Musee Carnavalet (Paris History Museum), Paris
Immerse yourself in the French capital’s rich history at the Carnavalet Museum that occupies two neighboring mansions: the Hôtel Carnavalet and the former Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau. The former is a Renaissance jewel that was the home of writer Madame de Sévigné from 1677 to 1696.
Inside the museum's over 100 rooms, the exhibits show the transformation of the village of Lutèce, which was inhabited by the Parisii tribes, to the grand city of today with a population of more than 2 millions.
The Carnavalet houses about 2,600 paintings, 20,000 drawings, 300,000 engravings and 150,000 photographs, 2,000 modern sculptures and 800 pieces of furniture, thousands of ceramics, many decorations, models and reliefs, signs, thousands of coins, countless items, many of them souvenirs of famous characters, and thousands of archeological fragments.
Of particular interest among the exhibits are those related to the Revolution, featuring detailed scale models of guillotines and a replica of the Bastille prison made from one of its original stones. Also featured is a reconstruction of Louis XVI's prison cell and personal mementos from his life, such as medallions containing locks of his family's hair. Additionally, visitors can marvel at impressive interior recreations spanning from the Middle Ages to the rococo period, as well as Art Nouveau, with highlights including the original furnishings of the Café de Paris and the exquisite jewelry shop Fouquet.
Why You Should Visit:
Musée Carnavalet provides the most compelling summary of the history of Paris – its politics, art, and people. No other place in Paris offers such a comprehensive insight into the city's historical development over the centuries.
Inside the museum's over 100 rooms, the exhibits show the transformation of the village of Lutèce, which was inhabited by the Parisii tribes, to the grand city of today with a population of more than 2 millions.
The Carnavalet houses about 2,600 paintings, 20,000 drawings, 300,000 engravings and 150,000 photographs, 2,000 modern sculptures and 800 pieces of furniture, thousands of ceramics, many decorations, models and reliefs, signs, thousands of coins, countless items, many of them souvenirs of famous characters, and thousands of archeological fragments.
Of particular interest among the exhibits are those related to the Revolution, featuring detailed scale models of guillotines and a replica of the Bastille prison made from one of its original stones. Also featured is a reconstruction of Louis XVI's prison cell and personal mementos from his life, such as medallions containing locks of his family's hair. Additionally, visitors can marvel at impressive interior recreations spanning from the Middle Ages to the rococo period, as well as Art Nouveau, with highlights including the original furnishings of the Café de Paris and the exquisite jewelry shop Fouquet.
Why You Should Visit:
Musée Carnavalet provides the most compelling summary of the history of Paris – its politics, art, and people. No other place in Paris offers such a comprehensive insight into the city's historical development over the centuries.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Paris. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Musee Carnavalet (Paris History Museum) on Map
Sight Name: Musee Carnavalet (Paris History Museum)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
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Travel Distance: 7.3 Km or 4.5 Miles
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