Musée Carnavalet

The Musée Carnavalet, located at 23, rue Madame de Sévigné in the 3rd arrondissement, is dedicated to the history of Paris. Housed in two adjoining Renaissance-era mansions, the Hôtel de Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, it is often cited as Paris’s oldest museum, having opened in 1880. After a two-year renovation, it reopened in May 2021 with updated spaces. The museum houses over 615,000 artifacts across more than 100 rooms, spanning from prehistoric times to the present day.

Visitors can explore significant historical items, including Antoine Coysevox’s portrait of Louis XIV, a statue head from an ancient amphitheater, Adolphe Willette’s "Chat noir" sign, and the Déclaration des droits de l'homme et du citoyen. Admission to the permanent collections is free and does not require booking. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Last admission for permanent collections is at 5:15 pm, while exhibition rooms close at 5:45 pm. The ticket office closes at 5:15 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays such as January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Temporary exhibitions require paid tickets, and advance online booking is strongly recommended to guarantee entry. Visitors should note that only handbag-style bags are permitted, and security includes visual bag checks. The museum is accessible via various metro lines, buses, and Vélib’ stations. This institution offers a comprehensive look at Parisian heritage, combining architectural beauty with extensive historical artifacts. It is an essential stop for travelers seeking to understand the evolution of the French capital.