Musée de Cluny - (Medieval Art)
No other museum can rival the Musée de Cluny collection of medieval art and artefacts
The Musée de Cluny is one of the most fascinating museums to visit in Paris. Situated at 6 Place Paul Painleve 75005 Paris, the Musée de Cluny is the National Museum of the Middle Ages. There is no other museum that can rival the Musée de Cluny in terms of the extent of their medieval collection of art and artefacts. The museum is also well known for its unique display as the actual building is a combination of medieval architecture and Gallo Roman ruins.
Among the many attractions within the vast museum are sculptures that date back to the 7th and 8th century respectively as well as a number of very important manuscripts from the medieval period which was well known for elaborate art work within these manuscripts. There are also a number of antique furniture and furnishings to be seen, gold and ivory art pieces and tapestries from many castles and noble homes around France.
Among these tapestries is perhaps the most famous tapestry collection in all of France, La Dame a la Licorne or the Lady of the Unicorn. These famous tapestries are said to have been woven in Flanders from silk and wool and are considered to be the finest example of tapestry art still in existence from the entire medieval period.
The original building in which the museum is housed was once a hotel — the Hotel de Cluny which, in the early part of the 14 century, was owned by the abbots of Cluny. The abbots of Cluny owned this hotel for a century by which time it was taken over by the Bishop of Clermont who lived in it as his official residence. The bishop rebuilt much of the hotel and many examples of the period's Gothic and renaissance elements remain intact to this day.
This museum definitely falls into the must see list of heritage sites for those who are in love with the Medieval period. Ensure that you allocate enough time on your itinerary to do it justice.
Nearby attractions: Latin Quarter, Pantheon and Notre Dame
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. Visit the official website for details.Musée de Cluny - (Medieval Art) Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:45 PM
Address: 28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris, France
Phone: 01 53 73 78 00
Official Website: Musée de Cluny - (Medieval Art)
Musée de Cluny - (Medieval Art) Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
We really enjoyed our visit to Musée de Cluny, the National Museum of the Middle Ages. It was a lovely space devoted to medieval history, art, and architecture, as well as a nod to the Roman buildings that once occupied the site.
It was quiet and tranquil when we were there, which was such a contrast to how busy other areas and sites were in Paris.
Spent a good couple of hours here looking at the exhibits. Highlights included the Golden Rose which was so intricate. Also really enjoyed the rooms which contained stained glass from Sainte-Chapelle.
Our visit also included time in the cafe area which opens out onto covered seating in a beautiful courtyard area.
Christine M - 2 months ago
Nestled in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter inside a breathtaking medieval mansion built over ancient Roman baths, the Musée de Cluny offers a serene escape into the artistic richness of the Middle Ages. Its undisputed crown jewel is The Lady and the Unicorn, a mesmerizing cycle of six late 15th-century mille-fleurs tapestries widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of medieval art. Woven with vibrant detail against a rich red-and-floral backdrop, the tapestries allegorically represent the five senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—culminating in a mysterious sixth panel bearing the enigmatic inscription À mon seul désir. Surrounded by centuries of stone, sculptures, and stained glass, standing before these ethereal panels is an unforgettable journey into the poetry and symbolism of a bygone era.
Quang Vu Nguyen - a month ago
A wonderful collection in a beautiful historic space. The museum was easy to navigate, and I found everything very well-presented and informatively labelled. In contrast to the most famous museums (Louvre, d'Orsay), this one is a hidden gem – so much quieter, more relaxed, contemplative.
Highlights include sculptural fragments from St-Denis, Notre-Dome, St-Germain-des-Prés; stained glass from Sainte-Chapelle; craftsmanship from Limoges; carved wooden altarpieces from Northern Europe; and of course the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. But there is also so much more worth seeing.
The cafe is pleasant, and you can take food and drink outside to the lovely courtyard.
Also make sure to see the 1st-century remains of the ancient Roman baths. There is one room with intact vaulting – unique in France – now often used for temporary exhibitions.
Jeffrey Sullivan - 2 months ago
Musée de Cluny is a very impressive and underrated museum in Paris. It is a great place to visit if you are interested in medieval history, art, and architecture. The building itself already creates a special atmosphere, and the collection is rich and beautifully presented. The tapestries, sculptures, stained glass, religious objects, and everyday medieval items help you imagine life and culture in the Middle Ages.
What I liked most was that the museum feels calmer and less overwhelming than some of the bigger museums in Paris. You can take your time, walk through the rooms peacefully, and really appreciate the details. It also offers a different side of Paris, beyond the usual famous monuments and large museums. Definitely worth visiting, especially for history and art lovers.
Tuna - 3 months ago
Musee de Cluny is definitely an under rated museum in Paris. It has a great exhibit related to medieval history and art. The tapestries, sculptures and art on display is absolutely stunning. Its very relaxed here compared to some of the other overcrowded museums in Paris.
Stuart - 2 months ago
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Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M10 | Cluny - La Sorbonne | 3 minutes |
| M4 / RER-B and C | Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame | 6 minutes |
How to get to Musée de Cluny - (Medieval Art) by Metro / RER
By Metro M10: Take Metro Line 10 to Cluny - La Sorbonne Station. Exit the station and Cross over Bd Saint-Germain and walk south on Rue Saint-Jacques then right on Rue du Sommerard.
By Metro M4 or RER: Exit Metro Line 4 or RER Line B or C at Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame. Walk south on Bd Saint-Michel to Rue Pierre Sarrazin and go left. Musée de Cluny is just ahead on your left.
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Photo Gallery
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Exhibition at the Musée de Cluny showing body care and cosmetics from the antiquities through the Middle Ages cc licensed photo by dalbera -
Ancient body care exhibits at the Cluny cc licensed photodalbera -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr

