When considering local commerce, one might imagine ceramic cups, crocheted bags, or hand-painted tote bags. Indeed, within the increasingly diminishing neighbourhood commerce sector, these are popular items. However, local products need no greater secret than originating from the same place where they’re sold.
Ciutat Vella, however, contains a corner where products truly hold additional secrets—the glasses they sell, ceramic or otherwise, make balls disappear, and their scarves aren’t crocheted but change colour. This is El Rey de la Magia, located at 11 Carrer de la Princesa in Barcelona, the world’s oldest magic shop, where tricks are manufactured, magicians are trained, and illusions are created in hosted performances.
The shop’s facade bears the inscription “established 1881,” possibly the first trick everyone encounters upon approaching. El Rey de la Magia was actually founded in 1878 when magician Joaquim Pertegàs established himself in Barcelona and named the establishment after his artistic persona. However, the shop’s second owner, unaware of these historical details, thought a palindromic number would add charm to the business.
Although the current location dates to 1878, present owner Pau Martínez explains they know “the establishment already existed as a magic shop, but with a different name.” Exact details remain elusive due to lacking official records. “We have information from 1879 onwards, when advertisements appear in newspapers,” Martínez notes.
Upon entering the establishment, the scent of aged wood mingles with the sensation of standing centre stage in a performance. Lights serve as spotlights, and the wall behind the display window forms a curtain separating the shop from the warehouse and workshop. Playing cards of every description are visible everywhere. The space is dark, yet walls adorned with photographs of visiting magicians and recognised personalities like Leonardo DiCaprio and magician Teller remain well-illuminated.
Shelves display countless magic sets. “We create everything related to the world of illusion,” Pau explains, offering materials from beginner to professional levels. “We’re the magicians’ hardware store,” he adds.
Part of their catalogue is manufactured from scratch, exemplified by children’s magic boxes containing trick cards and cups—wooden vessels for making balls disappear—alongside video tutorials explaining content usage. Other original products cater to advanced collectors seeking premium versions with enhanced detail and aesthetics.
Additional tricks are purchased from distributors and manufacturers worldwide. “We also source items not stocked in-store,” Pau informs. Regarding creative development, the current owner explains they provide “personal touches to classic games in the trickery realm to enhance effects.”
For basic materials, whilst not inventing new methodologies, they carefully select offerings. “It’s challenging—there’s so much available. The priority is finding quality items with clear explanations,” Pau emphasises. They also consider market stability: “Magic has a collectible aspect. Some products last three years then disappear forever. We attempt to ensure powerful products have stable production because magicians demand them.”
Magic’s secret allegedly lies in remaining precisely that—secret. But does anything truly protect it? Although some games are patented, these represent a minority. “International patents cost money and are double-edged swords. You’re protecting yourself whilst revealing secrets by informing how something’s made and what the trick involves,” Pau explains.
According to the owner, the key lies in sector respect, though he notes “Asian market counterfeits override everything, patent or not.” Platforms like YouTube also present contradictions: “Although potentially revealing secrets, it simultaneously serves as magic’s gateway.” Many shop visitors began through online videos. “They come here realising that’s insufficient and want to expand resources.”
El Rey de la Magia has nurtured widely recognised magicians: “Mag Lari, Mago Pop, Màgic Andreu… all started here,” Pau explains. Knowing people visit to enter magic’s world, they offer courses and workshops for youth and adults. Their primary advice: take time. “Magic contains very simple tricks, so you quickly learn three things and declare yourself a magician. But no, you’re not a magician—you’re becoming enthusiastic, like learning three guitar songs doesn’t make you a musician,” he corrects.
According to Pau, this occurs because magic remains more unknown than other fields, but reality proves it equally expansive. “Patience is necessary because initiation is accessible, but advancing requires effort,” he details.
Like some products they sell, the shop itself can disappear. Rather than hiding behind fingers, they transform it into a stage. “We remove all materials and change lighting,” Pau explains. Thus, the location becomes a small theatre where the shop’s other partner, illusionist and comedian Pere Rafart, conducts performances for up to fourteen people.
The business also offers private contracts and performances at corporate events, business functions, and other celebrations. El Rey de la Magia differs significantly from neighbouring commerce. The owner defines it as “a character magnet,” a place encountering customers requesting invisibility paint.
Despite neighbouring shops receiving more conventional enquiries, one element unites them with neighbourhood commerce. Pau identifies the shop’s most magical aspect: “Grandparents arrive with grandchildren, explaining they also brought their parents.” “That’s why neighbourhood commerce is worthwhile,” he concludes.
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