A magnetic bearing assembly (20) comprises a first magnet assembly (34) for generating a first quadrupole magnetic field in a first plane and a second magnet assembly (36) for generating a second quadrupole magnetic field in a second plane. The second plane is arranged parallel to the first plane. The quadrupole magnetic fields exhibit in each case in the planes magnetic field axes arranged at an angle to one another between four poles. A longitudinal axis (A) is defined at right angles hereto by the centres of the quadrupole magnetic fields. At least one diamagnetic element (44) is arranged on the longitudinal axis (A). The first and second magnet assemblies (34, 36) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the first and the second quadrupole magnetic fields are rotated towards one another about the longitudinal axis (A) by an angular amount which is not a whole-number multiple of 90°. Such a bearing arrangement can be used in particular in a magnetic levitation assembly (10) with a lifting assembly (26).