CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Cauldron Chicago is an experience that co-founder and CEO Matthew Cortland said merges science and engineering with fantasy.
“We try to take … the concepts from imagination, or from literature or from history that people think are fantasy and actually realize those things with today's technology and science,” Cortland said.
He said visitors can book a "potion-making" experience or have a bite at the restaurant with interactive food items.
“When you walk into the Cauldron, you get a row, you get a magic wand—maybe you've booked a potion making class, which is like a cocktail making experience,” Cortland said. “And you know, you have fun.”
The Cauldron will replace the former bank vault at Ashland Avenue and Division Street. At 10,000 square feet, Cortland said it'll be the largest Cauldron location yet.
“It's located in this really beautiful, iconic bank, with this huge bank vault and all these safety deposit boxes,” he said. “Even without the Cauldron, it's a special venue, and then we sprinkle in magic on top.”
He said the Cauldron is also actively involved with charities and, as a queer-owned company, it prioritizes being a safe space for other queer people and individuals who connect with the fantasy genre.
"There's really an obvious connection between fantasy and the need and the want to find your place in the world,” said Cortland. “I think that that speaks to me as a gay person, and it speaks to other people as, however they identify, right. I just think that there's a home for everyone in fantasy."
Cortland said they're also inviting visitors to bring in their favorite childhood books, which they'll be donating to local teachers.
Although the Cauldron is inspired by the fantasy and science-fiction genres, officials with the organization said in a press release that they are not associated with Warner Bros., J.K. Rowling, or any other specific movie.
“We are but geeks,” the statement read.
The Cauldron Chicago will be the third location in the U.S., joining venues in New York City, Philadelphia, and the U.K.
It'll open on May 4.
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