last be stable.
As this article in the L.A. Times reveals…
In a move to preserve the historic Magic Castle in Hollywood, video game mogul Randy Pitchford is buying the famous home to the Academy of Magical Arts. The purchase, which is expected to close by the end of the month, will ensure the prime property in the heart of the tourist district remains the academy's clubhouse and performance venue, Pitchford said. The price has yet to be disclosed.
If you read the piece, you'll know as much about this as I do but it sure sounds like happy news. And the folks who told me about it recently, requesting I keep it secret which I now don't have to do, all seemed to think it was a good thing. I sure hope so.