Michael Garman's Magic Town
- Admission
- $9 adults, $8 seniors/military, $5 children (ages 7-12), kids under 7 free
- Hours
- Daily 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- Duration
- 45-60 minutes
- Parking
- Street parking available along Colorado Avenue and nearby public lots
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible with ramp access, though some viewing angles and pathways can be narrow
Step into a gritty, magical 1950s urban neighborhood recreated in a highly detailed 1:12 scale. Spanning 3,000 square feet, this miniature city features hand-sculpted characters, alleyways, and holographic illusions that bring the scenes to life. It took decades of meticulous sculpting to complete this hidden gem.
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Created by sculptor Michael Garman, Magic Town is a monumental 3,000-square-foot miniature city built at a 1/6th scale. This intricate, gritty urban landscape took decades to complete, capturing the soulful and weathered essence of a mid-20th-century neighborhood.
Visitors wander through alleyways and peer into highly detailed buildings, including tenement housing, diners, and magic shops. The attraction utilizes clever trick mirrors and holographic projections to make miniature characters appear and strike up conversations right before your eyes.
It is a masterpiece of storytelling through sculpture, offering an immersive experience that blends physical art with theatrical illusions. The sheer level of detail—from tiny discarded newspapers to hand-sculpted brickwork—makes it a captivating stop for all ages.
Ratings
museumVisitor Tips
- ◆ Take your time to look closely at the windows and alleyways, as many of the best details and holographic illusions require a slow, careful look.
- ◆ Ask the staff for a scavenger hunt sheet to help guide your eyes to some of the hidden jokes and easter eggs scattered throughout the miniature streets.
- ◆ Combine your visit with a walk around Historic Old Colorado City, which features great local dining, galleries, and shopping.
- ◆ Check out the gallery shop at the end of the tour, where you can purchase hand-painted replicas of Garman's signature characters.
Heads Up
- ◆ The exhibit interior is kept quite dark to make the optical illusions work, which may require a moment for your eyes to adjust.
- ◆ Some walkways are narrow and can feel tight or crowded during peak weekend hours.
Common questions
How long does it take to go through Michael Garman's Magic Town?
Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and an hour exploring the miniature city. If you choose to complete the scavenger hunt, it can take longer to find all the hidden details.
Is Magic Town wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes, the exhibit is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, though some of the viewing pathways can be narrow.
Are you allowed to take photos inside Magic Town?
Yes, photography is permitted inside the attraction. However, you must turn off your camera's flash to avoid disrupting the specialized theatrical lighting and holographic effects.