Museum of the History of Paris
(Musée Carnavalet)
Musée Carnavalet chronicles the fascinating history of Paris
This very special museum is a must-see if you are going to be spending any time in Paris and really want to know what the city is all about. The Musée Carnavalet is a museum all about the history of Paris itself and it is truly an amazing and extremely educational opportunity to see the artistic, creative and cultural history of one of the world's most iconic and artistic cultures.
The Musée Carnavalet actually chronicles the history of Paris right from its inception and travels forward through time to contemporary Paris today. The entire museum occupies two mansions, one built in the 11th century and one built much later in the 17th century. There is a gallery that was built to connect the two together so that it is now possible to simply cross from one mansion to the other via the convenient gallery. The two mansions were actually both hotels. The one was originally called the Hotel Le Peletier and the other was known as the hotel Carnavalet, this last is where the museum gets its name from.
One of Paris' most famous citizens, the Madame de Sevigne (who wrote a series of famous letters to her daughter), once lived in the Hotel Carnavalet and it is actually now the home of the museum's collection that chronicles the prehistoric all the way through time to the reign of Louis XVI. The other mansion, the former Hotel Le Peletier Saint Fargeau houses the collection that spans from the French revolution to modern present day Paris.
The museum was first opened in 1880. It has since displayed its intriguing collections to tourists from all over the world who come to view the history of this remarkable and beautiful city.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No - Free admission to all permanent collections and themed exhibitions. Charges may apply for temporary exhibitionsMusée Carnavalet Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France
Phone: 01 44 59 58 58
Official Website: Musée Carnavalet
Musée Carnavalet Reviews
Rated out of 5
A most extraordinary museum which is free of charge. This is a great way to introduce yourself to the history of Paris. It has an amazing collection of art, artifacts, complete room interiors and is set out over periods of time including pre history in the lower level. There are free lockers, a gift shop and lift access between floors. A fabulous place.
G Mac - a month ago
Completely free, super large and extensive museum that covers the whole French history. Beautiful building, varying themes introduced, info available in English as well. Great location, and even on weekend I got in without any queueing. Nice bookshop that has some good books in English as well to learn more about the history of France.
I highly recommend reading a bit of the French history to get even more out of the experience, and playing close attention to details. For example the earrings displayed in one photo are a very interesting piece of history if you look closely.
I Fin - 2 months ago
No queue, no required reservation, free! And outstandingly diverse and big, with a colossal work on renovation. Almost all periods of history are covered (unfortunately not the Imperial ones). 1h40 for a quick visit. Lots of small hidden rooms. Friday afternoon in holiday period wasn't packed with people. Free and secure locker area for bags.
Wise - a month ago
This museum is for free and it is so pretty. It is not crowded and has many sections and even a small garden. There is a lot to see but i especially loved the small 3d map of old paris and the model of notre dame.
Mike Aoun - 2 months ago
Directions
| Metro / RER Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| M1 | Saint-Paul | 5 minutes |
| M8 | Chemin Vert | 7 minutes |
How to get to Musée Carnavalet by Metro / RER
By Metro: exit Metro M1 at Saint-Paul station and walk west on Rue de Rivoli and go left (north) on Rue de Sevigne to the entrance or exit line M8 at Chemin Vert station and walk west on Rue St. Giles continuing on Rue du Parc Royal then go left on Rue de Sevigne to the entrance.
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Photo Gallery
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Paintings and exhibits inside the Musée Carnavalet cc licensed photo by OliverN5 -
Intricate scale models help visitors visualize the history of Paris cc licensed photo by NealeA -
Photo Credit: dalbera - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: ajleon - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: TijsB - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: TijsB - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: TijsB - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: TijsB - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: TijsB - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: TijsB - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: TijsB - cc license via Flickr
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