Carnavalet Museum: Things to See & Do

The Carnavalet Museum is a fascinating museum committed to the city’s interesting history. The museum features exhibits on everything from art to fashion to architecture. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in arts and history.

What Is the Carnavalet Museum?

Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris or the Musée Carnavalet is a fabulous place to learn about Paris’s long and complex history. It is situated in the Marais district of Paris. With over 600,000 artifacts on display, the Carnavalet is one of the largest museums in Paris.

In addition to the permanent collection, Carnavalet has temporary exhibitions that change frequently. It is a must-see for anyone interested in learning about Paris’s rich history. The museum features several examples of art nouveau, including a private dining room from the Café de Paris and the jewelry shop that belonged to Georges Fouquet.

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History of the Carnavalet Museum

If you want to learn about the history of Paris, there’s no better place to visit than the Musée Carnavalet. This museum explores the city’s rich past, from its earliest days to the present day. The museum is in the Marais district, known for its well-preserved architecture.

The museum was founded in 1880 and opened to the public in 1889. Carnavalet focuses on the history of Paris from the Gallo-Roman period until today. The permanent collections are spread over two large buildings, Carnavalet-Charavines and Carnavalet-Rohan.

Since then, it has grown substantially, adding new buildings and galleries. Today, the Musée Carnavalet is one of the most popular attractions in Paris. If you’re interested in learning about the city’s history, this is a museum you won’t want to miss.

Musée Carnavalet is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Paris. The museum is spread out over two houses, the Hôtel Carnavalet 23 rue de Sévigné and the Hôtel le Peletier, both of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, respectively.

The museum chronicles Parisian history through exhibition rooms decorated in different historical styles and a wealth of objects belonging to Voltaire, Rousseau, and other famous French philosophers of the 18th century.

Visitors can get a sense of what it was like to live in Paris, France, during different periods of its history, from the grandeur of the aristocracy to the turmoil of the Revolution to the Paris Commune.

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Carnavalet Museum Expanded Museum

The Musée Carnavalet expansion in 2006 was a turning point for the carnival. It was a symbolic move that signaled a return to the carnival’s roots.

The carnival had always celebrated life and laughter, but it had become increasingly commercialized in recent years. The Musée Carnavalet expansion helped reignite the carnival spirit and bring people back to its essential purpose: to have fun.

This makes the museum a good destination to visit while taking a tour of Paris.

Today, the Musée Carnavalet is once again a central hub of activity during the carnival season. Every year, thousands of people come to experience the sights and sounds of this beloved French institution.

As any curious person knows, a building can change significantly over time. The elements take their toll, wear and tear leave their mark, and sometimes, renovation is needed to bring a structure into the 21st century.

The Chatillon architects have done this with their latest project. They have comprehensively restored an old monument in partnership with Snhetta and the NC (Nathalie Crinière).

Façades, openings, access doors, and stairways have been given new life, and the Visitor’s Layout has been completely redesigned.

The structure has been adapted for modern use, with improved standards and new vertical circulations and rooms. The result is a beautiful enhancement of the original architecture that still feels fresh and new. Thanks to the Chatillon architects, this beloved monument will be around for many years.

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Design Focus on the visitors

You’ll notice some significant changes next time you visit the Musée Carnavalet. The circulation area has been significantly expanded and better integrated into the house’s overall design.

This renovation puts guests at the center stage, enhancing the visitor layout from arrival to access to the garden. Snhetta reopened the reception room, which was built to maximize efficiency.

The ticket counter and cloakroom have been revised to increase museum capacity. The renovation project’s primary objective was to make the museum more accessible to people with disabilities. 

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Best Time to Visit

The Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris is open from Tuesdays through Sundays, between 10 am and 6 pm. At 5:45, the doors to the exhibition rooms will be closed. Due to public holidays, the museum is closed on the 1st of January, 1st of May, and 25th of December.

