This paper is concerned with the development of linear magnetic actuator for active vibration control. The newly developed linear magnetic actuator consists of permanent magnets and copper coils. On the contrary to the voice-coil type actuator, the linear magnetic actuator utilizes magnetic flux to generate the shaft movement. In this study, experiments on the prototype linear magnetic actuator were carried out to investigate its dynamic characteristics. Block and inertia forces generated by the actuator were measured. The experimental results show that the actuator can be used as both actuator and active tuned-mass damper. The linear magnetic actuator was attached to a cantilever as the active-tuned mass damper and active vibration control experiment was carried out. The experimental results show that the newly developed linear magnetic actuator can be effectively used for the active vibration control of structures.