Musée national de la Marine in Paris: a place of art for learning and travel at the Trocadéro

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Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, Julie de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on April 8, 2026 at 02:06 p.m.
The National Maritime Museum invites us to discover the treasures of the sea and the issues surrounding it through its permanent collections. Check out the museum’s latest news and plan your next visit.

Located on Place du Trocadéro, next to the Musée de l'Homme and the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, is a museum that often flies under the radar. And for good reason: it had been closed since 2017 for renovations. After extensive work, the museum has finally reopened, becoming one of Parisians' new favorite cultural spots.

The Musée national de la Marine is located in the heart of the Palais de Chaillot, next door to the Musée de l'Homme. This place of art and history, as well as a place of science, tells the story of France's maritime traditions and adventures. The Musée national de la Marine is one of the two oldest maritime museums in the world!

Le Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentes

The Musée de la Marine invites us on a unique journey to discover the sea: its depths and shores, its flora and fauna, the boats that cross and explore it, the men and women who live there, and its role in our environment...

More than one thousand objects and works of art have been restored and highlighted in this new exhibition route. Visitors can discover and admire scientific and technical objects, scale models and prototypes, paintings, decorative objects, photographs, sculptures, furniture... The marine world has fascinated and inspired many artists and engineers.  

Le Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentes

The museum is also highly immersive, plunging us completely beneath the waves: at the start of the visit, we step aboard the bow of a ship and set off to explore the various worlds on display.

The exhibition is divided into several sections: ship models and boat designs, the art of navigation, naval sculpture, French ports and the maritime economy. Temporary exhibitions also offer visitors the chance to explore themes or artists connected with the sea. 

Le Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentes

Visiting the museum

The National Maritime Museum is open every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Tuesdays. It is also closed on January 1, May 1, July 14 and December 25. Admission costs between €15 and €9, depending on what’s on at the museum. The museum is accessible from Trocadéro station (lines 6 and 9), exit no. 6, “Avenue Paul Doumer – Musée de l’Homme.”

The museum also offers several interactive and digital features to make the visit more engaging. Visitors can try a family-friendly mystery game, experiences using a VR headset or simulator, and even a small digital workshop where they can play at being an underwater archaeologist. The permanent exhibition also includes features designed for visitors with physical, hearing, visual or intellectual disabilities, older people and young children, so everyone can enjoy this new venue. The Musée de la Marine aims to appeal to all its visitors with games, activities, exhibitions and news for all ages.

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To extend your visit, be sure to stop by the bookshop and gift shop or the restaurant, a brand-new addition to the museum. At the "Carré de l'Amiral", you can enjoy sweet and savoury treats, as well as culinary events such as an oyster bar or a cocktail bar.

A fascinating museum to (re)discover without delay! Hoist the sails, sailors: the National Maritime Museum is opening its doors wide to you.

Museum news:

Le Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentes An alternative night out at the Naval Museum: a free late-night event exploring the depths
The National Maritime Museum is opening its collections and the exhibition The Call of the Deep free of charge on November 5, 2026. The program for this Contre-soirée includes slam poetry, linocut printing, a DJ set, and interpretation sessions around the artworks. [Read more]

L'appel des profondeurs : partez en exploration avec l'exposition du Musée national de la MarineL'appel des profondeurs : partez en exploration avec l'exposition du Musée national de la MarineL'appel des profondeurs : partez en exploration avec l'exposition du Musée national de la MarineL'appel des profondeurs : partez en exploration avec l'exposition du Musée national de la Marine The Call of the Deep: embark on an exploration with the National Maritime Museum's exhibition
Beliefs, fantastical tales, or scientific inquiries—the abyss has spoken of itself for centuries. From October 14, 2026 to April 4, 2027, the National Maritime Museum invites us on a brief journey into the heart of these depths that fascinate humanity... [Read more]

 

 

 

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Thursday: closed
Friday: from 11:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Saturday: from 11:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Sunday: from 11:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Monday: from 11:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Wednesday: from 11:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
    75116 Paris 16

    Route planner

    Prices
    Moins de 26 ans: Free
    Tarif sans exposition: €9 - €12
    Tarif avec exposition: €10 - €15

    Official website
    www.musee-marine.fr

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