The best time to visit the Musée Carnavalet—Histoire de Paris is weekdays. It tends to be less crowded. Weekend Carnavalet museum hours are generally more crowded, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to avoid crowds. Remember that the museum will be closed on certain holidays.

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Exhibits and Collections

The Musée Carnavalet features exhibits on everything from art to fashion to architecture. There are also exhibits on Parisian history and the carnival itself.

Inside the Musée Carnavalet, visitors can explore a wide range of collections that tell the story of Paris, France. One of the most popular collections is the section on fashion, which showcases everything from traditional French dress to contemporary designs.

The museum also has an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings from various periods. Finally, it features architectural exhibits, including historical and contemporary buildings. Here are some of the highlight collections to see inside the museum:

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Mercure

The Mercure is a copper alloy statuette depicting the Roman God Mercury. In 1867, archaeologist Théodore Vacquer discovered the sculpture in the Luxembourg Gardens, near the rue Médicis neighborhood.

The Mercure is one of the most well-preserved examples of Romanesque metalwork. It is also an important example of how Mercury was represented in Roman art. The Mercure provides insight into the Roman belief system and how they saw their relationship with the natural world.

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Portrait of Louis XIV Statue

Portrait of Louis XIV Statue is a famous work of art in the Musée Carnavalet in Paris. It was created by the French sculptor Antoine Coysevox, and it depicts the Sun King Louis XIV in all his glory.

The bronze Portrait of Louis XIV Statue is one of the most iconic works of French art, and it is worth a visit if you are ever in Paris.

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Harpe à Pédales

It’s no secret that the 18th and 19th centuries were filled with extravagant, opulent fashion and lifestyle choices. Queen Marie-Antoinette was no exception to this rule – in fact, she often led the pack when setting trends.

One such trend was her love for the harp. She played the harp herself and commissioned some of her time’s most beautiful, intricate Harpes à Pédales – pedal harps -.

Colonel Gaspard-Joseph de Müller, a Swiss Guard, was lucky to receive one of these lavish instruments. The harp stayed in his family for generations before being sold in 1929. Today, Harpes à Pédales are highly sought-after collector’s items, thanks mainly to their fascinating history.

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Marie de Rabutin-Chantal

Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, better known as Madame de Sévigné, was one of the most prominent occupants of the Hôtel Carnavalet, a hotel that features Renaissance architecture.

She was a marchioness widowed at a young age, and the painter Claude Lefebvre depicted her in this painting wearing only half of her mourning attire.

The artwork’s funny and dynamic expression conveys the spirit of Madame de Sévigné’s thoughts. It is one of the most famous examples of French portraiture from the 17th century.

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Woodwork from the Cabinet of the Hôtel Colbert de Villacerf

In the seventeenth century, the essential rooms in the palaces of Paris were decorated with paneling made of wood. The city of Paris purchased the wood panels from the study of the Colbert de Villacerf mansion in 1867 and placed them in the Musée Carnavalet circa 1913-1914.

In 1650, the mansion was built. This magnificent fully paneled room décor exemplifies the “French wood paneling” design style from the mid-17th century, a typical example of the “French wood paneling” design form.

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Tips on Visiting the Carnavalet Museum

The Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris in Paris is one of the most interesting and informative museums dedicated to the history of a single city.

Housed in two beautiful mansions in the historic Marais district, the Paris museum chronicles the city’s history from its earliest to the present.

Here are a few tips on making the most out of your visit to the Musée Carnavalet:

• Highly recommended online ticket booking: Book your Carnavalet Museum tickets online before you visit, as queues can be long during peak times.
• Follow physical separation of one meter: In order to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, visitors must maintain a physical distance of at least one meter from each other at all times.
• Start at the beginning: The museum’s first floor is devoted to prehistoric and Gallo-Roman times, so begin your visit here for a comprehensive overview of how Paris came to be. Don’t miss the section on the Roman baths, which includes some well-preserved mosaics.
• Take your time: With over 60,000 objects on display, the Carnavalet can be overwhelming. Focus on one or two floors simultaneously, and take your time to see and absorb everything.
• Ask for help: The friendly staff at the Carnavalet are always happy to help with any questions.
• Explore the gardens: Don’t forget to enter the beautiful courtyard gardens. These tranquil oases offer a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. They are the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch ( weather permitting).
• Visit the shop: The museum’s well-stocked gift shop is ideal for finding unique souvenirs and Paris-themed gifts for friends and family back home.

