Robert "Bob" Lund (May 4, 1925 - October 20, 1995) was a noted magic historian and author, was also one of the world's foremost magic collectors. As a result of his passion (and needing a place to house his massive collection), he created the American Museum of Magic. The Museum was only open by appointment during his lifetime. Since Elaine Lund's passing in 2006, the museum has been governed by a board of directors and has become a non-profit corporation. It wasn't until about three years ago that it was finally opened to the public with regular operating hours.
The Bureau of History (Michigan Department of State) designated the building housing the American Museum of Magic as a Registered Historic Site in 1985.
The first thing visitors see as they enter the museum is the breathtaking statue of the Le Grand David show featuring one of their signature illusions, the Broomstick Suspension. This is one of three of these particular works of art in existence.
The Traveling Magician statue is another rare piece of art that is one of 61 known to exist in private collections.
A block away from the main museum building is the former Marshall Library. This building now houses the promotional materials of known and lesser known magicians. Additional ephemera fill the building plus other treasures like an ultra rare copy of "The Discoverie of Witchcraft".
"The Discoverie of Witchcraft" was a partially sceptical book published by the English gentleman Reginald Scot in 1584, and intended as an exposé of medieval witchcraft. It is considered rare becuase all obtainable copies were burned on the assccion of James I in 1603.
While I was visiting the museum, I video recorded a ten minute tour on my iPad then mixed some magic music in the background. If you would like to see more that just the photos above, then enjoy this short video below.
For more information on The American Museum of Magic, visit their website at http://americanmuseumofmagic.org/
