The Carnavalet Museum tells the story of Paris from its origins to the present day, through paintings, models, old shop signs, and rooms of period furniture reassembled exactly as they were. It occupies two Marais mansions joined by a gallery: the Hôtel Carnavalet, remodeled in the 17th century by François Mansart, and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau. Fully renovated a few years ago, the museum offers a clear chronological journey, from prehistory through the Revolution to Baron Haussmann's grand urban works.
Highlights
The Statue of Louis XIV
Sculpted by Antoine Coysevox, this monumental statue of the king in Roman dress stands in the main courtyard. It's among the few royal statues to have survived the destruction of the French Revolution.
The Reconstructed Interiors
Original woodwork and rooms have been reassembled exactly as they were, including Madame de Sévigné's salon and several Louis XV and Louis XVI interiors. They trace the evolution of Parisian taste through the centuries.
Practical info
Tips
- Access to the permanent collections is free and doesn't require a reservation; only temporary exhibitions charge admission.
How to get there
The museum is close to the "Saint-Paul" (line 1), "Chemin Vert" (line 8), "Bréguet-Sabin" (line 5), and "Pont Marie" (line 7) metro stations. Several bus lines, including the 96, 91, and 29, also serve the neighborhood.
Opening hours
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