Let’s embark on a journey through time at the Musée Carnavalet, a museum dedicated to the captivating history of Paris. Nestled in the heart of the city, this museum invites you to discover the fascinating stories that have shaped the French capital.
Visiting the Museum: What You Need to Know
The Musée Carnavalet welcomes you with open arms (and free entry to the permanent collections)! You can explore the permanent exhibitions at your own pace without any need to reserve a ticket.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, welcoming visitors from 10 am to 6 pm. However, the ticket office closes at 5:15 pm, with last entry at 5:15 pm for both the permanent collection and any temporary exhibitions. Don’t forget that the exhibition rooms close a bit earlier at 5:45 pm, and on December 24th and 31st, they close at 5 pm. The museum is closed on public holidays, including January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
Enriching Your Visit: Guided Tours and Activities
For a deeper dive into Parisian history, the museum offers a variety of guided tours and activities, which can be found in their calendar. These experiences range from hour-long explorations to more in-depth 1.5 or 2-hour sessions. Please note that there’s a fee for access to the temporary exhibitions.
To ensure your spot on a tour or activity, it’s highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance. While tickets can be purchased at the museum, pre-booking guarantees your entry, even if you qualify for reduced or free admission.
Groups and Accessibility
For group visits, both self-guided and with external guides, advance booking is a must. A booking fee applies, and its cost varies based on the group size. An additional amount may be added at the museum to reflect the actual number of participants.
Please note that the guide or group leader is included in the group’s authorized maximum capacity.
Several groups are eligible for free entry, including:
- School and after-school groups
- Groups from the social domain
- Groups of disabled visitors
- Groups from hospitals, retirement homes, and specialized institutions
- Groups with an agreement with Paris Musées
If you belong to one of these groups, remember to book your visit through the visitor department.
Tailored Experiences for Diverse Audiences
The Musée Carnavalet is dedicated to creating accessible and inclusive experiences for all visitors, including those with disabilities and non-traditional museum audiences.
For a truly enriching experience, consider these options:
- Free entry for job seekers, those on minimum wage, and disabled visitors with their carer.
- Accessible interpretation aids for the permanent collection, such as:
- Adjusted hanging height for artwork
- Simplified Braille transcripts with tactile drawings
- Audio descriptions
- Hands-on exhibits
These facilities are designed to make the museum more welcoming and inclusive, ensuring everyone has an engaging experience.
Practical Information
For those planning to explore the museum, remember these important details:
- Self-service cloakrooms are available to keep your personal belongings secure.
- For safety and conservation, suitcases and large bags are not allowed. Only handbags are permitted, and they must be worn in front or carried in the hand.
- Wheelchairs and buggies can be borrowed at the museum reception, but prior booking is not required.
- Borrowed equipment must remain within the museum premises.
If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact the visitor department. The Musée Carnavalet aims to provide a smooth and enjoyable visit for all!
