Musée Carnavalet
Located in the heart of the Marais, this museum is dedicated to the history of Paris.
Boasting 600,000 pieces, ranging from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Instigated by the civil servant; Baron Haussmann in an effort to preserve elements of Paris’ history for future generations which would be lost after his massive urban redevelopment of the city.
Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann commissioned by Napoleon III, demolished a large part of Paris to make way for wide sweeping boulevards, ornate building facades, cafes and bistros.
The Paris as you know it today.
Musee Carnalvalet opened it’s doors to the public 1880.
Initially the museum was housed in Hotel Carnavalet and was purchased by the city in 1866.
However by the end of the 20th century, the museum had more artefacts than it could exhibit and by 1989 the neighbouring, Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau was purchased and added to the museum.
As you work your way through the museum, past old street signs, doors, sculptures, paintings, furniture and pieces from Paris’ past, you are taken through Paris through the ages.
From the days when Paris was known as Lutèce and inhabited by the Parisii tribes, the Medieval City, The Renaissance and Wars of Religion, The French Revolution, The Napoleonic Era and up to the 20th century.
Now this museum, dedicated to the history of Paris, boasts 600,000 pieces, ranging from the 17th to 20th centuries. Dispersed throughout 100 rooms and two Parisian mansions laid out in chronological order, this is the oldest municipal museum in Paris, overlooking its lovely internal gardens.
This museum is jammed packed with art, furniture and history and is a fine example of the free museums of Paris.
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Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:
Musée Carnavalet – offical website in English
36, rue Sévigné
Paris 75003 Opening times :
10am – 6pm
Closed Mondays & public holidays Nearest Metro : Saint Paul or Chemin Vert Admission : Free Free Wi-Fi – see my link for instructions
You could combine your visit with the nearby free museums; Musee Cognacq-Jay and Maison de Victor Hugo :
Maison de Victor HugoNestled in a corner of Place des Vosges, is the former home of famous author of the Hunchback of Notre Dame; Victor Hugo.
Musée Cognacq-JayThis stunning home of Samaritaine Department store founder, Ernest Cognacq-Jay and his wife Marie-Louise Jay, includes Fragonard, Rembrandt, Cézanne ...
- Maison de Victor HugoNestled in a corner of Place des Vosges, is the former home of famous author of the Hunchback of Notre Dame; Victor Hugo.
- Musée Cognacq-JayThis stunning home of Samaritaine Department store founder, Ernest Cognacq-Jay and his wife Marie-Louise Jay, includes Fragonard, Rembrandt, Cézanne ...
Discover more Paris Museums :
Musée Jacquemart-AndréI love poking around former residences of the bourgeois and Musée Jacquemart-Andre is one of the finest you will see in Paris.
Maison de Victor HugoNestled in a corner of Place des Vosges, is the former home of famous author of the Hunchback of Notre Dame; Victor Hugo.
Musée Nissim de CamondoA splendidly elegant mansion and former home of the Camondo's with an evocative, unforgettably tragic family history.
Musée des Arts ForainsTransport yourself back in time. Ride spectacular antique carousels, play ancient fair-ground games and admire colourful memorabilia.
Musée de la Vie RomantiqueTucked away behind an unassuming green gate, you will discover this enchanting hôtel particulier. An absolute delight.
Fondation Louis VuittonNothing short of spectacular, offering panoramic views and modern art, this new museum is sure to become another Paris icon.
Petit PalaisNot as small as its name suggests. Elaborate ceiling murals, magnificent mosaics, grand staircases a pretty garden café and it is free.
Muséum national d’histoire naturelleThis museum would have to be the most dramatic and stylishly arranged natural history museum in the world. Be dazzled in awe ....
Musée Cognacq-JayThis stunning home of Samaritaine Department store founder, Ernest Cognacq-Jay and his wife Marie-Louise Jay, includes Fragonard, Rembrandt, Cézanne ...
Musée de la Chasse et de la NatureThis wonderfully, quirky, informative, interactive museum, doesn't take itself too seriously. Exploring the history of hunting.
Musée BourdelleFormer home and studio of the artist; Antoine Bourdelle, who was famous for his monumental public statues and friezes, is an exceptional free museum.
Musée ZadkineThe small sun drenched former home of Ossip Zadkine allow light to bounce off African influenced work, giving the museum a quiet sense of calm and elegance.
Musée RodinThe newly renovated mansion and former home of the artist, has an equally rich and inspiring history as Monsieur Auguste Rodin himself and then there are the gardens.
Maison La Roche – Foundation Le CorbusierAt the end of a leafy private lane is an iconic tribute to the architect of modern architecture.
Musée CarnavaletLocated in the heart of the Marais, this museum is dedicated to the history of Paris. Boasting 600,000 pieces, ranging from the 17th to 20th centuries.
Palais de TokyoContemporary and cutting edge exhibitions of modern art, a very chic restaurant, late night openings until 12am and a great view of the Eiffel Tower.
Musée d’OrsayThe former railway station, sitting on the left bank of the Seine, has the largest collection of impressionist and post impressionist art in the world.