El Rei de la Màgia

El Rei de la Màgia ("The King of Magic") is a legendary magic shop located at Carrer de la Princesa, 11, in Barcelona, Spain. Founded in 1895 by the Catalan magician Joaquim Partagàs i Jaquet (1848–1931), it is widely regarded as the oldest magic shop in the world. The establishment has been a cornerstone of Barcelona's cultural and artistic heritage, classified as a site of local interest (category E2). The shop was originally opened by Partagàs, a renowned illusionist who performed under the name "El thaumaturgo catalán" during his tours in Argentina. He first performed in Barcelona in 1878 and soon after opened his first shop on Carrer de la Princesa. Over the years, the business moved to Rambla del Centre and back, and Partagàs also briefly operated branches in Valencia and Zaragoza. He ran a performance venue called El Salón Mágicom from 1894 to 1900 and authored the book El prestidigitador optimus for magic enthusiasts. After Partagàs, the shop was passed to his disciple Carles Bucheli Sabater (Karl Bucheli), who renovated the premises and, for prestige and publicity, adopted 1881 as the founding year—a palindromic number with esoteric significance. Between 1981 and 1984, the shop was managed by Partagàs's niece Joana Grau, advised by the magician Flip. In 1984, she transferred it to Josep Martínez of the La Capsa Màgica group and Rosa Maria Llop. A restoration of the façade was carried out without altering its original appearance. Today, El Rei de la Màgia continues to operate as a retail shop, offering magic tricks, books, and accessories. It also hosts magic courses and classes, private events, and magic shows, as indicated on its official website. The shop's interior retains original features such as a counter with glass display cases, shelving, and cabinets, along with a mezzanine. Its exterior features red-painted wood paneling and a sign with the establishment's name. The shop remains a beloved institution among magicians and magic enthusiasts worldwide.

El Rei de la Màgia was founded in 1895 by the Catalan magician Joaquim Partagàs i Jaquet (1848–1931), known as "El thaumaturgo catalán" during his time in Argentina. Partagàs first performed in Barcelona in 1878 and soon opened his first shop on Carrer de la Princesa. The business later moved to Rambla del Centre and then returned to its original location. Partagàs also established short-lived shops in Valencia and Zaragoza. From 1894 to 1900, he ran a performance venue called El Salón Mágicom. He authored the book El prestidigitador optimus for magic enthusiasts. After Partagàs, the shop was passed to his disciple Carles Bucheli Sabater (Karl Bucheli), who renovated the premises and, for reasons of prestige and publicity, placed 1881 as the founding year—a palindromic number with esoteric significance. Between 1981 and 1984, the shop was managed by Partagàs's niece Joana Grau, advised by the magician Flip. In 1984, she transferred it to Josep Martínez of the La Capsa Màgica group and Rosa Maria Llop. A restoration of the façade was carried out without modifying its original appearance. The shop is located on the left side of the entrance portal of Casa Salvi Noguera. Its exterior features red-painted wood paneling that extends along the sides and forms a lintel where the establishment's name is inscribed in painted letters. Flanking the entrance are two small display windows forming a small vestibule area. Inside, there is a counter with glass display cases on top and various original shelving and cabinet furniture. There is also a mezzanine. The establishment is cataloged as a site of local interest (category E2).

• 1984

  The shop is transferred to Josep Martínez of La Capsa Màgica group and Rosa Maria Llop.

• 1981

  Joana Grau, niece of Partagàs, begins managing the shop, advised by the magician Flip.

• 1895

  El Rei de la Màgia is founded by Joaquim Partagàs i Jaquet on Carrer de la Princesa, Barcelona.

• 1894

  Partagàs opens El Salón Mágicom, a performance venue that operates until 1900.

• 1878

  Joaquim Partagàs i Jaquet first performs in Barcelona.

Historic, world's oldest magic shop, cultural landmark in Barcelona

• Magic tricks

• Magic books

• Magic accessories

• Magic courses and classes

• Private events

• Magic shows

1. 1El Rei de la Màgia official websiteelreidelamagia.cat
2. 2El Rei de la Màgia - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3El Rei de la Màgia - Catalan Wikipediaca.wikipedia.org