Musée Carnavalet Reopens in Paris: A Treasure of History
The Musée Carnavalet has long been one of Paris’ overlooked treasures. After five years of closure and a €55 million makeover, the museum is set to enhance its appeal with a reinvigorated space.
With news that France is reopening to international travelers this summer, the Musée Carnavalet will welcome guests back on Saturday, May 29. This hidden gem, located in two grand buildings dating back to the Renaissance in the Marais district, has been dedicated to the history of the city since it first opened in 1888. Inside, visitors will discover an eclectic mix of artefacts and curiosities ranging from Gallo-Roman ruins and Art Deco furniture to Marie Antoinette’s belongings and Marcel Proust’s furniture. The museum also houses more than 30 reconstructed period rooms, showcasing stately homes across Paris in their exquisite finery.
Previously, the museum closed in 2016 as the collection grew so large that curators faced challenges in displaying them coherently. Consequently, after a substantial €55 million renovation, which incorporated expertise from François Châtillon, the chief architect for France’s historical monuments, the Musée Carnavalet is ready to welcome visitors to its enhanced exhibition spaces. Notable improvements include newly adapted circuit routes arranged in chronological order and the opening up of previously hidden spaces to allow more natural light.
The installation of lifts and ramps throughout the building has improved accessibility, while the introduction of digital displays brings the museum into the 21st century. Additionally, one of the oldest parts of the Musée Carnavalet, located in the basement, has been fully renovated to showcase collections from the Mesolithic to the Renaissance periods. Two introductory rooms now welcome visitors, and a café-restaurant overlooking the gardens has also been established.
The Musée Carnavalet is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Saint Paul metro station. Admission to the permanent collection is complimentary, while visitors are charged for temporary exhibitions, the first of which highlights the life and work of renowned French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson and will run from June 15 to October 31, 2021.
Operating hours for the museum are from 10 AM to 6 PM daily, with closures on Mondays and public holidays. For further information about the newly renovated museum, see here.
