The present invention relates to an active electromagnetic bearing comprising first and second sets of electromagnet coils, the two sets of coils being so placed on one armature that on each double-pole part of armature are wound one coil of the first set and one coil of the second set and that the successive coils of the first set are all wound in the same direction whereas the coils of the second set which duplicate the coils of the first set are alternately wound in the same direction and in opposite directions with respect to the corresponding coils of the first set, a detector for sensing the position of the movable member and a control circuit being associated with each set of coils, and switch-over means being provided for connecting either set of coils with the corresponding control circuit in response to a control signal.