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 – 6:15 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:15 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:15 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:15 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:15 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:15 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
Hard one to rate to be honest, as the place is beautiful but when you go in you see that some works are hidden away behind the free standing walls and some parts aren’t in English and others are. You can get an audio guide for a 2€ but I only found that out once I was walking around inside the exhibition spaces. I feel it would be nicer to see more of the original building on the ground floor. It has free lockers for your bag but very few for big bags, so be mindful of that. Other than that the staff are nice and if you love medieval ages of France and surrounding areas, then it’s definitely worth your time! If not and you have a short time in Paris then I’d say avoid it. It does have a great gift shop tho!
Caïna Verrin - in the last week
The museum with religious exhibits offered an average experience. While it provided insight into various faiths, the presentation lacked the depth and engagement expected. Despite touching on significant themes, the overall impression fell short, leaving room for improvement in delivering a more compelling narrative.
Wojciech Zawadzki - 2 months ago
So many Paris museums are unbelievably crowded which makes it hard to appreciate the art. This place didn’t have the same level of famous work as the louvre or l’orangerie, but it was peaceful and incredibly interesting. Would recommend going if you have a bit extra time in Paris!!
Charlotte Morrison - 2 weeks ago
A lovely museum with a varied collection. But the key attraction and the absolute best room of the entire museum is undoubtedly the Lady abd the Unicorn tapestry room! As you come in you are surrounded by the set of six tapestries, lit up in the general darkness of the room. The amazing detail and the possibility to see it up close, to notice the tapestries referencing each other - it simply takes your breath away. This was a truly moving experience and I highly recommend it!
Irina Bischof - 5 months ago
Beautiful museum is a preserved church. They have great temporary exhibits as well as permanent ones. You only need about an hour to see everything. very worth the trip!
Carolyn Kimery - 4 months 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.
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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: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - 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
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