Museum of Freemasonry

Updated on September 30, 2026

At the headquarters of the Grand Orient de France, on rue Cadet in the ninth arrondissement, the Museum of Freemasonry traces three centuries of Masonic history. Founded in 1889, looted during the Occupation and reopened in 1973, it has held the “Musée de France” label since 2003. The display covers initiation, lodge life, symbols and rituals, then the role of Freemasons from the Enlightenment to the present day. Embroidered aprons, faience, medals, manuscripts and paintings make up the collections.

Highlights

Voltaire’s apron

The aprons of Voltaire and Jérôme Bonaparte are among the museum’s signature pieces. These embroidered or painted regalia carry the symbols of the order, such as columns, the square and the compasses. They show how degrees were distinguished in the lodge.

Masonic faience

The museum shows a large collection of eighteenth-century faience with Masonic decoration. Flasks, plates and dishes bear the emblems and sometimes the names of lodges. They recall the place of conviviality in Masonic life.

A chronological route

The display cases follow the history of Freemasonry, from the first Grand Lodge founded in London in 1717 to French Freemasonry today. Sections cover the Enlightenment, the Revolution, the Empire and the place of women. The museum also holds an original edition of Anderson’s Constitutions of 1723.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Admission costs 8 €, or 5 € for under-26s, and is free for under-18s (prices checked in September 2026). The ticket covers the collections and the temporary exhibition. To also see the Masonic temples of the Grand Orient, book online the tour led by a Freemason, on Thursdays at 14:30, Saturdays at 14:30 and 16:00 and Sundays at 14:30: 15 €, or 12 € reduced, paid on site. Arrive 15 minutes before the start.