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Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris

HistoryArtArchaeologyClosed todayFreeSaint-Paul (Métro line 1)

Housed in the Hôtel Carnavalet and the adjoining Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau, this is the oldest of the City of Paris museums, open since 1880 and reborn after a 2016 to 2021 renovation. Its collection of some 625,000 objects runs from prehistoric dugout canoes and Gaulish coins to French Revolution relics, Art Nouveau shopfronts and Marcel Proust's reconstructed bedroom. Forty period rooms and galleries trace the story of Paris through the Marais's elegant 16th and 17th century mansions. Admission to the permanent collection is free.

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Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

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Address

23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France

Nearest station: Saint-Paul (Métro line 1), Chemin Vert (Métro line 8), Pont Marie (Métro line 7)

Admission

Free

Permanent collection free for all; temporary exhibitions about EUR 13 to 15

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 (3rd arrondissement) area of Paris. The nearest stations are Saint-Paul (Métro line 1), Chemin Vert (Métro line 8), 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 Madame de Sévigné: Parisian Letters, 1776-2026: 250 Years of Franco-American Friendship, Parisian Faces.
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.

Miguel Hermoso Cuesta, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)