New Luxury Magic Venue Aims to Revive Chicago's Magnificent Mile

The Hand & The Eye theater opens with world-class magic acts and upscale dining to draw visitors back to the struggling shopping district.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:44am

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A striking, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged geometric shapes in high-contrast red and black, conceptually representing the grand opening of a new luxury magic theater in Chicago.A new luxury magic theater aims to draw visitors back to Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile shopping district with world-class acts and upscale experiences.Chicago Today

Glen Tullman, a successful healthcare entrepreneur, has opened a new 500-seat luxury magic theater called The Hand & The Eye in Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile shopping district. The venue is part of an effort to revive the once-thriving retail area, which has seen a decline in recent years due to the rise of e-commerce and the pandemic. The Hand & The Eye will feature world-class magicians and illusionists, as well as high-end dining and cocktail experiences, in an attempt to draw visitors back to the neighborhood.

Why it matters

The Magnificent Mile has long been one of Chicago's premier shopping and entertainment destinations, but it has struggled in recent years as consumer habits have shifted. The opening of The Hand & The Eye represents a significant investment in the area and a bet that a unique, high-end entertainment experience can help revitalize the neighborhood and draw both locals and tourists back to the district.

The details

The Hand & The Eye is a 500-seat theater that will host world-class magicians and illusionists, as well as offering upscale dining and cocktail experiences. Tullman, who made his fortune in healthcare technology, has invested millions into the project in the hopes of creating a must-see destination that can anchor the Magnificent Mile's revival.

  • The Hand & The Eye opened its doors in April 2026.
  • The Magnificent Mile has seen a decline in foot traffic and business over the past several years.

The players

Glen Tullman

A successful healthcare entrepreneur who has invested millions into opening The Hand & The Eye, a new luxury magic theater in Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

The Hand & The Eye

A new 500-seat magic theater and entertainment venue that has opened in Chicago's Magnificent Mile shopping district, aiming to draw visitors back to the struggling retail area.

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What they’re saying

“We're betting big on the power of live, immersive entertainment to bring people back to the Magnificent Mile. The Hand & The Eye is going to be a world-class destination that celebrates the art of magic.”

— Glen Tullman, Founder, The Hand & The Eye

What’s next

The Hand & The Eye will host its grand opening celebration in May 2026, featuring a lineup of renowned magicians and illusionists.

The takeaway

The opening of The Hand & The Eye represents a significant investment in reviving Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile shopping district, which has struggled in recent years. By offering a unique, high-end entertainment experience centered around world-class magic and illusionism, the theater aims to draw both locals and tourists back to the area and anchor its revival.