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
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 weeks ago
The Musée de Cluny is quite unique.
It is very different from the Musée du Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay.
All the art works in the Musée de Cluny seemed to tell me about their "stories".
What eras and histories have these works of art witnessed?
Yasukawa Yukiko - in the last week
A large part of this museum is religious actually and you see anyway the peaks of the art from that time, which cannot be considered representative for the age. Even the daily life is with objects of nobles, obviously. It is true that some of that includes scenes from the lives of people. A rich and nice museum overall, restored very recently.
SVC - a month ago
Musée de Cluny is a hidden gem in Paris, offering a fascinating collection of medieval art. The highlight for me was The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries—six breathtaking pieces that symbolize the five senses and a mysterious sixth sense, À mon seul désir (“My only desire”).
Ever since visiting The Met Cloisters, I’ve been captivated by the beauty of medieval tapestries, and seeing this masterpiece in person was truly special. Plan to spend at least two hours here to fully appreciate the art and history.
April Way - a month ago
One of the best museum in Paris. Unbelievable and breath-taking. Its a must if you like medieval history
The Cambridge Gardener - 2 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: 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
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