Frequently asked questions – FAQs
What is "MACH 5" all about?
MACH 5 is a non-profit association under the French law of 1901. Hereafter: extract from article 2 “Purpose” of the bylaws;
The purpose of the association is to develop activities of general interest, mainly of a cultural nature, by presenting live, educational and social shows to the general public, for the benefit of as many people as possible:
– To offer wonder, happiness and culture by bringing the magic arts to as many people as possible;
– To introduce children and the general public to the magical arts;
– To teach the history, culture and art of magic;
– To preserve, develop and make known to the widest public by all means, the magical cultural heritage and the magical arts in all their forms;
– To establish a dialogue between the magical cultures of other countries in Europe and the wider world, dedicated to the same goals.
In this respect, its main purpose is to operate an establishment known as the “Palais de la Magie” in Paris, and to present all forms of live entertainment related to the magical arts in the said establishment, by :
• Establishing itself as a venue for performing arts (artistic shows, illusionist shows, magic theater and other theatrical performances, etc.);
• Organizing artistic creation and dissemination, and ensuring the physical and technical operation of the facility;
• Participating in cultural development initiatives.
It carries out this main activity within the framework of disinterested management and the provisions of article 200 1-f) and 238 bis 1-e) of the French General Tax Code.
On an ancillary basis, it develops any activity of general interest in one of the aforementioned areas of general interest, and in particular a non-profit museum and library/media library dedicated to the magical arts.
To sum up:
MACH 5 brings together all individuals and entities interested in developing the association and its corporate purpose. Among other things, MACH 5 is responsible for running the Palais de la Magie and its activities.
The purpose of the association is to develop activities of general interest, mainly of a cultural nature, by presenting live, educational and social shows to the general public, for the benefit of as many people as possible:
– To offer wonder, happiness and culture by bringing the magic arts to as many people as possible;
– To introduce children and the general public to the magical arts;
– To teach the history, culture and art of magic;
– To preserve, develop and make known to the widest public by all means, the magical cultural heritage and the magical arts in all their forms;
– To establish a dialogue between the magical cultures of other countries in Europe and the wider world, dedicated to the same goals.
In this respect, its main purpose is to operate an establishment known as the “Palais de la Magie” in Paris, and to present all forms of live entertainment related to the magical arts in the said establishment, by :
• Establishing itself as a venue for performing arts (artistic shows, illusionist shows, magic theater and other theatrical performances, etc.);
• Organizing artistic creation and dissemination, and ensuring the physical and technical operation of the facility;
• Participating in cultural development initiatives.
It carries out this main activity within the framework of disinterested management and the provisions of article 200 1-f) and 238 bis 1-e) of the French General Tax Code.
On an ancillary basis, it develops any activity of general interest in one of the aforementioned areas of general interest, and in particular a non-profit museum and library/media library dedicated to the magical arts.
To sum up:
MACH 5 brings together all individuals and entities interested in developing the association and its corporate purpose. Among other things, MACH 5 is responsible for running the Palais de la Magie and its activities.
Why join MACH 5?
Joining MACH 5, whether you’re a magician or a non-magician, individual or corporate, means taking part in an exceptional project to bring magic to the general public.
It means benefiting from the shared aura of a project never before undertaken in France on this scale, aimed at the general public.
You’ll be immersed in a vast, broad-minded artistic renewal, with resources and tools never before available to this art form.
It means enriching yourself by enriching others.
It means benefiting from the shared aura of a project never before undertaken in France on this scale, aimed at the general public.
You’ll be immersed in a vast, broad-minded artistic renewal, with resources and tools never before available to this art form.
It means enriching yourself by enriching others.
What does MACH 5 stand for?
Magic ” Arts Culture Humanisme ” 5
Why « 5 » ?
“5” is a series of winks. Presti “digit “ateurs use the dexterity and skill of their hands; don’t hands have “five” fingers? “Digit” means “finger” in Latin.
Because humanity has used its fingers to count: “digit” also means “number” by extension. So “5” is a beautiful synthesis of our five fingers and the mystery of numbers.
