Step into a darker time when magic and science had not yet been divided. See how the midnight woods could reveal a shadowy clearing where hooded figures dance around a bubbling cauldron.
Does it contain a healing elixir, a love potion, or something dangerously wicked?
Join us and explore arcane experiments, unexpected discoveries, and forbidden passions through live theatrical performances, scholarly lectures, and special displays of rarely seen objects from our vaults.
Age 21+ event. Capacity is limited.
Advance tickets required.
FRIDAY, OCT. 21, 2022 I 6–9:30 p.m.
Open to Huntington Members at the Premier levels only (Affiliate, Supporting, Patron, Benefactor, and Society of Fellows). Not a Premier level member? Join or Upgrade Now
Sponsors
Thirsts Murdered by Liquid Death
@liquiddeath #murderyourthirst #deathtoplastic
Please bring the following with you to the event:
1. Ticket with the event confirmation QR code AND
2. Photo ID
Questions? Please contact the Membership office at memberevents@huntington.org.
FAQs
- Program
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7 and 8:15 p.m.
Miracle Elixir or Perplexing Poison? Radiation and the Boundaries between Magic and Science - (Friday, Oct. 21 only)
In this talk, Joshua McGuffie will share radiation’s earliest stories. Almost immediately following the 1895 discovery of x-rays and a year later that uranium produced inexplicable radiations, a craze grew up among Americans and Europeans that it was a miracle cure for a host of maladies. However, studies by biologists and medical doctors soon showed that the potential potion was more often a poison. Radiation inspired dreams but wrought betrayals, touching the edges of science and science fiction.
Munger Plaza7:15 and 8:30 p.m.
Potions, Poisons, and Aires
LA Opera Connects performs highlights from selected operas, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Elixir of Love, and Faust, narrated by Macbeth’s Witches.
Rothenberg Hall6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Edgar Allan Poe & Masters of the Macabre Theatre
The Guild of St. George brings to life spine-tingling tales and poems by the great Edgar Allan Poe and his contemporaries.
Haaga Hall6–9:30 p.m.
Poisons and Potions: Collections from the Library Vaults
See some dangerous objects, books, and ephemera from The Huntington's collections.
Library East Lobby6:30 and 8 p.m.
The Poisonous Pub Trivia
Join Library curators for a bubbly pub quiz on the toxic, noxious, and narcotic represented in The Huntington’s collections, ranging from Belladonna to Sleeping Beauty. Participate as an individual or a group (up to 8) and compete for a plethora of prizes. Pick up a pilsner at the Poisonous Pub prior to each performance.
Celebration Lawn7, 8, and 9 p.m.
CirqueSanity’s Double Double Toil & Trouble
The witching hour is approaching, and a witch and a warlock are on a quest to perfect the potion they need to fly their broomsticks between worlds. Will they pierce the veil in time? Catch this variety cirque show of magic, story, and dazzling delights as it reaches great new heights with aerial acrobatics and more!
North Vista6-9:30 p.m.
Wytch Wood Potion Purveyors
(Friday, Oct. 21 only)
Get a love potion or other magical concoction made just for you from essential oils and botanicals. (For entertainment purposes only; not for consumption.)6–9:30 p.m.
Nightshade Alley
Stroll down the hedgerow allée for a peek at some poisonous characters from history and literature.
Main entrance allée6–9:30 p.m. (Friday, Oct. 21 only)
The Ghoulery
Memorialize the evening with a complimentary photo of your ghoulish self, snapped in a sinister setting, courtesy of Herman Au Photography.
Huntington Art Gallery Loggia6:30–9:30 p.m.
Danse Macabre
Dance ‘til you’re delirious while a DJ of the FlashDance spins.
Huntington Art Gallery South Terrace6–9:30 p.m.
The Eerie Emporium
The Huntington Store is open with must-have merchandise like apothecary cocktail recipe books.
The Huntington Store6–9:30 p.m.
Libation Lounges
The Cauldron: Garden Court
The Wytch Wood: Library Lawn
The Wizard’s Sanctum: Huntington Art Gallery Circle
Please consume alcohol responsibly.6–9:30 p.m.
Coffee and Dessert Stations
Wickedly tasty treats available for purchase.
