On the occasion of Journées du Patrimoine 2026 à Paris, curious and history enthusiasts are invited to embark on a true journey through time. For an immersion in the heart of the Middle Ages and the Antiquity, the Musée de Cluny stands out as an unmissable cultural highlight this weekend of 19 to 20 September 2026. As a reminder, this event invites everyone to enjoy numerous free tours and exceptional openings across Paris and its region.
The Musée de Cluny, Paris' museum of the Middle Ages, its program and age-old treasures
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Musée de Cluny is housed in the 13th-century Hôtel des Abbés de Cluny, and is home to works of art even older than that! Come and visit this museum dedicated to the Middle Ages in Paris. [Read more]
At the Musée de Cluny, known as the Musée National du Moyen-Âge, there are many nuggets worth a visit, including the original heads of the kings that once adorned the façade of Notre-Dame cathedral, La Dame à la Licorne, a medieval tapestry that has made its mark on pop culture through the Harry Potter film saga, and the frigidarium of the Thermes Antiques, a cold room with 14-meter-high vaults.
This must-visit site that transports visitors to the medieval era invites you to discover its secrets and historical treasures for its 43rd edition through a special program. Please note that reservations are mandatory!
Self-guided tour of the Cluny Museum
Step back in time and discover the greatest masterpieces of medieval art at the heart of the Latin Quarter!
The 15th-century townhouse of the abbeys of Cluny, built against Gallo-Roman baths, unfolds around a contemporary extension inaugurated in 2018 and designed by architect Bernard Desmoulin.
The Cluny Museum – National Museum of the Middle Ages is known worldwide for the famous Unicorn Tapestries of the "Dame à la licorne," the extraordinary "Golden Rose," and the sculptures of Notre-Dame de Paris as well as the stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle.
Participation conditions: Subject to availability - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
The Gallo-Roman baths of Lutetia
Toward the end of the 1st century, when Paris was still Lutetia, public baths shared a central place in the Gallo-Roman city. A bustling hub of social life and exchange, welcoming to all, they were where people played sports, washed, relaxed, and nurtured social, political, or diplomatic ties. These baths—known as thermae—are still visible today, at least in part.
On a guided visit, trace the steps of Lutetia’s inhabitants, stroll through the frigidarium, the cold bath with a vault rising to 14 meters, and wander the underground galleries to understand how they worked.
Duration: 1 hour. Departures at 10:00, 10:30, 14:00 and 14:30
Participation terms: If you are absent five minutes before the scheduled start of the visit, the museum reserves the right to reallocate your place. - Free | Reservation required - https://www.musee-moyenage.fr/en-ce-moment/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–11:30, 14:00–15:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–11:30, 14:00–15:30
Architecture and Functions
The residence of the Abbots of Cluny, erected at the end of the 15th century, is Paris’s oldest private townhouse. Nestled between courtyard and garden, this exceptional building has captivated visitors for centuries, eventually becoming one of the capital’s first museums in the 19th century. It houses, in particular, a chapel that stands as a masterwork of flamboyant Gothic design. Discover this remarkable site, originally laid out on the remains of ancient baths.
Duration: 1h. Departures at 11:30, 12:00, 15:30 and 16:00
Participation terms: If you are not present five minutes before the start of the visit, the museum reserves the right to reassign your place. - Free | Reservation required - https://www.musee-moyenage.fr/en-ce-moment/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:30–13:00, 15:30–17:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:30–13:00, 15:30–17:00
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Musée du Moyen-Age - Musée de Cluny
28 Rue du Sommerard
75005 Paris 5
Route planner
Access
Metro line 10 "Cluny - La Sorbonne" station
Prices
Free
Official website
www.musee-moyenage.fr
The Musée de Cluny, Paris' museum of the Middle Ages, its program and age-old treasures
