Chicago is preparing to welcome what will become the world’s largest magic-themed entertainment venue, as developers unveiled the first look at The Hand & The Eye, a grand project that promises to redefine the city’s cultural and nightlife scene. The venue, set to open in spring 2026, will occupy the historic McCormick Mansion located at the northeast corner of Ontario and Rush Streets in the Near North neighborhood.
Choose Chicago, the city’s tourism and marketing organization, released the first set of interior renderings this week, offering the public a glimpse into what is being described as an immersive and interactive magic experience. Designed by the award-winning Rockwell Group, a prominent architecture and design firm known for its innovative spaces, the interiors aim to capture both the mystique and theatrical flair of the art of illusion.
The Hand & The Eye is envisioned as more than just a performance venue. Early design concepts suggest that it will combine live shows, interactive exhibits, and dining spaces that celebrate the history and artistry of magic. The building’s transformation marks a major investment in Chicago’s entertainment landscape, blending the city’s historic architecture with cutting-edge design.
The chosen location holds special meaning for many Chicagoans. The McCormick Mansion building previously housed Lawry’s The Prime Rib, a beloved Chicago institution that operated there for nearly fifty years. Lawry’s closed its doors in 2020, a casualty of the economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as an expiring lease and shifting market conditions. At the time, Ryan Wilson, Lawry’s chief executive, cited the pandemic’s impact and broader operational concerns as reasons for the closure.
Now, four years later, the property is undergoing a dramatic transformation. The renovation project will restore many of the mansion’s historic features while introducing a bold new interior aesthetic. Rockwell Group’s early concepts showcase richly detailed environments filled with theatrical lighting, intricate textures, and contemporary design elements that evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity—core themes that align perfectly with the magic concept.
Tourism leaders hope the venue will not only attract visitors from around the world but also add to Chicago’s reputation as a center for creative innovation and experiential entertainment. “The Hand & The Eye will be a landmark for both residents and tourists,” said a spokesperson for Choose Chicago. “It combines the heritage of one of the city’s great historic buildings with a completely new cultural experience unlike anything else in the world.”
The venue’s opening will coincide with a broader revitalization effort in the Near North neighborhood, an area already known for its mix of historic landmarks, luxury hotels, and vibrant nightlife. The addition of The Hand & The Eye is expected to complement other cultural destinations nearby and strengthen Chicago’s appeal as a global tourism hub.
While many details about programming and performers remain under wraps, the developers have hinted that the venue will host international magicians, illusionists, and immersive dining shows that blur the line between audience and performer. The design renderings also suggest multiple event spaces and lounges designed to cater to both intimate gatherings and large-scale productions.
Chicago’s long-standing connection to magic and performance makes it a fitting home for the project. The city has hosted legendary performers and venues over the years, and this latest addition seeks to revive that tradition on a scale never before seen.
Construction on the site is expected to begin in 2025, with a grand opening scheduled for spring 2026. Once completed, The Hand & The Eye is poised to become a cornerstone of Chicago’s post-pandemic cultural revival—bringing together history, architecture, and the timeless allure of magic under one roof.
The unveiling of the initial designs marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for a storied Chicago landmark. For a city known for innovation and spectacle, The Hand & The Eye aims to create a destination that is equal parts wonder, art, and imagination—an experience as enchanting as the magic it celebrates.
