CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) is one of the large experiments for the LHC at CERN. The superconducting magnet for CMS has been designed to reach a 4 T field in a free bore of 6 m diameter and 12.5 m length with a stored energy of 2.6 GJ at full current. The flux is returned through a 10 000 t yoke comprising of five wheels and two end caps composed of three disks each. The magnet was designed to be assembled and tested in a surface hall, prior to be lowered at 90 m below ground, to its final position in the experimental cavern. The distinctive feature of the cold mass is the four-layer winding, made from a reinforced and stabilized NbTi conductor. The design and construction was carried out by CMS participating institutes through technical an...