Houdini Museum of New York

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The Houdini Museum of New York, located inside the popular midtown magic shop Fantasma, houses documents and artifacts related to the legendary illusionist. For instance, did you know that Houdini, born Erich Weiss, was what we’d now call a mama’s boy? The museum has a typed tribute to Mrs. Weiss to prove it. Or did you know that he broke out of handcuffs with the help of a metal plate stitched into the top of his trousers? Visitors can view the plate itself, framed inside an ornate glass display case and hanging under lights on a wall among dozens of such items, right next to a newspaper article explaining how he did it. Houdini neophytes can get an introduction to his career from the dozens of clippings, personal letters, and show posters. Meanwhile, newcomers and more informed fans alike should enjoy seeing the famous handcuffs (dozens of pairs, all behind glass) and straitjackets out of which Houdini escaped into fame. — Max Thorn

It’s not an illusion�but it can be hard to find. Look for an awning near the subway stairs on 33rd Street, to the east of Seventh Avenue, and take the elevator.