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Hotels Near Carnavalet Museum

Many hotels are nearby the Paris Museum, so you can easily find a place to stay. Here are some of the best options:

Hôtel Bastille Speria

The Hôtel Bastille Speria is a four-star hotel located just a few blocks from the Carnavalet Museum. It offers guests a fitness center, a spa, and a rooftop terrace.

The hotel is also home to La Rotonde, an upscale restaurant that serves French cuisine.

Suppose you’re looking for a comfortable place while checking out the Carnavalet Museum’s features and exhibits. In that case, the Hôtel Bastille Speria is worth considering.

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Le Pavillon de la Reine

The Pavillon de la Reine hotel is located in the Marais district of Paris, just a few minutes walk from the Musée Carnavalet.

It’s a perfect choice for visitors looking for charming, historic accommodation near some of the city’s most famous museums. The hotel has been completely renovated and features elegant rooms with antique furniture and modern amenities.

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Hôtel Marais Bastille

The Hôtel Marais Bastille is a charming little hotel just a few blocks from the Musée Carnavalet. It offers guests a unique experience in a beautiful 17th-century building that was once an aristocrat’s home.

The hotel features spacious rooms with high ceilings, antique furnishings, and a lovely courtyard garden. It’s the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for an intimate and authentic Parisian experience.

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Les Tournelles

If you want to explore Parisian history, Les Tournelles is the perfect place to stay. The hotel is situated near the Musée Carnavalet, which is dedicated to the history of Paris.

You can explore the Marais district, which is full of beautiful architecture and charming narrow streets. Les Tournelles offers beautiful views of the cityscape, so you can relax and soak up the atmosphere of Paris.

The hotel is intimate and charming, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. You’ll have a truly unique experience when you stay at Les Tournelles.

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Hôtel Caron Paris 4

The Hôtel Caron Paris 4 is a charming hotel near the Musée Carnavalet in the Marais district of Paris. This intimate hotel offers guests a personal and welcoming experience with a staff that takes pride in providing excellent service.

The hotel is ideally situated just a few minutes from some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum. Guests at the Hôtel Caron Paris 4 can enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay in the heart of Paris.

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Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc le Marais

The Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc le Marais is a charming boutique hotel in the heart of the historic Marais district. This historic hotel offers guests a unique experience with stylish accommodations and personalized service.

The on-site restaurant, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, is one of the most acclaimed in Paris and will satisfy any cravings for French cuisine. Guests at the Hôtel Jeanne d’Arc le Marais can also enjoy access to the Carnavalet Museum just a few blocks away.

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Things to See & Do Near Carnavalet Museum

The Carnavalet Museum is located in the Marais district of Paris. This is a great area to explore, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions to keep you busy.

Some of the nearby attractions include:

