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The Musée Carnavalet is Paris’s oldest museum, beautifully set across two historic mansions: Hôtel Carnavalet and Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau. With Renaissance architecture, elegant ironwork, grand interiors, and charming courtyards, the museum traces the entire story of Paris from its ancient origins to the present day. It’s the perfect place to wander through centuries of art, archaeology, and everyday life that shaped the city.

What to expect on your Musée Carnavalet visit

Elegant room with ornate gold detailing and chandelier at Carnavalet Museum, Paris.
Carnavalet Museum courtyard with historic architecture in Paris.
Ancient artifacts display at Carnavalet Museum exhibition.
Elegant room in Carnavalet Museum with ornate furniture and historical portraits.
Carnavalet Museum ornate room with historical paintings and antique furniture in Paris.
Crowd gathered at a historical event with a statue and large building in the background, Carnavalet Museum exhibition.
Carnavalet Museum entrance with visitors, Paris.
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Step into Paris’ oldest museum

Enter the Musée Carnavalet, set across two adjoining historic mansions. As you walk in, expect high ceilings, molded cornices, parquet floors, and an atmosphere that immediately immerses you in centuries of Parisian history.

Wander through charming courtyards

Begin your visit by strolling through the cobblestone courtyards and manicured gardens, perfect for getting a feel of the museum’s old-world charm before you explore its collections.

Start underground: Explore ancient Paris

Head first to the basement galleries, where archaeological excavations introduce you to Paris from the Mesolithic and Neolithic Eras to early medieval times. Don’t miss the scale model of the island—a fascinating look at how the city began.

Move through centuries of Parisian life

Continue to Level 1, where Paris transforms before your eyes. Explore artworks and objects from the 19th century to the present, including the era of Napoleon III, Haussmann’s grand redesign, the Belle Époque, and the rise of modern Paris.

Step into revolutionary Paris

On Level 2, discover paintings and sculptures shaped by the spirit of 1789. These galleries offer an evocative look at France’s revolutionary fervor and the artistic responses to it.

If you have an exhibition ticket, don’t miss these

The museum frequently hosts notable temporary shows. If you’ve purchased access, make time for the current exhibitions:

  • Paris 1793–1794: A Revolutionary Year
    16 Oct 2024 – 16 Feb 2025
    A deep dive into one of the most turbulent years of the French Revolution.
  • Visages Parisiens
    17 Jun 2025 – 13 Sept 2026
    An exploration of Parisian identity through portraits, faces, and everyday characters.
  • Les gens de Paris 1926–1936: In the Mirror of Population Censuses
    8 Oct 2025 – 8 Feb 2026
    A fascinating look at Parisian society between the wars, using census data to reveal who lived, worked, and shaped the city.

Wrap up with a slow stroll

End your visit by circling back through the courtyards or browsing the boutique, soaking in the feeling of having walked through 2,000 years of Parisian history under one roof.

Things to know before booking your tickets to Musée Carnavalet

  • Entry to the general collection of the Museum and the permanent exhibits is free.
  • Don't miss out on the Museum's temporary exhibits! These need you to purchase a ticket and you can find the tickets for the current exhibit about the French Revolution
  • If you are a job-seeker or on minimum wage, you can explore the Musée Carnavalet for free. Just carry your proof of status. Disabled guests enjoy free entry as well.
  • Groups are required to book online for a free entry to the museum and its temporary exhibitions, with a reservation fee from €15 to €30 depending on the group size.
  • Groups of people under 26 years of age, students, social groups, and groups of disabled visitors or those from hospitals, retirement homes, and specialized institutions enjoy free entry to the museum.

Popular highlights of Musee Carnavalet's collection

Madame de Sévigné’s Writing Desk

Marvel at the personal writing desk of Madame de Sévigné, one of the most celebrated figures of 17th-century Paris. Located on the first floor of the museum, the letters she wrote her daughter shed light on Parisian society during this era.

Sculpture of Louis XIV (1643-1715)

This majestic statue of Louis XIV from the 17th century is located on the first floor, is a rare survivor of the French Revolution. The king is depicted in a classical style, wearing a Roman breastplate and cloak. Originally displayed at the Paris City Hall, the statue now graces the Carnavalet Museum sine 1890, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of the Sun King's era.

Woodwork from the Villacerf Cabinet

This piece located on the first floor features 17th-century wood paneling from the study of the Colbert de Villacerf mansion, reinstalled in the Carnavalet Museum around 1914. This is a an example of the “French wood paneling” style with an innovative coved ceiling instead of the traditional beams. It also includes fanciful imagery that blends human figures with animals and plants.

