Wanderlust World Wanderlust World There is no credible evidence that the Illuminati—a historical Bavarian secret society founded in 1776 and suppressed by 1785—exists today as a global clandestine organization. Modern references to the "Illuminati" are almost exclusively rooted in conspiracy theories, internet folklore, and pop culture. No government, intelligence agency, or academic institution recognizes a contemporary Illuminati operating within any country. Claims of national branches or celebrity memberships are unsubstantiated speculation.