The Musée Carnavalet, Paris’s city museum dedicated to the capital’s history, is taking part in the Journées du Patrimoine 2026. An invitation to rediscover the most Parisian of museums! Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026 for a series of guided tours exploring the museum’s collections.
From the Middle Ages to the present day, through the Renaissance, the French Revolution, the Empire, the wars, the Republics... Each moment in history is illustrated and explained in this museum. The capital is at the heart of these collections: you'll find it in the paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, furniture, precious and antique objects and thousands of historical items on display in this magnificent museum.
The Musée Carnavalet is the most Parisian of the capital's museums. Its vocation is to present the history of Paris, from prehistory to the present day, in all its diverse aspects. Historical in essence, the Musée Carnavalet is nonetheless an art museum, presenting mainly original works that reflect the very essence of Paris.
To help us discover its collections, the Musée Carnavalet is offering special tours to mark the Journées du Patrimoine.
Guided Tour: The Museum's Highlights
On your first visit to the museum, let yourself be guided and dive into Paris's history through a selection of iconic works from our collections.
Participation requirements: Subject to availability - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–11:00, 14:30–15:30
Guided Tour: The Museum's Oddities
Do you know the marmot box? Have you ever seen a duck in a gondola? Or can you guess what Moulin balls were used for? Discover a fresh way to dive into the Carnavalet Museum – History of Paris collections, through unusual historical objects that defy the ordinary.
Participation conditions: Subject to availability - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:30–12:30, 16:00–17:00
Carnavalet Encounters
On the occasion of the Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris Museum’s 160th anniversary, discover the life of the museum’s collections with the people who keep them thriving. The conservation teams will greet you in front of a selection of works to reveal their stories.
Open to all audiences
Duration: short, 30-minute presentations in front of the works
Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Free activity, no reservation required, in the permanent collections spaces with free access.
Participation conditions: Free activity with no reservation required, open access in the permanent collections spaces. - Free | No reservation
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Shall we book a weekend, folks?
Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
The Musée Carnavalet invites you to discover the history of the capital. Discover what awaits you in Paris' oldest museum, which has the advantage of being free... [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Carnavalet Museum
23 Rue de Sévigné
75003 Paris 3
Prices
Free
Official website
www.carnavalet.paris.fr
Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