Grotesque heads from Pont-Neuf

Located in the basement collection of the medieval relics, this piece is from the old Pont Neuf bridge built between 15th and 16th century to alleviate traffic congestion. The bridge was decorated with 381 different Mascarons like this one, featuring the heads of mythological divinities believed to ward off evil spirits.

Current exhibitions

Visages Parisiens

A contemporary exploration of Parisian identity, this exhibition looks at how artists capture the faces, moods, and daily life of today’s city through photography and visual art.

Details:

  • Dates: 17 June 2025 – 13 September 2026
  • Theme: Contemporary portraiture and the spirit of modern Paris
  • Highlights: Works by international artists, reflections on anonymity, community, and urban life

Les gens de Paris, 1926–1936: In the Mirror of Population Censuses

A historical portrait of Paris between the wars, this exhibition uses real census records to reveal how people lived, worked, and shaped the city during a decade of social change.

Details:

  • Dates: 8 October 2025 – 8 February 2026
  • Theme: Everyday life, demographics, migration, and social history
  • Highlights: Digitized census entries, profiles of both ordinary and well-known Parisians, archival photos and documents

Plan your visit to the Musée Carnavalet

Carnavalet Museum exhibition with historical portraits and artifacts in Paris.

The Musée Carnavalet is open at the following times:

  • Tuesdays to Sundays - 10am — 6pm
  • Last entry is at 5:15pm. 
  • The exhibition rooms close at 5:45pm.
  • Late openings are until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
  • The exhibition rooms close at 5pm on December 24 and 31
  • The museum is closed on: January 1, May 1, and December 25 

Address: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France

​Find on Maps

  • By Metro: Line 1: Saint-Paul, Line 5: Bréguet Sabin, Line 7: Pont-Marie or Line 8: Chemin Vert
  • Closest Metro stop: Saint-Paul station (5-minute walk)
  • By Bus: Lines 96 & 29: Place des Vosges, Line 91: Saint-Gilles - Chemin Vert, Lines 69 & 76: Saint-Paul
  • Closest bus stop: Place des Vosges (3-minute walk)
  • By Train: Gare de l'Est
  • Closest Train stop: Gare de l'Est station (approximately 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride)
Person navigating map on smartphone outdoors.
  • The museum provides a free app to explore all 5 sections chronologically. It highlights the best pieces and areas.
  • Cloakrooms are available at the venue to store luggage.
Girl in a wheelchair holding a smartphone on a city sidewalk.
  • The venue is wheelchair-accessible.
  • Wheelchairs can be hired free of charge at the museum reception.
  • The museum offers regular guided tours in French sign language for deaf visitors.
Courtyard of Carnavalet Museum in Paris with historic statue and ornate architecture.
  • Enter through the main courtyard to enjoy the architecture before heading into the galleries.
  • Start in the basement to follow the museum’s historical timeline in order—from ancient Paris upward.
  • Allocate at least 1.5–2 hours if you’re only doing the permanent collection; add more time for temporary exhibitions.
  • Visit early in the morning or just after lunch for the quietest experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the museum spans two mansions and multiple floors.
  • Don’t skip the courtyards and gardens; they’re some of the most atmospheric parts of the visit.

Places to visit near Musée Carnavalet

Place des Vosges courtyard with fountain and historic buildings in Paris, France.
  • Situated 280 meters from the museum, this historic square is a beautiful place to admire the architecture at the Pavillon du Roi and the Pavillon de la Reine, and people-watch.
  • Visit the Maison de Victor Hugo located within the square and explore insights into the life and work of the famous French writer.
Hotel de Sully courtyard with manicured hedges and historic architecture, Paris.
  • The 17th-century mansion, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture with its impressive facade and beautiful gardens, is located 600 meters from the museum.
  • The Marais district, a haven for independent boutiques, art galleries, and mouthwatering bakeries, invites you to wander its charming streets.
  • Don't miss the Musée Picasso, situated nearby, featuring an extensive collection of Picasso's masterpieces.
Centre Pompidou in Paris with its colorful exterior and surrounding cityscape.
  • Perfect for art buffs, this iconic museum houses a vast collection of 20th and 21st-century art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol.
  • Walk less than 3km, and take the elevator to the top floor for stunning views of Paris.
  • Visit the rooftop restaurant and enjoy a meal with breathtaking views of the city.

Frequently asked questions about Musée Carnavalet

The Musée Carnavalet is dedicated to the history of Paris, showcasing collections spanning prehistoric times to the 20th century, including artifacts, art, and interactive displays.