“MAGIC” has five letters. “MAGIC”, digit and finger too. “Magic Arts Culture Humanisme” has twenty-five letters, or 5 x 5. MACH 5 has five glyphs. MACH 5 will welcome five types of members: / Magicians / Non-Magicians (Muggle Magicians) / Companies / Associations – Clubs / Institutions/.
Because humanity has used its fingers to count: “digit” also means “number” by extension. So “5” is a beautiful synthesis of our five fingers and the mystery of numbers.
“MAGIC” has five letters. “MAGIC”, digit and finger too. “Magic Arts Culture Humanisme” has twenty-five letters, or 5 x 5. MACH 5 has five glyphs. MACH 5 will welcome five types of members: / Magicians / Non-Magicians (Muggle Magicians) / Companies / Associations – Clubs / Institutions/.
Why is there a mixture of English and French in the association's name?
While “Arts” and “Culture” are identical words in English and French, “Magic” sounds better than magic, whose last syllable is extinct. “Magic” is a homophone of “Magique”. As for Humanisme, the word can be understood in both languages, and the choice was made to end on a French word.
Finally, although the association is French, it aims to be open to the world, and already to Europe, so let’s go crazy and mix the beautiful language of Molière with that of Shakespeare.
Finally, although the association is French, it aims to be open to the world, and already to Europe, so let’s go crazy and mix the beautiful language of Molière with that of Shakespeare.
How many people are interested in the magical arts in France?
In France, we can estimate the number of people interested in magic at around :
• 4,000 regular practitioners (the FFM ex-FFAP groups together 1/3 of them),
• 40,000 occasional practitioners (figure derived from trick-dealer customers)
• 40 million sympathizers (based on a sample of the population to whom a trick is presented), i.e. over half the French population!
Just look at the enthusiasm generated by magic shows to understand people’s considerable interest in this subtle Art, often called the “Queen of the Arts”, so many disciplines are combined.
The Palais de la Magie is destined to become the essential hub for these 40 million people, and what’s more, with a European and global reach.
• 4,000 regular practitioners (the FFM ex-FFAP groups together 1/3 of them),
• 40,000 occasional practitioners (figure derived from trick-dealer customers)
• 40 million sympathizers (based on a sample of the population to whom a trick is presented), i.e. over half the French population!
Just look at the enthusiasm generated by magic shows to understand people’s considerable interest in this subtle Art, often called the “Queen of the Arts”, so many disciplines are combined.
The Palais de la Magie is destined to become the essential hub for these 40 million people, and what’s more, with a European and global reach.
Why are magical arts and culture so appealing?
Because in each and every one of us lies a child’s soul yearning for the marvelous; for that which has no borders or constraints.
Jean Cocteau captured this so well:
“Men of a thousand hands, I salute you. Aren’t you representative of this time and space that blend to deceive us, and set their countless walls against us? Men of a thousand hands, what you make believe is more real than reality, which is a dream. For in this game you play the role of fate and mystery. Your lies amaze us more than our poor truth. Men of a thousand hands, I hope your art will live on, because it addresses the best that the world has to offer: childhood.”
Jean Cocteau
Jean Cocteau captured this so well:
“Men of a thousand hands, I salute you. Aren’t you representative of this time and space that blend to deceive us, and set their countless walls against us? Men of a thousand hands, what you make believe is more real than reality, which is a dream. For in this game you play the role of fate and mystery. Your lies amaze us more than our poor truth. Men of a thousand hands, I hope your art will live on, because it addresses the best that the world has to offer: childhood.”
Jean Cocteau
Is Mach5 supported by other entities?
YES. Although we’re only at the beginning of the great adventure, the fairies are rushing to the cradle.
Supporting MACH 5 are the following associations and clubs:
– The Magic Circle, London
– The Royal Club of Magicians of Brussels
– Club de Illusionistas Profesionnales (CIP – Madrid)
– Assicicio Catalona d’aficionats à l’Il lusianisme (Barcelona)
– Associacio Catalana de Mags il.lusionistes professioals i Empresaris (ACMIPE Barcelona)
– Associacio la cas Magica ( Gerone)
– Associacio XEVI museu de la Magia (Gerona)
– La Circulo della Magia di Torino (CADM Turin)
In France, the following associations have joined:
– La Fédération Française des Magiciens (ex-FFAP) in May 2025.
