Abstract: A cassette loading mechanism for loading a magnetic tape cassette, which has a front pivotal closure member openable for covering or exposing a front opening of the magnetic tape cassette, in a recording and/or reproducing apparatus includes a cassette holder which is movable between an eject position, at which the cassette can be inserted into or removed from the cassette holder, a lowered position vertically offset from the eject position, and a loaded position horizontally offset from said lowered position and at which cassette loading is completed. The upper portion of the cassette holder is covered with a cassette holder lid which has a recessed portion so that the front pivotal closure member may be moved to open in synchronism with movement of the cassette holder from the eject position to the lowered position. The cassette holder lid and the cassette holder are moved in unison.