Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris

What's On

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New Paris, from 1977 to the Present Times

A free display in the 1977-to-today room on how Paris has changed since its first elected mayor, with recent acquisitions by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, JR and others.

Now showing25 Sept – 23 Jan 2028Free

Fragments of Paris: Jacques Villeglé and Urban Art

A retrospective marking the centenary of Jacques Villeglé, tracing his practice of collecting torn Parisian street posters and reworking them into art that documents the city's changing urban and cultural landscape.

Now showing14 Oct – 14 Feb 2027€15

Paris, au naturel. Une histoire environnementale

Over 200 mostly unseen works on Paris and its environment, from the Paris Basin underground to the industrial city, with an interactive lab and contemporary artists.

Upcoming2 Apr 2027 – 22 Aug 2027Free

Permanent Collections

Neolithic Dugout Canoe (Pirogue monoxyle)

A dugout canoe carved from a single tree trunk around 4500 BC, unearthed at Bercy beside the Seine, among the oldest evidence of human life on the site of Paris.

Permanent collectionFree

Voltaire's Armchair

A gilded armchair made around 1775 for Voltaire, fitted with a tilting reading stand, a pivoting writing desk and side pouches, a portrait of Enlightenment Paris in furniture.

Permanent collectionFree

Gold Stater of the Parisii

A finely struck gold coin of the Parisii, the Gaulish tribe that gave Paris its name, showing a stylised head and a rearing horse in the Celtic style (mid-3rd to 2nd century BC).

Permanent collectionFree

Nearby

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Musée Cognacq-Jay

ArtFree2 min walk

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Musée national Picasso-Paris

Art3 min walk

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Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP)

Art5 min walk

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Lafayette Anticipations - Fondation Galeries Lafayette

ArchitectureFree7 min walk

Visitor Information

Is Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris free to visit?

Yes, general admission to Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris is free. Permanent collection free for all; temporary exhibitions about EUR 13 to 15. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.

What are the opening hours of Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris?

Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00. Closed Mondays and on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris?

Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris is located at 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France, in the Le Marais area of Paris. The nearest stations are Saint-Paul (Métro line 1), Chemin Vert (Métro line 8) and Pont Marie (Métro line 7).

What can I see at Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris?

The city's own museum: two grand Marais mansions tracing Paris from Neolithic canoes to Proust's bedroom, free to all. Current highlights include Neolithic Dugout Canoe (Pirogue monoxyle), Paris, au naturel. Une histoire environnementale and New Paris, from 1977 to the Present Times.

Do I need to book Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris in advance?

Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris is free to enter and most days you can walk in. Permanent collection free for all; temporary exhibitions about EUR 13 to 15. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.

When is the best time to visit Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.