Houdini exhibit coming to Madison

MADISON (AP) - One of the 20th century's most famous performers who spent his childhood in Appleton will be the subject of an exhibit at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art .

The show about magician and escape artist Harry Houdini is the first major art museum exhibition to examine his life, legend and cultural influence. The Madison museum is its only Midwest venue.

The exhibit includes works by contemporary artists who have been influenced by Houdini, historic photographs, Art Nouveau-era posters and silent films.

Handcuffs, shackles, a straitjacket, a milk can and a packing trunk are also showcased in the context of their original presentation. There are also two of his private diaries that have never been shown in public.

"Houdini: Art and Magic" starts Feb. 11 and runs through May 13.