Audio GuideCarnavalet Museum

Situated within two exquisite sixteenth-century mansions, the Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris offers a fascinating exploration into the core of Parisian history. Located at twenty-three Rue de Sévigné in the lively third arrondissement, this museum hosts over six hundred and twenty-five thousand artefacts spanning from ancient times to the present day.

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Visitors can wander through furnished rooms representing various eras, encounter everyday objects that narrate the story of daily life, and admire an extensive collection of paintings depicting Paris across the ages. Among the standout pieces is a Neolithic canoe dating back to two thousand seven hundred BCE and Gallo-Roman relics from ancient Lutetia, the former name for Paris.

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The museum presents magnificent medieval and Renaissance artworks, offering a window into the city’s artistic legacy. Significant artefacts from the French Revolution are also on display, providing context to this critical chapter in history. Exhibitions from the Napoleonic era, the Belle Époque, and contemporary times illustrate how Paris has transformed through the centuries.

Key attractions include the original façade adorned with Renaissance sculptures carved by Jean Goujon and an impressive statue of Louis the Fourteenth in Roman dress by Antoine Coysevox, symbolising the king’s authority and classical influences. The interiors boast intricate designs showcasing various architectural styles, adding to the museum’s allure.

The Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau, which joined the museum in nineteen eighty-nine, offers deeper insights into revolutionary Paris. After a significant renovation completed in two thousand twenty-one, the museum now features updated galleries and expanded exhibits, enhancing the visitor experience.

Conveniently accessible via the Saint-Paul metro station, the Musée Carnavalet is an essential destination for anyone keen to delve into the rich cultural and historical fabric of Paris.