MAGICA grows out of a collaboration between the Research Units VICARTE from the NOVA School of Science and Technology and CESEM from the NOVA School of Social Sciences and Humanities, the University of Salamanca, the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra and the National Museum of Natural History and Science (MUHNAC) of the University of Lisbon. It also counts with the Portuguese Cinematheque - Museum of Cinema and the Museum of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP).

The multidisciplinary research team includes valences in conservation, musicology, theatre studies, and iconography are contemplated, aiming to combine competencies that will allow a better understanding of the role of the magic lantern in 19^th-c. academic and cultural life.

The team of advisers brings together renowned national and international specialists.