The Magic Circle

The Magic Circle is a London-based society founded in 1905 to advance the art of magic. Its headquarters sits near Euston Station in the Borough of Camden, occupying a building that also serves for meetings and corporate events. Inside are a theatre, library, museum, dining room, clubroom and bars, all arranged for members and visitors on arranged tours. The society recognises three grades of membership. New members earn the M.M.C. after an exam or thesis, while the Inner Magic Circle limits its 300 members to those called by the president. A further examination leads to Associate of the Inner Magic Circle, marked A.I.M.C. The museum displays historic props, including Chung Ling Soo’s robes, Sooty’s original figure and a set of cups and balls used by the Prince of Wales in 1975. The Young Magicians Club meets monthly at the same building for workshops open to 10- to 18-year-olds. Around 200 junior members receive a magazine called Secrets and access to an online forum. Adult members act as instructors, guiding the next generation of magicians through hands-on sessions in the Centre for the Magic Arts.