Carnavalet Museum: A Portal to Parisian History

Name: Carnavalet Museum
Address: 23, Paris, Île-de-France, 75003, FR
Rating: 4.7

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Carnavalet Museum: A Portal to Parisian History

Overview

The Carnavalet Museum, although often overshadowed by other cultural sites, offers an extraordinary journey through the history of Paris right from the heart of Paris. This museum is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, showcasing an extensive range of exhibits that vividly depict pivotal moments from the Gallo-Roman era to contemporary Paris. Housed in two charming buildings, the Hôtel Carnavalet and Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau, it was transformed into a museum in 1866 by the city of Paris. Visitors will be enthralled by the numerous life-like displays, including significant events from the French Revolution, with rooms dedicated to showcasing the reconstructed prison cell of Louis XVI, as well as artifacts from 4400 to 2200 B.C. Whether you are an adult or a child, the museum offers an engaging experience through its detailed exhibits and beautiful sculpture garden, which is open to the public from April to October. A visit to Carnavalet Museum is a must for anyone keen on exploring the fascinating history of Paris.

Reviews

Gabriel Martin

France

An extraordinary museum with free admission. This location offers a deep dive into the history of Paris, featuring an impressive collection of art, artifacts, and period-specific room interiors, including prehistory in the basement. Facilities include free lockers, a gift shop, and elevator access to different floors. A truly fabulous destination.

Isabelle Dupont

France

A completely free, expansive museum showcasing the entirety of French history. The beautiful architecture, diverse themes, and English information make it accessible to all. Conveniently located, I was able to enter without queuing even on a weekend. The bookshop offers excellent resources in English for those wanting to delve deeper into French history. I encourage visitors to familiarize themselves with a bit of French history to enhance the experience, paying attention to details like the intriguing earrings on display in one exhibit.

Henrietta Bell

France

No queue, no reservations necessary, and admission is free! This museum is impressively large and diverse, with extensive renovations in progress. It covers almost all historical periods (though not the Imperial ones). A swift visit takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. Expect to discover many hidden rooms. I visited on a Friday afternoon during the holiday season, and it wasn't overly crowded. There’s a secure locker area for bags as well.

Michel Lemoine

France

This stunning museum offers free entry and is beautifully presented. It isn't crowded, has multiple sections, and even features a small garden. There's much to see, but I particularly enjoyed the 3D map of old Paris and the model of Notre Dame.

Bernardine Moreau

France

An amazing museum to discover the history of Paris, and admission is free. The exhibits range from medieval times to the Revolution. While there may be some queues, they move quickly, and the museum is generally not crowded. It’s a perfect spot for history enthusiasts, and I highly recommend it.