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Museum · Paris, Ilha de França
Musée Carnavalet
The museum of the history of Paris, housed in two townhouses in the Marais. It tells the city’s story from prehistory to the present, with models, old shop signs, objects from the Revolution and Marcel Proust’s bedroom. The permanent collection is free.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Musée Carnavalet
The Musée Carnavalet is the museum of the history of Paris and the city’s oldest museum, opened in 1880. It occupies two neighboring townhouses in the Marais: the Hôtel Carnavalet, from the 16th century, where the writer Madame de Sévigné lived from 1677 to 1696, and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, from the 17th century.
The route runs from prehistory, with canoes found on the banks of the Seine, to the city of today. There is a collection of old shop and tavern signs, models of vanished neighborhoods and many objects from the French Revolution, such as souvenirs from the royal family imprisoned in the Temple.
Among the most memorable rooms are the Fouquet jewelry shop, designed by Alphonse Mucha in 1901 and entirely reassembled inside the museum, and Marcel Proust’s bedroom with the original furniture. The holdings exceed 600,000 objects, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and everyday items.
The interior gardens, laid out in the French style, are open to visitors. The permanent collection is free; temporary exhibitions require a separate ticket.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours for the main route.
Best time
Open Tuesday to Sunday, preferably in the morning. The museum is closed on Mondays and some holidays: check before you go.
How to get there
Metro Saint-Paul (line 1) or Chemin Vert (line 8), about a 5‑minute walk. The entrance is on Rue de Sévigné.
Tip
Begin with the floor devoted to the French Revolution if time is short. The museum helps you understand the city before you go exploring, so it works well on the first or second day of your trip.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Musée Carnavalet
Is there an admission fee for the Musée Carnavalet?
The permanent collection is free. Temporary exhibitions require a separate ticket.
What to see at the Musée Carnavalet?
The Fouquet jewelry shop designed by Mucha, Marcel Proust's bedroom, old shop signs, city models and the rooms of the French Revolution.
On which day is the Carnavalet closed?
On Mondays and on January 1, May 1 and December 25. Check the opening hours on the official website.