– Le Cercle Magique de Paris (CMP), the largest club in France.
– Hospital magic
– Magev (Magic for life-tested children)
– IPotam Mecamusic
In the college of institutions, the town of Blois is the first to join us in January 2025.
Supporting MACH 5 are the following associations and clubs:
– The Magic Circle, London
– The Royal Club of Magicians of Brussels
– Club de Illusionistas Profesionnales (CIP – Madrid)
– Assicicio Catalona d’aficionats à l’Il lusianisme (Barcelona)
– Associacio Catalana de Mags il.lusionistes professioals i Empresaris (ACMIPE Barcelona)
– Associacio la cas Magica ( Gerone)
– Associacio XEVI museu de la Magia (Gerona)
– La Circulo della Magia di Torino (CADM Turin)
In France, the following associations have joined:
– La Fédération Française des Magiciens (ex-FFAP) in May 2025.
– Le Cercle Magique de Paris (CMP), the largest club in France.
– Hospital magic
– Magev (Magic for life-tested children)
– IPotam Mecamusic
In the college of institutions, the town of Blois is the first to join us in January 2025.
How much will the Palais de la Magie cost?
The property development must be at least 2000m² in size. In Paris, the average transaction per m² is around €10,000/m², and much more in upmarket districts. The project will therefore represent a minimum investment of around €20m. To this must be added equipment, collections and working capital requirements during the complex’s ramp-up period.
Will members of the MACH 5 association have to pay for this investment?
NO, THEY WON’T. In the short term, the capital needed to build the “Palais de la Magie” will be provided by investors. In the long term, MAGIC FOUNDATION PARIS (MFP) will buy back the investors’ shares.
MFP will be enriched over the decades by gifts, donations and bequests.
MACH 5 will invest in equipment, but will be subsidized by MFP.
MFP will be enriched over the decades by gifts, donations and bequests.
MACH 5 will invest in equipment, but will be subsidized by MFP.
SO WHAT ARE MACH 5 MEMBERSHIP FEES USED FOR?
As with any association, membership fees are used to cover operating costs. They are differentiated according to the nature of the members and their willingness to support the association.
CAN MACH 5 RECEIVE SUBSIDIES?
YES. As the association is in the public interest, it is eligible for subsidies; to this end, it can apply to local authorities (Municipality / Department / Region / Ministry of Culture-DRAC / Europe) like all associations involved in performing arts and artistic creation.
MFP will allocate funding to support the association.
MFP will allocate funding to support the association.
CAN MEMBERS RECLAIM THEIR MEMBERSHIP FEES FOR TAX PURPOSES?
YES. As the association is of general interest, it will issue CERFA receipts enabling members to reclaim 66% of their contributions for tax purposes, up to a limit of 20% of their income.
Example for individuals:
a 15€ membership fee costs only 5€. Mach 5 will issue a Cerfa tax receipt for 10€, which you can enclose with your tax return.
Example for individuals:
a 15€ membership fee costs only 5€. Mach 5 will issue a Cerfa tax receipt for 10€, which you can enclose with your tax return.
IF THE ASSOCIATION HAD DEBTS, WOULD MEMBERS BE LIABLE FOR THEM?
NO. Neither the members of an association, nor its governing bodies (administrators grouped together in the “Bureau”) are liable for the association’s debts. In order for an association’s governing bodies to be held liable for its debts, they would have to have acted fraudulently or have voluntarily acted as personal guarantors for loans.
WHO CREATED MACH 5?
This creation is the brainchild of Domi NHO (75 years old, World Magic Champion, four-time FISM world award winner). Domi NHO is also a coach with the Equipe de France de Scène (EdFS) of the FFM (formerly FFAP), and a member of the Royal Club des Magiciens de Bruxelles, itself a member of the Belgian Magic Federation. Today, a number of magicians have joined him and are involved in “project teams”.
WHAT IS "MAGIC FOUNDATION PARIS"?
