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Museum/arts/culture

Musée Carnavalet

★ 4.7 (12,427)$ · Budget-friendly

Housed in a historic building at 23 rue Madame de Sévigné, Musée Carnavalet is the oldest museum of the City of Paris. Its permanent collection, free and open to all, spans over 3,800 works and period decors illustrating Paris's history from prehistoric times to the present. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, guided tours, and workshops for visitors of all ages.

✨ Reasons to go

  • 1It is the oldest municipal museum in Paris, occupying the Hôtel Carnavalet and the neighboring Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau.
  • 2The permanent collection holds over 3,800 works and reconstructed period rooms tracing Paris's history from prehistory to today.
  • 3Free permanent access means no ticket queue, and the galleries stay uncrowded even at midday.

💡 Good to know

  • 1Permanent collection is free with open access, so no ticket queue for the main galleries
  • 2the museum is rarely overcrowded, making midday visits pleasant. Closed Mondays, and rooms close at 17:45.

⏱️ Typical visit

1h15

🕰️ Best time

morning, lunchtime or afternoon

🚶 Walking intensity

Active — lots of walking

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Address

23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France · Le MaraisGoogleApple
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Hours

  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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Booking

Walk-in

What people say

"I’m surprised that is isn’t busier than it is, given what an excellent museum it is. Tells the story of Paris through art and exhibits. I especially enjoyed seeing the remnants of the statue of Henry IV on Pont Neuf, which has subsequently been rebuilt. In addition, a tiny fragment of the hand of the statue of Louis XV that was located on what is now the place du Concorde. There are also beautiful rooms and good dioramas."

— Michael Offord

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