Main entranceFriday, Oct. 21 only: Premier-level Members may reserve complimentary tickets for two adults, age 21 and over. One ticket-holder must be a Member. Members may bring up to four additional guests for $35 each.
Guest passes are not permitted. Rain or shine. Tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, please consider your ticket cost a donation to The Huntington.
- Safety Protocols
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Updated March 4, 2022
- COVID-19 vaccination strongly recommended
- All attendees must continue to follow health and safety guidelines
- Masks are optional outdoors and strongly recommended indoors but not required
- Some lighting used at this event may be disruptive to people who are light sensitive
- Call 626-405-2250 if you feel unwell during your visit for any reason and require assistance
- Presenters and Performers
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Joshua McGuffie (Friday, October 21 only)
Speaker, Miracle Elixir or Perplexing Poison? Radiation and the Boundaries between Magic and Science, is a doctoral candidate in the Department of History at UCLA. His research focuses on biology, medicine, race, and the environment as they relate to the US Manhattan Project and post-WWII atomic testing. His dissertation Atomic Salmon: Biology, Medicine, and Ecology in the Medical Section of the Manhattan Project follows an unlikely group of medical doctors and fisheries biologists as they tried to understand the biological effects of radiation from the 1920s through the 1950s. In 2016 he drove over 5000 miles to visit seven atomic installations and museums in the Western US. Born and raised in the Pasadena area, he has taught at Loyola Marymount University and Occidental College, and enjoys spending time with his family in the Angeles National Forest.CirqueSanity
A fusion of world class circus arts, vaudeville entertainment, and theatre, imagined and created by two passionately driven Cirque Artists who have come together as a Duo to create a world full of whimsical fantasy, fun, playful, and ethereal visual works of art on the stage. Their shows feature jaw-dropping aerial acrobatics and contortion, mind-melting object manipulation, storytelling, and vivaciously vibrant characters. Based in Los Angeles, but providing entertainment and visual arts both nationally and internationally, find them worldwide presenting an ultra fresh, eclectic, and high energy mix of colorful cutting-edge circus arts.The Guild of St. George
Presenting short stories and poems by Edgar Allan Poe and other masters of the macabre.
The Guild of St. George is a nonprofit, public benefit educational corporation dedicated to teaching history through interactive theater. The guild embraces historical authenticity and theatrical excellence to create an environment in which the past can be accurately and passionately experienced by the guild’s members and their audiences.LA Opera Connects
Performing highlights from selected operas, including Romeo and Juliet, Elixir of Love, and Faust, narrated by Macbeth’s Witches.Created in 1986 by a team of visionaries, LA Opera has become a leader in artistic innovation, while honoring the great historical legacy of opera. Through the powerful art form of opera, it celebrates the diversity, pioneering spirit, and artistic sensibility that is unique to Los Angeles. Opera connects us, through story and music, to our past, our future and each other. We are eager to share the wonder and promise of opera with all ages, neighborhoods, and communities, because we know our connections enrich all our lives. LA Opera Connects invites you to explore all the many programs, classes, and performances through which we engage with all ages at laopera.org/community/. We can’t wait to connect.
- For-Purchase Food Trucks and Stations
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Belly Bombz
Korean-inspired pub fare, wings, and rice bowlsDina's Dumplings
Mandarin-style steamed and pan-fried Chinese cuisineFun Time Kettle Corn
Sweet kettle corn and fresh-popped popcornHeritage LA
Organic, heirloom, and local Modern American cuisine with a farm-to-table themeMelissa’s Munchies
All natural, non-GMO, home-baked cinnamon rolls and cookiesSaucy Chick Rotisserie
Mexican and Indian cultures combined in thoughtfully crafted, free-range rotisserie eatsThe Tropic Truck
Cali-Caribbean cuisine featuring grilled seafoodPerro 110 Tacos
One-of-a-kind tacos made with fresh ingredients and homemade recipes, featuring fresh handmade tortillas imported from TijuanaBison Burger
Grilled bison, elk, venison, boar, Kobe beef, and portobello burgers, plus fries and coleslawWoops BakeShops
Cupcakes, sliced cake, and Halloween-themed French macaronsCoffee Cart Boys
Hot, cold, and specialty coffees, including “Bruja’s Brew,” “Candyman,” and “Vampire’s Nightcap”