The search for donors is very broad and transcends borders. The name might as well be in English, which has become the language of international communication. As for “PARIS”, it’s a clear reference to France and its capital, where the Palais de la Magie will be built.
WHY IS THE NAME "MAGIC FOUNDATION PARIS" ENGLISH?
The search for donors is very broad and cross-border. The name might as well be in English, which has become the language of international communication. As for “PARIS”, it clearly indicates its connection with France and its capital, where the Palais de la Magie will be built.
WHO FOUNDED "MAGIC FOUNDATION PARIS" (MFP)?
MFP was set up with the help of a leading specialist law firm at the initiative of a French company, which made an initial financial endowment and bore the incorporation costs.
MFP is managed by three directors, all of whom are corporate officers with business backgrounds.
MFP has no partners; if one day MFP were to cease its activities, the funds would revert to the Fondation de France, for example, or to a foundation with equivalent aims.
MFP is managed by three directors, all of whom are corporate officers with business backgrounds.
MFP has no partners; if one day MFP were to cease its activities, the funds would revert to the Fondation de France, for example, or to a foundation with equivalent aims.
WJAT ARE THE AIMS OF MAGIC FOUNDATION PARIS?
EExtract from MFP’s articles of association :
“MAGIC FOUNDATION PARIS” aims to develop and support any work of general interest of a cultural, educational or social nature, and in particular to :
– to contribute, through its actions and the financial support it grants, to the creation of a “Palais de la Magie” in Paris;
– support the activities of public-interest associations whose main purpose is to present magic shows to the public, as well as any non-profit museum activity;
– more broadly, to support any educational, artistic, cultural or social activity of general interest, enabling the passion for the magical arts to be passed on to as many people as possible”.
“MAGIC FOUNDATION PARIS” aims to develop and support any work of general interest of a cultural, educational or social nature, and in particular to :
– to contribute, through its actions and the financial support it grants, to the creation of a “Palais de la Magie” in Paris;
– support the activities of public-interest associations whose main purpose is to present magic shows to the public, as well as any non-profit museum activity;
– more broadly, to support any educational, artistic, cultural or social activity of general interest, enabling the passion for the magical arts to be passed on to as many people as possible”.
WHO CAN DONATE TO "MAGIC FOUNDATION PARIS"?
Anyone, including individuals, companies, local authorities and institutions.
WHAT CAN BE DONATED TO "MAGIC FOUNDATION PARIS"?
MFP can receive any type of asset, cash, fiduciary money, notarized donations, bequests, but also shares, real estate of all kinds, usufructs of all kinds, collections, libraries, media libraries…
ARE DONATIONS TAX-EXEMPT?
Yes, depending on whether the donor is subject to income tax or corporation tax, the rules that apply are set out in the General Tax Code. To summarize, the tax deduction on the value of the donation is 66% for taxpayers up to a limit of 20% of income, but can be carried forward for the balance, and 60% for companies up to a limit of 0.5% of sales.
WHO WILL LOOK AFTER THE SEARCH FOR GIFTS, DONATIONS AND LEGACIES?
Domi NHO has acquired experience already shared with Pathy Bad (director of the French Magic Team) when it came to financing the FFAP French Magic Team.
We are currently setting up a team dedicated to VIP company directors, asset managers, notaries and a high-level circle of influence. Anyone who feels able to contribute their know-how and interpersonal skills is welcome to join this team.
WHO'S GOING TO LOOK FOR A SITE TO BUILD THE "PALAIS DE LA MAGIE"?
Domi NHO is fortunate to have had a career in real estate as well as a career as a magician, and to be able to activate his networks. Already, 35 applications have arrived and been examined. Three “possibles”, with major constraints to manage, have been examined in depth. We’ll need to see many more if we’re to find the rare pearl. For the record, London’s The Magic Circle searched for two years before selecting a site (an old warehouse in central London which was subsequently converted). Everyone can help by sending us useful information.
WHEN WILL THE "PALAIS DE LA MAGIE" OPEN?
