The Journées du Patrimoine 2025 (Heritage Days 2025 ) are back, giving you the chance to discover emblematic places that are often closed to the public! Churches, historic monuments, castles and other spots that sometimes open exceptionally are waiting to reveal all their secrets to you on September 20 and 21. Launched in 1984, these days are an opportunity for the general public to discover cultural heritage through guided tours and free activities.
In Paris, many of the city's private mansions hide behind beautiful facades. Located at 16 bis boulevard Montmartre, the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau provides a prestigious new setting for L'École des Arts Joailliers. What could be more beautiful than this listed hotel to host the school's free exhibitions? A hidden treasure, founded with the support of Van Cleef & Arpels to promote jewelry culture.
Throughout the year, visitors can discover its rich history and neoclassical architecture at jewelry exhibitions in the reception rooms, adorned with gilded woodwork and Corinthian porticos. A spacious library and a unique bookshop, L'Escarboucle, complete the space available to visitors. Don't forget, reservations are essential!
Did you know? A discreet advisor to the young Queen Marie-Antoinette, the Comte de Mercy-Argenteau was one of the key figures at the court of Versailles in the 18th century!
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: unusual outings for an original weekend in Paris
Think you know everything about Paris? Well, we can still surprise you! This weekend, Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, 2025, you're in for a real treat at the Journées du Patrimoine! We're sharing our picks for the 42nd Journées du Patrimoine, in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. [Read more]
Come and discover the history and architecture of the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, which since June 2024 has housed all the activities of L'École des Arts Joailliers: introductory courses, lectures, exhibitions, as well as a library and bookshop - both specialized in jewelry-related themes .
Built in 1778, this listed mansion is one of the oldest surviving private residences in the Grands Boulevards district of Paris, and owes its name to its first occupant: Count Florimond-Claude de Mercy-Argenteau, an influential figure who served as ambassador to Maria Theresa of Austria at the court of the King of France.
The tour also includes a demonstration of Joallier skills, and ends with the exhibition "Le geste retrouvé: reconstitution du torque celte de Montans", which highlights a totally new research project, at the crossroads of archaeology and the history of skills: the reconstitution of a Celtic gold necklace found in 1843 in Montans, Tarn, and dating from the Second Iron Age (450 - 25 B.C.). The aim of this collective adventure, which falls within the realm of experimental archaeology, was to understand the know-how that went into the creation of this necklace over 2,000 years ago, the complexity of which is beyond our comprehension, in order to reproduce it. The result of a collaborative effort, the exhibition celebrates the work of the hand and the craftsman.
Step inside the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau with Léonard Pouy and his book to learn more about this Parisian architectural gem, a privileged witness to the great diplomatic hours of the 18th century.
Léonard Pouy and Stéphane Pesnel, Senior Lecturer in Germanic Studies at Sorbonne University, will discuss the hotel's Austrian past and Marie-Antoinette, the emblematic historical figure to whom the great Austrian author Stefan Zweig dedicated a biography. These two history and literature enthusiasts will take you behind the scenes of this little-known heritage.
This conference is made possible thanks to the support of the Forum Culturel Autrichien Paris.
A skilful diplomat and discreet advisor to the young queen Marie-Antoinette, Comte de Mercy-Argenteau was a key figure at the 18th-century Court of Versailles. Collected letters attest to his role in some of the Court's noisiest stories, such as the affair involving the queen's necklace!
Learn more about the link between the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau and the world of jewelry.
The conference will be led by :
* Caroline Benzaria, art historian and professor at L'École des Arts Joailliers
* Gilliane Bérardini, art historian and professor at L'École des Arts Joailliers
This tour introduces children to the steps involved in creating a piece of jewelry, with a demonstration of the skills and tools used in the jewelry trade.
In a second phase, a specific activity allows them to discover the history of the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau, its first occupant, Count Florimond-Claude de Mercy-Argenteau, Austrian ambassador to the court of the King of France, and his links with the queen of the time, Marie-Antoinette.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Mercy-Argenteau Hotel
16 Bis Boulevard Montmartre
75009 Paris 9
Prices
Free
Official website
journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: unusual outings for an original weekend in Paris
