IVAE20170526-Hollywood's Magic Castle and Academy of Magical Arts

Hollywood&`&s Magic Castle and Academy of Magical Arts 眾星雲集的魔術表演殿堂 The Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, is a fascinating1 place by any standard, even more so if you happen to have an interest in the art of magic. This internationally famous establishment2 is a magic museum, magic performance venue3, fine dining facility4, and private club all rolled into one. The full-service dining room features5 sumptuous▼ dishes, several bars for whatever mood you happen to be in, as well as an enchanting6 view of Los Angeles&`& Hollywood district. Rare magic memorabilia▼ and posters are all over the place. Stunning stage illusions7 that look like miracles are routine here. In case you&`&re still not interested, The Magic Castle even claims to have its own resident ghost. It should come as no surprise at all that the history of this place seems magical, too. 　　A privately8 owned mansion9 built at the turn of the 20th century, the historic building was sold during the 1940s and went into decline10. By 1960, the once-elegant, Chateau▼-style residence had become an old, run-down11 apartment building with a less-than-promising future. Despite the shabby▼appearance, two brothers, Milt and Bill Larsen, had an idea to build a classy12 private clubhouse for magicians and their friends at the castle location. Bill Larsen was the publisher of a magic trade magazine and an accomplished13 magician. His brother Milt was a writer for a prominent14 TV show. The two struck a deal with the property&`&s owner and recruited15 their friends and a generous crew of volunteers to renovate16 the old mansion. The Magic Castle opened its doors on January 2, 1963, with 50 members. These days, The Magic Castle attracts the world&`&s best magicians and magic buffs▼, and aspiring17 magicians can learn a thing or two at their Academy of Magical Arts.