While visiting Blackpool for a magicians conference, I booked to visit the new “Showtown” museum. I spent a couple of hours looking around the site which is located near to the BlackPool Tower. You can book in advance or pay at the door if tickets are available for your time of arrival.
The museum takes you on a journey celebrating the history of entertainment in Blackpool and includes distinct areas that cover seaside, magic, circus, Illuminations, shows and dance. Loving magic and running a website that promotes magic, I was keen to visit this exhibition and I bought my ticket in advance. I selected a time slot and once in, you can take as long as you like. I arrived early and was allowed to start exploring the museum.
I spent around two hours viewing and bumped into quite a few magicians on that day. Though don’t expect to see magicians on the day of your visit as it was just a timing thing due the the magic convention running that weekend.
Much effort has gone into the presentation of the museum with lots of interactive elements. Suitable for all ages as the exhibits will have a wide appeal. The museum is still new and I believe that it only opened in 2024. It is in my opinion one of the best attractions in Blackpool. I could have easily have spent more time looking around but had to leave after a couple of hours as I had other plans as well.
Working my way around, I was impressed with how well everything was maintained and clean the site was. Looking online, reviews are good and I am not surprised. All the staff were so friendly and will chat with you. It goes without saying that I particularly enjoyed the circus and tricks sections but I did appreciate the whole experience. Working my way around, a highlight was seeing “Orville” the duck, magician “Romany’s” costume and the many posters of shows that had performed in Blackpool.
As well as the six main areas, there is a room for additional exhibits which currently is called “I photograph comedians”. Though if you wish to see this special exhibition you will need to move fast as that display runs to just the 23rd of February. No doubt it will then be replaced with a new exhibit.
When leaving, the gift shop is rather good with well priced and varied items. Souvenirs to mark you visit ranged from books, art, stationery, soft toys/puppets and more. Current pricing is below and Blackpool residents paying Blackpool council tax can get in for free.
Please see my small gallery of pics below.
CURRENT TICKET PRICES (FEB 2025) – General Admission
Adults aged 16-64 – £15.00
Children aged 4-15 – £11.50
Children aged 3 and under – FREE
Students/Adults age 65+ – £13.50
To learn more and visit – click on the website here
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