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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
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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
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
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)
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Allocate around 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the museum completely.
Digital installations like animated films, audio guides, and child-friendly displays enhance the visitor experience.
The museum features a restaurant with a garden view, offering a relaxing spot for visitors to unwind.
The museum offers general admission and discounted tickets. Entry is free for children and local residents on specific days.
Photography is generally allowed in most areas, but restrictions apply to certain exhibits. Check signage or ask staff for clarification.
Mornings on weekdays are generally less crowded, providing a peaceful exploration of the museum.
Tours and digital installations are available in multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
Discover Paris’s story from its ancient beginnings to modern times through 3,800+ artifacts and exclusive exhibitions.
Everything you get: Entry to the Carnavalet Museum in Paris, and access to both the permanent collection and current temporary exhibitions. Explore the city’s evolution from its origins to today through art, objects, and immersive displays.
Why choose this: See Paris like never before with two limited-time exhibitions, The People of Paris, 1926–1936 (until 8 February, 2026) and Parisian Faces (until 13 September, 2026). Explore rare census records, powerful portraits, and immersive rooms that reveal the city’s past and present in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Inclusions
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Access to the Carnavalet Museum's permanent exhibit
Access to the temporary exhibits
Exclusions
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Transportation or meals
What’s not allowed
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the museum.
Accessibility
The venue is wheelchair-friendly.
Wheelchairs can be hired free of charge at the museum.
The museum regularly holds visits in French sign language with a deaf guide.
Additional information
The museum is closed on 1 January, 25 December, and 1 May.
Entry to the museum is free for job seekers, those on minimum wage, and disabled guests with their caregivers.
The temporary exhibition The People of Paris, 1926–1936 is only on until 8 February, 2026, so this is your chance to catch it before it disappears.
Cloakrooms are available at the venue to store luggage.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at the museum.
Photography is allowed without flash.
These tickets are valid until 8 February, 2026.
Get the best of Parisian history and art with one ticket for two museums.
Delve into Parisian history with this combo ticket to the Musee Carnavalet and Picasso Museum. Explore the French Revolution exhibit and marvel at over 5,000 artworks.
Discover over 50,000 historical objects, including the scale model of the Île de la Cité, tracing Paris’s evolution from prehistoric times to the 21st century.
Marvel at over 5,000 of Picasso’s paintings and trace his journey to Cubist period art with anti-war works like “Guernica.”
Discover how comics influenced the artist’s work and explore contemporary comic forms in the museum's basement.
Inclusions
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Carnavalet Museum
Access to the Carnavalet Museum's permanent exhibit
Access to the temporary exhibit
Picasso Museum
Access to the museum’s permanent exhibit
Carnavalet Museum
Entry to the museum is free for job seekers, those on minimum wage, and disabled guests with their caregivers.
The venue is wheelchair-friendly.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at the museum.
Photography is allowed without flash.
Cloakrooms are available at the venue to store luggage.
Large bags are not allowed inside the venue.
The museum is closed on January 1, December 25, and May 1.
Picasso Museum
The museum offers free admission for EU residents under 26 and 18 years of age.
The venue is wheelchair-accessible.
Wheelchairs can be booked at the reception desk with an ID card.
Photography is allowed inside the venue without flash.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed inside the venue.
Large bags and suitcases are not allowed inside the venue.
The museum stays closed on Mondays, January 1, December 25, and May 1.
Cloakrooms are available at the venue to store luggage.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Tickets
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Carnavalet Museum & Current Exhibition Tickets
Discover Paris’s story from its ancient beginnings to modern times through 3,800+ artifacts and exclusive exhibitions.
Everything you get: Entry to the Carnavalet Museum in Paris, and access to both the permanent collection and current temporary exhibitions. Explore the city’s evolution from its origins to today through art, objects, and immersive displays.
Why choose this: See Paris like never before with two limited-time exhibitions, The People of Paris, 1926–1936 (until 8 February, 2026) and Parisian Faces (until 13 September, 2026). Explore rare census records, powerful portraits, and immersive rooms that reveal the city’s past and present in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
Combo (Save 5%): Carnavalet Museum & Picasso Museum Direct Entry Tickets
Get the best of Parisian history and art with one ticket for two museums.
Delve into Parisian history with this combo ticket to the Musee Carnavalet and Picasso Museum. Explore the French Revolution exhibit and marvel at over 5,000 artworks.
Discover over 50,000 historical objects, including the scale model of the Île de la Cité, tracing Paris’s evolution from prehistoric times to the 21st century.
Marvel at over 5,000 of Picasso’s paintings and trace his journey to Cubist period art with anti-war works like “Guernica.”
Discover how comics influenced the artist’s work and explore contemporary comic forms in the museum's basement.
