ILLUSIONS: THE ART OF MAGIC AT THE AGO

Every kids goes through a magic stage, right?

Well, you can revive or kickstart this phase by a visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario’s newest exhibition ILLUSIONS: THE ART OF MAGIC. While it’s not an exhibition just for kids, it definitely has elements that will wow the kiddos in TOw.

The exhibition rewinds to the age of Houdini and other pioneers of magic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  The bulk of the exhibition presents 50+ posters, many of them wall-sized, that promote the performers’ daring and often death-defying tricks and escapes. You’ll see a 1920s example of the ‘Oldest Trick in the Book” (the cups, balls and ‘magic’ wand), Houdini’s straight-jacket, a couple of archival videos that captured my kids’ interest, plus a make-your-own magic poster that you can upload and email to yourself.

But if you go, you MUST time your visit for the daily 2 p.m. magic show by the Toronto Magic Company. Get there for 2 p.m. for a mini-show then the magicians stick around to teach you a trick or two until 4 p.m. (See the schedule below.) My guys have been showing off their latest trick since we left.

TRIP TIP: Check out Illusions: The Art of Magic as part of the AGO’s March Break – lots of added activities on offer.

TRIP TIPS:

Low-down: Directions and things to do at the AGO.

While you’re there: Sign-up to check out their INFINITY ROOM.

In the hood: Head outdoors before or after to play in Grange Park.