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
I love medieval art, so naturally really enjoyed my visit to the Cluny museum. It's full of medieval sculptures, reliefs, artwork, jewellery, armour, and TAPESTRIES - these are simply stunning! A darkened room with huge tapestries of Lady and the unicorn, from floor to ceiling, you can explore the details close too. There are other tapestries as well, which are also amazing. I highly recommend visiting this beautiful museum!
Tanya Bond - a week ago
Musée de Cluny felt like a hidden gem during my Paris trip! This museum has an impressive selection of human kinds most cherished artifacts. As a medieval history lover this museum was one of my fave days during my Paris trip! This museum has SO much to see & some of the oldest artifacts I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I came for The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries—six breathtaking pieces that symbolize the five senses and a mysterious sixth sense. They are so powerful to see in person & it’s wild to be that close to something so old.
This beautiful museum is full medieval tapestries, ancient artifacts, old religious relics and seeing it all in person was truly special. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here to fully soak in the art and history. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the collections of such old & historical artifacts.
Heather Boswick - 3 months ago
The Musée de Cluny, also known as the Musée national du Moyen Âge, is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the medieval world. Housed in a beautifully preserved 15th-century Gothic mansion and built over ancient Roman baths, the museum itself feels like stepping back in time.
The collection is rich and varied—stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, medieval sculptures, tapestries, and everyday objects that tell the story of life during the Middle Ages. The star of the show is undoubtedly The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry series, which is absolutely breathtaking in both scale and detail. Seeing it up close is worth the visit alone.
Wisanu Tuntawiroon - 2 months ago
I love this museum. It has works than span several hundred years of history.
After the reform the rooms are spacious, well lit, and the descriprions of the exhibits are informative. It is usually less crowded than other museums in Paris. I strongly recommend this one!!!
Bernardo Pagnoncelli - a month ago
Good atmosphere. Wide variety of things to look at and discover. Plunged deep into medieval times. Great experience.
John Brooks - 2 weeks ago
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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Musée de Cluny - (Medieval Art) :
Photo Gallery
-
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
