THE LEGEND. THE CITY. THE LEGACY.
Houdini
& Pittsburgh
A city becomes a stage. A century becomes a story.
When Pittsburgh became the stage.
Houdini’s public escapes brought the city into the streets. High above downtown, a straitjacket, a suspended performer, and a waiting crowd turned ordinary corners into unforgettable moments.
1916 · Wood & Liberty
November 6, 1916
Houdini performed his upside-down straitjacket escape at Wood Street and Liberty Avenue. One hundred years later, that same corner would become the setting for Houdini 100.
1925 · The firetruck ladder
March 4, 1925
Houdini returned for a suspended escape from a Pittsburgh firetruck ladder near Fifth Avenue and Smithfield Street. That connection between the magician, the firefighters, and the city inspires Chapter Two.
The story continues.
2016 · One hundred years to the minute
On November 6, 2016, Lee Terbosic recreated Houdini’s upside-down straitjacket escape 100 feet above Wood Street and Liberty Avenue, at the same location and 100 years to the minute. Thousands watched live, with millions viewing online.
2026 · A new chapter above Pittsburgh
On Halloween night, Lee returns to the skies with The Great Firetruck Ladder Escape. Suspended upside down 100 feet above Arts Landing, he honors Houdini’s Pittsburgh legacy and the centennial of his passing. The lifeline tethered to Lee’s feet will be set ablaze, giving him only a limited amount of time to free himself.
October 31, 2026 · Stunt at 8:30 PM · Free to the public