Over the last four years, what is generally considered to be the oldest museum in Paris, the Musée Carnavalet, has had a facelift. Housed in the superb setting of two private mansions in the Marais, it presents several thousand years of the city’s history in a captivating immersive scenography. Treat yourself to a visit, it's only a quarter of an hour on foot from your Paris France Hotel!
All the history of Paris in one place
What more beautiful setting for the memories of yesteryear Paris could there be than these two mansions dating from the 16th and 17th centuries? During your visit, you’ll discover the beauty of their architecture and its myriad charming details; a geometric façade here, a sculpted decoration there, an ornate staircase and much more. Some 3,900 m² of display space houses more than 600,000 documents relating to the history of the city of Paris, and thus a significant part of the history of France. The journey begins in prehistoric times with the famous monoxyle canoes and ends with today’s metropolis.
The small details and the big picture
Sculptures, artifacts, paintings, writings; the sources are impressive in their diversity. You’ll travel through time as you traverse the museum’s 1.5 km route, gradually seeing the city expand and develop. The French Revolution holds a special place in the narrative, with famous paintings such as The Tennis Court Oath by Jacques-Louis David, astonishing documents including the last order signed by Louis XVI before his attempt to flee Paris, and poignant objects such as Marie-Antoinette’s shoe. The Musée Carnavalet also opens its spaces to temporary exhibitions. Currently, you can admire Henri Cartier-Bresson's look at Paris through his photographs.
A few steps from your Paris France Hotel, the Musée Carnavalet has received a new lease of life after four years of work. With its modern scenography and rich collections, this dive into the history of the city of Paris is a real adventure.
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Photo : © Miguel Hermoso Cuesta - Wikimedia Commons
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