The creation of ordered cellular structures is important for tissue engineering research. Here, we present a novel strategy for the assembly of cells into linear arrangements by negative magnetophoresis using inert, cytocompatible magnetic nanoparticles. In this approach, magnetic nanoparticles dictate the cellular assembly without relying on cell binding or uptake. The linear cell structures are stable and can be further cultured without the magnetic field or nanoparticles, making this an attractive tool for tissue engineering.