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
How do I even begin about the fascinating collection in this museum? Musée de Cluny is an absolute treasure, with its incredible tapestries and reliquaries. I spent three hours here, completely captivated by the exhibits. I accidentally booked a tour about the heroes and heroines of the Middle Ages that was in French. While I was eager to attend, I hadn't realized it would only be offered in French. When I informed the staff, they quickly accommodated me by finding another engaging experience within the museum. It's a fascinating place with an amazing collection.
Brian E - 6 months ago
Treasures of the Medieval Age. Big draw: The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries. I did not photograph them, instead purchased a magnet depicting my favorite panel. The Boutique is replete with books, toys, jewelry. A MUST when in Paris. If you choose a weekday, go early. It is a popular place for students of all grades.
Alina Green - 4 months ago
Beautiful historic museum in Paris, the building itself goes back to the middle ages with extensions from modern periods. The museum contains historical artifacts that goes back to the middle ages in the west and the east. So there is a lot of statues and stone carvings, christian golden elements, wooden carvings, mural carpets... it takes time to visit all the collection but its really worth it.
Ragheb Barake - 4 months ago
The Musée de Cluny has a wondrous collection of tapestries from the 1500s called The Lady and the Unicorn. The 6 tapestries, 5 senses + 1, acquired in 1882, is considered one of the great masterpieces of Western art. The other exhibits are similarly captivating, ancient artifacts demonstrating the activities and creativity of the times. The museum docents are very kind and helpful. There is renovation so not all rooms were open but this is a must see in Paris.
Sheryl Redlin Frazier - in the last week
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: 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: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr
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