An open superconductive magnet useful in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. The magnet has two spaced-apart assemblies and preferably has a "C" shape. Each assembly has: a vacuum enclosure having a longitudinal axis and surrounding a bore; a magnetizable pole piece located within the bore and outside the vacuum enclosure; and a superconductive main coil, a superconductive shielding coil, and a magnetizable ring positioned within the vacuum enclosure. There is no magnetizable solid path between the two pole pieces. Preferably, the ring is positioned longitudinally between the main and shielding coils.