The Abbott House: Preserving a Magical Legacy in Omaha
Hidden in Omaha stands the Abbott House—a legendary “House of Mystery” built for magician David P. Abbott. Discover its history, restoration, and lasting impact on the art of magic.
The Abbott House: Omaha’s Legendary House of Mystery
Tucked away at 3316 Center Street in Omaha, Nebraska, stands the Abbott House—an unassuming Craftsman bungalow with an extraordinary story. Built in 1913 for magician David P. Abbott and his wife Fannie, this historic home was purpose-built as a private venue for intimate magic performances.
Often referred to as the “House of Mystery,” the Abbott House stands as one of the most significant pieces of magic history in the United States.
A Stage at Home
David P. Abbott was both a banker and an inventor-illusionist, and he designed his home with performance in mind. The interior featured theatrical architecture meant to enhance mystery and spectacle.
Key design elements included:
- A grand foyer centered around a large fireplace
- Generous ceiling heights and expansive rooms
- Cleverly concealed architectural details used for illusions
- Windows and sightlines designed to control audience perception
The house functioned as a private theater, hosting invited guests for carefully orchestrated magical demonstrations.
Among Abbott’s most ingenious creations were the Talking Teakettle—which used early induction and hidden microphones so Fannie could project her voice—and the famous Floating Ball illusion.
From Private Home to Magical Museum
After decades of changing ownership, the Abbott House—and many of Abbott’s original artifacts—found a permanent steward thanks to a remarkable act of preservation.
In September 2024, Teller of Penn & Teller purchased the property and donated it to the Omaha Magical Society. The donation included a unique agreement: if the society successfully restored the house by 2026, portions of the loan would be forgiven.
With support from Preserve Omaha, the home is now being restored to its original 1920s appearance.
Once completed, visitors will be able to experience:
- Rare Abbott artifacts
- Replicas of original illusions
- The restored drawing room where Abbott performed
- Authentic architectural features used in magic
2026 and Beyond: Reopening the Mystery House
The Abbott House will not operate as a traditional museum. Instead, it is planned as an exclusive, membership-based venue.
Once restoration is complete, access will be:
- By appointment only
- Limited to small group visits
- Available for member dinners and private performances
- Occasionally open for special events
An apartment in the basement will house a property manager, ensuring the building remains protected and operational.
The grand reopening is targeted for Summer 2026, and the Omaha Magical Society is also pursuing listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Why This Matters
The Abbott House is more than a historic building—it is a living link to the foundations of modern magic. It preserves not just illusions, but the creativity, engineering, and imagination that defined early American magic.
Abbott’s influence continues to inspire magicians today.
In 2013, :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, owner of MagicKits.com, received the prestigious David P. Abbott Award for his accomplishments in magic and dedication to preserving the art.
This connection highlights how Abbott’s legacy lives on—not only through the Abbott House itself, but through the magicians who continue to carry his spirit forward.
Thanks to the dedication of the Omaha Magical Society—which Abbott himself helped found in 1921—and Teller’s generosity, this magical landmark will once again become a place of wonder for future generations.
Support the Preservation of Magic History
If you’re interested in visiting the Abbott House or supporting its restoration, you can learn more directly from the Omaha Magical Society.
Learn More About the Abbott House Restoration
Learn Magic the Right Way
Preserving magic’s past also means supporting its future. Real magic is built on fundamentals, mentorship, and respect for the craft.
Beginner Magic Kits | Advanced Magic Kits | Close-Up Magic
This philosophy—learning magic the right way—is at the heart of MagicKits.com.