Audio GuideMaison de Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo's evocative apartment, decorated with original furniture, plus artifacts and sketches.
Museum
Paris, France
Welcome to Maison de Victor Hugo, a literary museum nestled in the historic Place des Vosges in Paris. Originally built in the early seventeenth century as Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée, the building was reimagined to honor the great writer Victor Hugo. He lived in this apartment with his wife from eighteen thirty-two to eighteen forty-eight, a time marked by fresh ideas, passionate creativity, and involvement in political change.
The museum unfolds across seven interconnected rooms that follow the stages of Hugo’s life. In the entry vestibule, visitors can sense the beginnings of his personal journey, reflecting the early chapters of his life and marriage with Adèle Foucher. The red salon recalls his time in lively Paris, when the city bustled with romantic artists and writers. In the workroom, Hugo composed masterpieces that have left a lasting impression on literature. Other rooms display personal photographs, period furnishings, and memorabilia from his years in exile.
A highlight is the library, home to over eleven thousand volumes, which offers insight into Hugo’s creative process. Additionally, a cabinet with rotating drawings lets visitors witness new perspectives on his sketches. Recent updates include modern educational spaces and a tea lounge overlooking the garden courtyard, enhancing the overall experience.
Part of the Paris Musées network and linked to Hauteville House in Guernsey, Maison de Victor Hugo provides a welcoming window into nineteenth-century Paris and the life of one of history’s most influential writers.
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