To recreate this project, there are three major steps:

1) Build the RFID readers. Build log for that is here:

https://hackaday.io/project/18016-harry-houdini-tribute/log/48817-making-the-themed-rfid-readers

2) Build the tricky falling-chain mechanism!

https://hackaday.io/project/18016-harry-houdini-tribute/log/48823-making-the-chains-fall

3) Run the installed code on am internet-connected Pi:

https://cdn.hackaday.io/files/18016770796544/Houdini.py

https://cdn.hackaday.io/files/18016770796544/GPIOLib.py

https://cdn.hackaday.io/files/18016770796544/Logging.py

4) Profit !