Have you heard of the Cité de l'Architecture ? Since 2007, this museum has been showcasing a fine collection of models, plans of fortified towns, pieces of destroyed buildings and stained glass windows, with the aim of answering several questions: How are the major buildings of our time and of the past constructed? Why and for whom were they designed? What are the contemporary challenges?
Housed in the magnificent Palais de Chaillot, on the Place du Trocadéro and facing the Eiffel Tower, the museum boasts a large exhibition space for monumental pieces.
Heir to the Musée de Sculpture Comparée, opened in 1882, the museum presents three collections in three different galleries. These include the gallery of molds, the gallery of murals and stained glass, and the new gallery of modern and contemporary architecture, which looks back at thehistory of French architecture since 1851.
Among the highlights of the collection are the painted ceiling of the dome of Cahors Cathedral (14th century), a model of Notre-Dame de Paris, a 1:1 scale reconstruction of one of the housing units of the Cité radieuse built by Le Corbusier in Marseille in 1952, and a model of the Gare du Nord railway station.
More than 6,000 historic items are on display in the 7,000 m² permanent collection. In addition, the Cité de l'architecture boasts an outstanding specialized library with over 44,000 books, 507 periodical titles and thousands of documentary films and digital resources.
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine in Paris is open every day except Tuesday, from 11am to 7pm and until 9pm on Thursdays. Last admission is at 6.20pm on Tuesdays and 8.20pm on Thursdays. The museum is closed on the following days: January 1, May 1, July 14 and December 25. It closes early at 5pm on December 24 and 31.
How to get to the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine?
As you'd expect, getting to the Trocadero is fairly straightforward and well served. Note that the Palais Chaillot, where the Museum is located, is in the building on the left when you're facing the Eiffel Tower.
Admission to the museum and its permanent collection, and to exhibitions in the permanent collection, is €9 full price and €6 concessions. The same rate applies to temporary exhibitions. You can opt for a ticket that includes the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions for €12 full price and €9 concessions. We strongly recommend that you reserve your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. The site also offers themed guided tours, workshops and courses for young and old, and even yoga. You can even organize a birthday workshop.
Free admission: the museum's permanent collection is free of charge for EU citizens under 25 and disabled visitors with accompanying adult. Temporary exhibitions are free of charge for young people under 18. The museum is also free on the 1st Sunday of the month.
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine is accessible to people with disabilities. Several systems are in place to accommodate different types of disability. Audio guides are available for €5. An independent checkroom is available.
The Palais Chaillot is home to the Girafe restaurant on the first floor and the Suite Girafe on the 9th floor, with its exceptional view of the Eiffel Tower. A good idea? Head to the left wing of the palace, in the Grand Foyer de la Danse du Théâtre Chaillot, to enjoy the Ilots de Chaillot with its sublime view of the Tower.
Exhibitions, workshops and events are held throughout the year.
Paris 1925, Art Deco and its architects: the exhibition opens at the Cité de l'Architecture
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine is celebrating a special anniversary: 100 years of the Art Deco movement. To mark the occasion, the museum is returning to the roots of Art Deco in Paris with an exhibition running from October 22, 2025, to March 29, 2026. [Read more]
Art Basel Paris 2025: contemporary artists exhibit at the Cité de l'architecture
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine is also participating in the Art Basel Paris 2025 fair, hosting two new contemporary exhibitions from October 22, 2025, to February 16, 2026. [Read more]
The Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine by night: visit the collections every Thursday evening
Every Thursday evening, until 9pm, the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine welcomes you for a nocturne through its permanent collections, architectural features and temporary exhibitions. [Read more]
Did you know? Visit an apartment designed by Le Corbusier, at the Cité de l'Architecture
In the permanent collections, enter a life-size reproduction of an apartment designed by architect Le Corbusier. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 21, 2025
Location
Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine
1 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
75116 Paris 16
Access
Metro Trocadéro or Iena
Prices
- 25 ans UE: Free
Plein Tarif: €9
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.citedelarchitecture.fr
Booking
Book your tickets with Paris je t'aime here
More information
Opening hours: daily 11am-7pm except Tuesdays, Thursdays until 9pm.