If you count : Two years to find and master a site / One year to: design the modifications, apply for planning permission, obtain it, purge it of any appeals / one year minimum to carry out the work / that makes four years. To be on the safe side, we’ve given ourselves 5 years, hence MACH “5”. It’s a long-term project . We have to be prepared to be a long-distance runner.
That doesn’t mean MACH 5 can’t get started. For example, MACH 5 has already published the book “Je joue avec l’alphabet”, to which 25 renowned magicians have contributed.
That doesn’t mean MACH 5 can’t get started. For example, MACH 5 has already published the book “Je joue avec l’alphabet”, to which 25 renowned magicians have contributed.
HOW MUCH WILL THE "PALAIS DE LA MAGIE" COST?
The real estate program has a minimum floor area of 2,500m2, and could go much higher.
In Paris, in the private sector, the average transaction per m2 is around €10,000, and much more in upmarket areas.
The project would therefore represent an investment of around €25 million. To this must be added equipment, collections and working capital requirements during the complex’s ramp-up period.
Other arrangements are possible, not requiring real estate investment, through leases or Délégation de Service Public (DSP).
In Paris, in the private sector, the average transaction per m2 is around €10,000, and much more in upmarket areas.
The project would therefore represent an investment of around €25 million. To this must be added equipment, collections and working capital requirements during the complex’s ramp-up period.
Other arrangements are possible, not requiring real estate investment, through leases or Délégation de Service Public (DSP).
HAVE YOU ALREADY RECEIVED DONATIONS?
YES
Financial donations
We have the means to begin work on the project. We just need to keep on collecting.
It’s worth noting that the first financial donation was the endowment given to MFP when it was created, by a company.
But it’s not just financial donations.
Financial donations
We have the means to begin work on the project. We just need to keep on collecting.
It’s worth noting that the first financial donation was the endowment given to MFP when it was created, by a company.
But it’s not just financial donations.
There are also gifts of knowledge, and the first gift of this kind came from Pierre Guédin.
Pierre generously donated the fruit of a long project: “A little treatise on the initiation to the magic arts for children aged eight to twelve, in the form of a teaching booklet”, which he had developed and tested himself. It’s very important, because it’s the cornerstone of teaching.
And then there are the gifts
25 renowned magicians contributed to the collective book “Je joue avec l’alphabet” (I play with the alphabet), the first work of the Palais de la Magie, which means that it already exists, even before its walls have been erected! Philippe Molina designed the Alphabook that accompanies the book. Alexandre Laigneau was responsible for the logos and structuring of the present site, Frédérique Houzelle for content, publication and communication. Pathy Bad worked on the documents for the EdF S’s first “patronage” period, Florian Sainvet created illustrations for us, Peter Din took charge of the book’s composition and manages the association’s accounts, Benoit Rosemont acts as secretary, William Condette manages stocks and shipping. Domi NHO of course coordinates and promotes the project. You’ll find out who else is involved in the “who does what” section to be created for this purpose.
There are donations of information and contacts
Stuart Scott, General Secretary of “The Magic Circle Foundation”, gave us his advice; Juan Mayoral, a link with Spanish circles, Andrea Rizzolini connected us with Italian clubs, Marco Candela, President of the Royal Club des Magiciens de Bruxelles, supported us towards our Benelux friends.
Outside energies are suggesting that we create a kind of “Think Tank” to bring together the project’s investors, encourage dialogue with elected representatives, and establish exchanges with corporate VIPs.
We’re just getting started… Thank you to all those who support this project, and especially to those who are active and give their skills and time to MACH 5!
WHAT ARE MACH 5'S LINKS WITH THE FFM (EX-FFAP) AND THE CFI?
FFM (ex-FFAP) joined MACH5 in May 2025. Everything is open for the CFI. If you scroll down to “Ils en Parlent”, you’ll see that two FFM (ex-FFAP) past-presidents support the project, and that a good half of the magicians are FFM members.
IS MACH 5 IN COMPETITION WITH THE FFM (EX- FFAP)?
Not at all. MACH 5’s aim is not to federate clubs, publish a prestigious magazine, hold an annual national congress or organize French championships. The FFM understood this when it joined MACH 5 as an association.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE WITH THE FFM (EX-FFAP)?