• Notre Dame de Paris: Notre Dame de Paris is one of the world’s most famous and iconic churches. Situated in the heart of Paris, Notre Dame has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for centuries. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning architecture and stained glass windows, as well as its world-renowned bells. Notre Dame is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Paris. When visiting Notre Dame, be sure to take some time to explore the interior of the cathedral, as well as the exterior. The exterior of Notre Dame is just as impressive as the interior, with its gargoyles and flying buttresses.
• Latin Quarter: The Latin Quarter is a neighborhood in Paris that is home to the University of Paris and plenty of other educational institutions. It’s also known for its lively nightlife and charming streets. Musée Carnavalet is located in the Latin Quarter, making it a convenient stop if you’re interested in learning more about the city’s history.
• The Centre Pompidou: The Centre Pompidou is one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why. The museum is home to thousands of works of modern art, from paintings and sculptures to multimedia installations. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in modern art and one of Paris’ most popular tourist attractions. The Centre Pompidou is just a few blocks from the Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris, making it easy to visit both museums in one day. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Paris, the Musée Carnavalet is definitely worth a visit. But if you’re mainly interested in modern art, the Centre Pompidou is a must-see.
• Louvre Museum: The Louvre Museum is one of the most famous museums in the world and is home to some of the most iconic works of art in history. It’s just steps away from the Musée Carnavalet in the Marais district of Paris, making it a convenient stop for any traveler to the French capital. The Louvre Museum is home to thousands of works of art spanning many periods and styles. Whether you’re interested in seeing the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo or exploring the museum’s extensive collection of Egyptian artifacts, there’s something for everyone at the Louvre. With so much to see, it’s no wonder that the Louvre is one of Paris’s most popular tourist destinations.
• Seine River Boat Tour: The Seine River Boat Tour is a great way to see some of Paris’ most famous landmarks while enjoying a cruise on the river. The tour departs from near the Musée Carnavalet, so it’s the perfect activity for visitors who want to combine a sightseeing cruise with a visit to this amazing museum. The tour takes you past the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre. You’ll also see some lesser-known sights along the river, creating a unique experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Paris or a returning traveler, the Seine River Boat Tour is an activity not to be missed.
• Palais Garnier: The Palais Garnier is located just next to the Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris in the historical Marais district of Paris. It was built in the 16th century as the home of the Duke of Anjou, and today, it serves as a Paris museum dedicated to the history of fashion. The Palais Garnier features exhibits on everything from art to fashion to architecture and is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the French capital.
• Tuileries Garden: If you’re looking for a tranquil spot to relax in the middle of Paris, the Tuileries Garden is the perfect place for you. Located near the Musée Carnavalet in the Marais district, this idyllic garden is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. It features a large pond, plenty of benches, and ample open spaces—perfect for basking in the summer sun. So whether you need a break from sightseeing or want to enjoy a classic French landscape, visit the Tuileries Garden.
• Orangerie Museum: The Orangerie Museum is located just a few blocks from the Carnavalet Museum and is dedicated to displaying impressionist art. It’s home to some of the most famous paintings by Claude Monet, including his Water Lilies series. The museum also features works by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Jean-Francois Millet. If you’re a fan of French art, the Orangerie Museum is a must-visit.
• Musee d’Orsay: The Musée d’Orsay is a museum located near the Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris. It’s dedicated to art history from the late 19th to the early 21st centuries. The museum houses a large collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs from some of the world’s most famous artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Pablo Picasso. The Musée d’Orsay is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about late 19th—and early 20th-century art.
• Palce de la Concorde: The Palais de la Concorde is a palace located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, near the Musée Carnavalet. It was built in 1755-1758 as a royal residence for Louis XV and served as the seat of government until 1870. The palace was extensively damaged during the French Revolution but was eventually restored. Today, it is used as a venue for various events and functions.
• Eiffel Tower: The Eiffel Tower is located near the Musée Carnavalet in the historic Marais district of Paris. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about the French capital. The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 as the 1889 World’s Fair entrance arch. The tower is 324 meters tall and was the tallest structure until 1930. It is currently the fifth-tallest free-standing structure in the world. The Eiffel Tower is made of iron and is one of the most recognizable structures in the world. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations, with millions yearly visitors. If you want to learn more about the Eiffel Tower and its history, add it to your list of must-see attractions in Paris.
• Luxembourg Gardens: The Luxembourg Gardens is a beautiful park near the Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris in Paris. They were created in 1612 by Marie de Medici and are now a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy nature. The gardens feature a large pond, statues, walking paths, and plenty of green space. They’re a great place to visit if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Luxembourg Gardens are a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, or take in the sights and sounds of nature.

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