The Great Houdini Escape Room
A complex labyrinth of illusion & mystery
- ~80
- Minutes
- 4-8
- Players
- $425
- Per Private Room
-
“We had such an awesome time and the room blew our minds!”
-
“Best escape room I've done in SF.”
-
“Seriously, this is the best escape room I've done!”
-
“We're already talking about when we can do it again!”
Outsmart the Original Escape Artist!
In 1915, Harry Houdini designed a mysterious room to test the abilities of a team of great American innovators. To this day you can still find this escape room in San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, awaiting new challengers.
Reserved for only the greatest minds, do you have what it takes to outsmart the master of illusion and find your way to freedom?
Can you out-escape the master?
Please allow about 2 hours for the entire experience, including check-in, introduction, play time and your team photo. Each reservation is a private room for 4 to 8 players — the time slot is reserved exclusively for your group. There will not be any other players than the ones you invite. Recommended minimum age is 16; all players under 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, who counts toward the player total.
See Available Time Slots
What To Expect?
Fully Immersive Environment
Step into Houdini's world, surrounded by the legendary escape artist's props, illusions, and mysterious artifacts.
Ingenious Challenges
Test your wits and creativity as you solve intricate puzzles and unravel Houdini's hidden secrets.
Competitive Thrill
Experience the adrenaline rush of racing against the clock. Team up with friends or co-workers and claim your victory.
After Booking Instructions
Double check your date and time
- Sometimes mistakes happen — please make sure you reserved the correct date and time. Get in touch with us ASAP if it isn't! (Check out our cancellation and rescheduling policies, too.)
Review health and safety protocols
- Please review guest requirements and what we are doing to keep you safe.
Pre-register
- Your confirmation email has a link to our digital waiver. Save time by registering your team and signing the waiver before you arrive. We are happy to re-send the link if you need it — give us a call or send us an email.
- For contactless check-in, waivers must be signed from your own device.
- If you booked multiple rooms, please assign teams ahead of time and have players sign the waiver for the game they will play.
Review our map and directions
- Please review and share the map and directions (in your reminder email, and on the Map & Directions page) before departing for your reservation!
Decide your team name
- Awesome teams deserve awesome team names. Start brainstorming now!
Arrival Information
Arrival time
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your reservation time. Plan to be there for about 2 hours.
Entrance
- The Palace Games entrance is at 3362 Palace Drive (west side of the building, opposite side from the rotunda and lake). This is a set of large green doors with a Palace Games sign.
- Call us at 415-997-8522 x 1 if needed.
Parking
- There is free parking available on Palace Drive.
- There is a paid parking lot behind the Palace at 3381 Lyon St, with an entrance from Palace Drive, past our entrance to the left. It is also accessible from Girard Rd. (You will have to access it via Girard Rd if Palace Dr is closed.)
- There is also free parking in the lot at the St. Francis Yacht Club (across Marina Blvd), or parking by Crissy Field.
Directions
- Palace Games is located within the Palace of Fine Arts. Access through our entrance near the parking lot. NOTE: If yellow gates are blocking Palace Drive, please go to the Palace of Fine Arts paid parking lot at 3381 Lyon Street, accessible from Girard Rd. See the map for the best route.
Attire
- Palace Games escape rooms may contain mild physical activity: walking on uneven surfaces, climbing, crawling, sliding. Dress accordingly (dresses and skirts may not be appropriate) including comfortable shoes.
- We recommend dressing in layers. The Palace can get a bit cold, but the room itself may get warm.
What to bring
- Your energy and your enthusiasm is all you need! In fact, we will ask that bags and phones remain in the basket in your room.
- We strongly recommend that you take all visible bags or valuables out of your car. There is a basket in the room. We can store larger items in the office if needed.
- You do not need to bring your confirmation.
- While gratuity is by no means expected or required, some people have found our hosts go above and beyond. If you think you might wish to express your appreciation with a tip, please remember to bring along cash!
- Masks are optional.
Friends & Family Fun
Gather your team! Crack codes, solve puzzles, and share triumphs in our award-winning escape rooms.
Team Building with a Twist
Bring your colleagues for a bonding experience that's out of the ordinary. Team building at Palace Games.
