business
Entrepreneur Glen Tullman Opens 35,000-Square-Foot Magic Venue in Chicago
Glen Tullman, a 66-year-old health care entrepreneur, is investing $50 million to open The Hand and the Eye, a luxury magic performance space in downtown Chicago. The 35,000-square-foot venue features five performance areas, seven bars, two dining rooms, and interactive elements for up to 350 guests nightly. It includes performances by 22 magicians and was renovated by architect David Rockwell.
Apr 7, 5:01 AM·2m read1 source
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Glen Tullman, a 66-year-old health care entrepreneur from New Jersey, has a background in performing magic acts, which he learned growing up and occasionally revives for small gigs earning $5 each. A few years ago, Tullman performed at a colleague's son's birthday party, attempting a trick where an egg is cracked over a spectator's head without dripping.
The trick failed, causing the contents to drip on the child, who cried until Tullman gave him a wand.
Tullman attributes such mishaps to a lack of practice. He is now investing $50 million of his own funds to open a new magic venue in downtown Chicago. The venue, named The Hand and the Eye, spans 35,000 square feet across five floors.
The Hand and the Eye includes five performance spaces, seven bars, and two dining rooms, accommodating up to 350 guests per night.
One wall features an interactive element that simulates a beating heart when touched. The design supports close-up magic performances, with elements like seat sightlines and drinking glasses optimized for card tricks. The venue was renovated from the ground up in a Gilded Age mansion by architect David Rockwell.
Rockwell has previously designed restaurants such as Union Square Cafe and Nobu, as well as set designs for numerous on- and off-Broadway productions. A rotating roster of 22 magicians will perform to entertain guests.
project aims to provide a luxury setting for magic performances, where guests can dress up and experience interactive shows.
The venue combines entertainment, dining, and bar services in a historic building. It represents a significant personal investment by Tullman in the entertainment sector. The opening of The Hand and the Eye occurs amid interest in experiential entertainment venues in urban areas.
