American poet, journalist, and essayist Walt Whitman once wrote, “I contain multitudes.” The line came from one of his most famous poems, “Song of Myself,” and it’s meant to reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of human identity. Humans naturally possess a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and abilities.
Someone touring Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with Robert Malissa might be surprised to learn that much of his professional background lies in civil engineering. How does someone go from fixing bridges, facilitating demolitions, and deepening rivers to leading his very own magic-based walking tour company?
As founder of Philly Magic Tours, Malissa embodies Whitman’s legendary line; because, although very different from his career as a civil engineer, he also has been a magician since the age of 10. During college, Malissa performed at birthday parties and did street magic. After he got married and had two children, he began doing shows at restaurants. Eventually, he started his own adult magic show at Philadelphia Fringe Festival. He has headlined several shows at a local theater and done performances at corporate events.
The concept of running a Philadelphia walking tour that incorporates magic tricks came when he visited Bath, England, with his family. “We went to Bath to attend [‘The Bizarre Bath Walk,’ started by Noel Britten],” Malissa tells Group Tour. “I decided right then that I wanted to create my own version for Philly. I asked Noel if he would be OK with me trying it in the U.S. He said, ‘Many try, but many fail.’”
That didn’t discourage Malissa, though. Today, the one-hour and 15-minute tour takes groups on a magical journey through some of Philadelphia’s most iconic historical attractions.
Q. What makes your tours stand out from others?
A. We are unique in the world. Aside from [Britten]’s walk, this is the only other full-time magic walking tour of its kind. Also, unlike the “Bath Walk,” this tour uses history for the inspiration of the magic tricks. For example, the tour visits the Betsy Ross House Courtyard. I explain a bit of history, and then I sing a parody of “The Star-Spangled Banner” while I create an American flag from nothing.
Q. Who do you aim to appeal to?
A. People come to Philadelphia for the history but want to have fun as well. Our tour is all about fun and entertainment but with a little history to keep it classy. We have had locals and tourists from ages 10 to 85. They all have left the tour with big smiles on their faces. We have hosted many bus tours, from teen tours, school groups, and business groups to senior fitness groups.
I also have had requests for senior groups that can’t do the 1-mile walk. I have created a hybrid tour that mixes step-on bus touring with magic performed at some stops where the group gets off the bus.
Q. What do you love the most about your work?
A. It’s a love fest. I am an award-winning magician who loves to make people smile. Also, I am a native who loves showing off his city. This tour is my two passions mixed together. My enthusiasm for both things shines through, and people really enjoy that.
Q. Do you have any special plans to honor America’s 250th?
A. I am researching the history of Tun Tavern and Samuel Nicholas. “The Tun” was the first and only recruiting location for the first Marines. Nicholas was commissioned a “Captain of Marines” by the Second Continental Congress. I have several ideas for tricks related to his story. One or more will go into the 2026 version of the tour.
Q. Why should more tour planners book with you?
A. Many people who take the tour leave saying this was the highlight of their trip. That is my goal. We have received hundreds of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google. Customers raving about the tour is good for our business and for the tour planners.
Q. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Group Tour audience?
A. We make things happen. Some tour operators have asked for a nighttime activity. To accommodate them, we made arrangements with theaters and other venues for rooms [that accommodate] up to 250 people to perform my full-hour comedy magic show that has headlined at theaters in the area.
The tours are designed for one bus load. There is a 17-pound battery-powered PA system on the cart, and all the stops are at plazas large enough to accommodate that size group. We have accommodated two full-sized groups by alternating lunch and the tour. We also have arrangements with restaurants to provide lunch or dinner options and can mix magic in with a happy hour. In short, if your group wants to add a little magic to their tour or event, we will go the extra mile to make that happen.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Robert Malissa; Credit: Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
