Known the world over for its exceptional tapestries, the Manufacture des Gobelins was founded in the 15th century under Colbert, and has been keeping French craft heritage alive ever since. For the 42nd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, discover this exceptional place through a unique visit to the heart of " exceptional know-how, the vitality of artistic creation and contemporary design " on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, 2025.
The Manufacture opens its doors and invites visitors to discover " the treasures of the institution in its reserves, where one of the richest collections of furniture in the world is stored ". Also on the program: the opening of the restoration and creation workshops " with the Gobelins, Beauvais and La Savonnerie factories, at the heart of creation for 400 years ". And for this exceptional edition, the Mobilier National is mobilizing to show visitors never-before-seen pieces from its collections.
During the Journées du Patrimoine 2025, visitors will be able to discover the different areas of the Manufacture des Gobelins. Discover the program below!
As part of the European Heritage Days, Mobilier National invites you to discover its exceptional heritage behind the scenes. Heir to a centuries-old tradition, the establishment is opening its doors for a weekend dedicated to the transmission of know-how.
Come and explore a unique site in the heart of Paris, usually closed to the public, and plunge into the history of the decorative arts through its collections, its emblematic buildings and the wealth of its crafts.
Over the course of a weekend, three complementary itineraries will enable visitors to discover the diversity of know-how and the vitality of creation:
Route A - Les Gobelins (42, avenue des Gobelins)
Manufacture de tapisserie des Gobelins: demonstrations of haute-lice weaving.
École des arts textiles: training courses and workshops.
Atelier couleur & nuancier des Gobelins: the science and magic of dyes.
Chapelle des Gobelins: presentation of contemporary creations from the manufactures.
Route B - Mobilier national (1, rue Berbier du Mets)
Réserve Perret: chronological presentation of the collections and focus on the ARC.
Restoration workshops: discover the trades involved in the conservation of over 100,000 works of art (carpentry, rugs, tapestries, tapestry-decor, lustrerie-bronze...).
Underground storerooms: a behind-the-scenes look at state furnishings.
Tour C - Textile Manufactures (1 bis, rue Berbier du Mets)
Manufacture de tapisserie de Beauvais: demonstrations of basse-lice weaving.
Manufacture de la Savonnerie: demonstrations of knotted-stitch carpet techniques.
Last entry 18:15
Founded in 1964, theAtelier de Recherche et de Création (ARC) at the Mobilier National is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. A veritable innovation laboratory, it brings together a dozen technicians who collaborate with designers and creators to design one-off pieces or small series, which are then integrated into the national collections.
Over the past six decades, ARC has left its mark on the history of contemporary design and furnishings, creating fittings for major public institutions, taking part in the most prestigious international exhibitions (Milan Triennale, Montreal World Expo, Osaka) and collaborating with benchmark museums such as the Louvre and Dijon's Magnin Museum.
Always true to its spirit of experimentation, ARC explores new materials and processes, anticipates innovative uses and also develops social design projects. Some creations have even been distributed through partnerships with publishers.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, several areas of the Mobilier National will be highlighting this anniversary:
Réserve Perret: presentation of emblematic ARC works on podiums;
Service ameublement: staging of several of the workshop's creations;
Basement storeroom: craftsmen demonstrate state-of-the-art machinery (5-axis machining centers, water-jet cutting, press brakes), illustrating the technological turn taken by the ARC to meet the challenges of today's designers.
The Petit Mob' educational workshops are open to children aged 6 to 14.
They'll have the chance to try their hand at tapestry-making, and to slip into the shoes of a tapestry-maker for the duration of a workshop.
Le Petit Mob' is a free program designed in conjunction with the French Ministry of Education. It enables young people to discover the collections of the Mobilier national, to develop their sense of touch through materials, and to try their hand at an artistic practice that values the learning of gesture.
Feel like it? Go for it! If not, discover the rest of the program in Paris:
Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris (75): full schedule of visits by arrondissement
For the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris, the capital's historic and artistic monuments and landmarks are opening their doors (often free of charge) to let us in on their secrets. Don't miss this not-to-be-missed event, scheduled for the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025, on the theme of "Architectural Heritage". [Read more]
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) return this weekend, September 20 and 21, 2025, for their 42nd edition. In Paris and Île-de-France, it's a chance to visit free museums and castles, places that are exceptionally open, unusual guided tours and other great activities, on the theme of "Architectural Heritage". [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On September 20, 2025
Location
Manufacture des Gobelins
42 Avenue des Gobelins
75013 Paris 13
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.mobiliernational.culture.gouv.fr
More information
Open from 10am to 6:15pm (last admission). PMR access: 1bis rue Berbier du Mets, 75013.
Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris (75): full schedule of visits by arrondissement
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: the full program for this year's event in Paris and the Île-de-France region
