Carnavalet Museum
4.7
(11.0k)The Carnavalet Museum is dedicated to the history of Paris, housed in two neighboring 16th-century mansions, the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau. It showcases the city's evolution from ancient times through the French Revolution and beyond, with exhibits of decorative arts, furniture, historical objects, and paintings. The permanent collection is free to enter.
Address
23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France
Opening Hours
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Thu)
Phone
+33 1 44 59 58 58
Worth it?
Worth it if you want a deep dive into Parisian history in a beautiful setting, especially since the permanent collection is free
Skip if you're looking for a quick visit, as it's extensive and easy to get lost
Location
23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France
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Highlights
The museum's collection includes artifacts from world exhibitions and the French Revolution, with impressive artwork and room decor examples from various periods of Paris history.
The exhibits are arranged chronologically, progressing from ancient times in the basement to the French Revolution and later periods as you move upward.
The building itself is beautiful, featuring a lovely courtyard that offers an amazing view and is attached to a cafe.
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Who it's for
This museum is ideal for history buffs, especially those interested in French history and the detailed evolution of Paris. It's also great for families, as it offers children's explanations and is generally considered kid-friendly.
Know before you go
While the permanent collection is free, there may be a charge for temporary exhibitions.
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Reviews
4.7
Exceptional
5 ReviewsVisitors highly recommend the Carnavalet Museum for its comprehensive and free permanent collection, which offers a deep dive into Parisian history. Many appreciate the chronological layout and the impressive range of artifacts, though some found it easy to get disoriented within the large space.
Fun facts
The museum was established in 1880, after the Hôtel Carnavalet was purchased by the Municipal Council of Paris in 1866 on the advice of Baron Haussmann.
The Hôtel Carnavalet was once home to Madame de Sévigné, famous for her letters describing Parisian nobility's daily life.
The museum underwent major renovation works from 2016 to 2021, reopening with new rooms and an expanded collection.