MACH 5 welcomes members of five kinds: companies, associations, institutions, the 3 M’s (Muggle, Magic Fans) and magicians.
There is no entrance exam and no oath of secrecy.
There is no entrance exam and no oath of secrecy.
MACH 5, supported by MFP, will host the Palais de la Magie. This very French venue will nonetheless have at least a pan-European vocation, and will therefore also aim for a cross-border culture. MACH5 targets the general public through its museum and shows.
What we have in common is the preservation of magic culture and its transmission through education.
WHAT ARE THE MEMBERSHIP FEES?
They vary according to the type of member and the level of support he or she is able to give. They remain very modest and appear in the choices on the membership form.
As a reminder, they are tax-deductible at a rate of 66% for individuals and 60% for companies, up to a limit of 20% of income for the former and 0.5% of turnover for the latter.
Example for individuals :
a 15€ membership fee costs only 5€. Mach 5 issues a Cerfa tax receipt for 10€ to enclose with your tax return.
As a reminder, they are tax-deductible at a rate of 66% for individuals and 60% for companies, up to a limit of 20% of income for the former and 0.5% of turnover for the latter.
Example for individuals :
a 15€ membership fee costs only 5€. Mach 5 issues a Cerfa tax receipt for 10€ to enclose with your tax return.
THERE'S ALREADY A "MUSÉE DE LA MAGIE" IN PARIS, WILL YOU BE COMPLEMENTING IT?
We have an excellent relationship with the “Musée de la Magie” on rue Saint Paul. Its founder, Georges Proust, is a trailblazer. He is fully aware of our project, and is closely following its development; he encourages MACH 5’s initiative, as well as that of the “Palais de la Magie”, all the more so as he was behind the Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin in Blois.
His museum is extremely charming, housed in the vaulted cellars of the Marais district. The other side of the coin is that the museum is constrained in terms of ERP capacity and space. We will therefore have obvious complementarities, all to the benefit of Magic. The Palais de la Magie will have many other activities, including an auditorium, library, media library and events center.
WILL YOU BE COLLABORATING WITH THE "MAISON DE LA MAGIE" IN BLOIS?
YES, WE WILL. It’s fortunate that the Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin in Blois came into being in 1998. It paved the way. When the time comes, we’ll be able to propose truly beneficial synergies. The Blois catchment area is distinct from that of the Paris region, which has a population of nearly 10 million and to which freeways, railroads and airports converge.
A quality show staged in Blois can come to Paris and vice versa. Exhibitions can also travel from one place to another.
The town of Blois has been an institutional member of MACH 5 since January 2025. On a personal note, as a magician, the Director of the Maison de Magie de Blois is also a member of MACH 5.
A quality show staged in Blois can come to Paris and vice versa. Exhibitions can also travel from one place to another.
The town of Blois has been an institutional member of MACH 5 since January 2025. On a personal note, as a magician, the Director of the Maison de Magie de Blois is also a member of MACH 5.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF "DOUBLE FOND"?
Very good. For almost thirty years, Dominique Duvivier has been successfully promoting “close-up”, which benefits magic. He has succeeded in positioning himself as a café-théâtre.
Close-up has become a favorite field of expression for the younger generation of magicians. The Palais de la Magie will showcase it to the public’s delight.
There will be intelligent synergies to be found with the “Double Fond”. Alexandra and Dominique Duvivier collaborated on the book “Je joue avec l’alphabet” published in 2025 by MACH 5.
Double Fond” is also a forerunner in terms of the teaching it provides, which has led to professional certification. It’s setting an example that’s sure to be followed by others.
Close-up has become a favorite field of expression for the younger generation of magicians. The Palais de la Magie will showcase it to the public’s delight.
There will be intelligent synergies to be found with the “Double Fond”. Alexandra and Dominique Duvivier collaborated on the book “Je joue avec l’alphabet” published in 2025 by MACH 5.
Double Fond” is also a forerunner in terms of the teaching it provides, which has led to professional certification. It’s setting an example that’s sure to be followed by others.