What to visit in Paris' 5th arrondissement? With its many treasures, this district, which takes us in the footsteps of Lutetia, is sure to take us back in time to antiquity. It's a place where you can travel back in time. The 5th arrondissement is home to part of the aptly-named Quartier Latin, with its many cultural nuggets for both history buffs, including the Musée de Cluny dedicated to the Middle Ages, and contemporary art lovers, with its many art galleries.
There's so much to see and do here, it can be hard to find your way around. To help you make the most of the cultural visits awaiting you in the capital's 5th arrondissement, we've prepared a guide dedicated to the district's must-see monuments and museums, as well as the exhibitions on the program. You won't want to miss out on any great discoveries!
What's more, if you're in the habit of exploring the 5th arrondissement from top to bottom, this page could well be an invaluable aid to your escapades: as this guide is updated in line with our announcements and discoveries, you can consult it regularly to keep abreast of the new exhibitions that await you here! And for more ideas on what to do in the area, click here.
The Museum of Vintage Lighting: a Hidden Treasure Concealed Within a Boutique-Workshop in Paris
In the heart of the Latin Quarter lies a charming little free museum — a hidden gem that allows visitors to step back in time. Tucked away inside a boutique-workshop, the Vintage Lighting Museum offers delightful discoveries and fascinating stories waiting to be uncovered! [Read more]
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]
The Collège des Bernardins: one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris to visit free of charge
Let's discover the Collège des Bernardins - one of the oldest medieval buildings in Paris. Be sure to visit this 13th-century gem, located in the heart of the Latin Quarter and open to the public free of charge. Open all year round, this cultural space offers a variety of exhibitions and events, and even a café-restaurant. [Read more]
The Pantheon in Paris: prices, opening hours, tour and history of this emblematic monument
The Paris Pantheon, an emblematic monument in the heart of the capital, reveals the history of France's great personalities. Originally a church dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, the Panthéon is open all year round, giving you the chance to discover its rich heritage and architectural secrets. [Read more]
Discover the treasures of the Paris Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - program
The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris with its Jardin des Plantes is an emblematic institution of the capital, founded in 1793. Accessible all year round, this museum offers an insight into the world's rich natural heritage. From plants and magnets to fossils and experiments, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of nature. [Read more]
Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA): program, exhibitions, events, everything you need to know about this cultural center
The Institut du Monde Arabe is an astonishing place where Arab culture reveals itself to us through astonishing exhibitions and an eclectic program of events for all ages and all audiences! [Read more]
La Chapelle de La Sorbonne: the little-known architectural jewel of Parisian universities
Built in the 17th century in the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne chapel embodies the elegance of French classicism, houses the tomb of Richelieu, and bears witness to the intellectual and architectural prestige of the ancient University of Paris. Inaccessible for over 25 years, it is due to reopen to the public in a few years' time. [Read more]
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, in the heart of the Latin Quarter
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is a landmark in the Latin Quarter. Discover its history! [Read more]
Les Arènes de Lutèce, a Gallo-Roman amphitheatre in the heart of Paris
Did you know about the Arènes de Lutèce? This well-preserved Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, located in the heart of the Arènes de Lutèce square in Paris, is a true symbol of Parisian art de vivre! [Read more]
The Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie Comparée, the Museum's nugget in the Jardin des Plantes
You've heard of the Muséum and the Galerie de l'évolution, but what about the Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie comparée, nestling at the entrance to the Jardin des Plantes on the Gare d'Austerlitz side? From living creatures to extinct dinosaurs, discover the world of bones in this sublime museum, well worth a visit. [Read more]
The Grande Galerie de l'Evolution, the immense museum dedicated to animals from all over the world, in Paris
If you've ever taken a stroll through the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, you'll no doubt have spotted the grand old buildings that stand along the way: this is the Museum of Natural History, of which the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution is a part. [Read more]
The Curie Museum: In the footsteps of Marie Curie and her family
At the heart of the Curie campus, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris near the Panthéon, lies the Musée Curie. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, this free place of memory and knowledge offers an insight into the history of radioactivity and its medical applications. [Read more]
The Musée de la Sculpture en plein air: a free art walk in the heart of Paris
Have you heard of the Musée de la Sculpture en plein air? Located in the Square Tino Rossi in the 5th arrondissement, this small museum offers a free cultural stroll along the banks of the Seine, in a magnificent bucolic setting. [Read more]
Maison Poincaré: we visited the very first mathematics museum in Paris
The Maison Poincaré, nestled in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, invites you to discover the capital's very first mathematics museum from September 30, 2023. Inspired by the world's greatest science museums, this unique venue promises to illuminate the history, influence and wonders of mathematics for all the curious! We tell you all about it! [Read more]
The Musée de la Préfecture de Police, immerse yourself in history and police investigations
The Musée de la Préfecture de Police, nestled in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, invites visitors on a fascinating exploration of the history of the Paris police force from the 17th century to the present day. Available all year round, this historic treasure trove on rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève unveils over 2,000 authentic and captivating works of art. [Read more]
The Sorbonne Library, in the 5th arrondissement
If you're still a student, then you have the chance to visit the Bibliothèque de la Sorbonne, in the 5th arrondissement. A wonderful place to study in peace and quiet. [Read more]
Shadow is light, memory of places: a contemporary art exhibition in the heart of the Pantheon
The Pantheon welcomes Nicolas Daubanes and his creations for a meditative exhibition running from November 19, 2025, to March 8, 2026. [Read more]
Night at the Pantheon 2025-2026: upcoming dates for these unusual torchlight tours
La Nuit au Panthéon returns to Paris during the winter evenings, from December 10, 2025, to January 28, 2026, for some exciting nighttime events. What's on the program? Torchlight tours of the legendary Parisian monument, from the nave to the crypt! [Read more]
Deserts: the extended scientific exhibition at the Natural History Museum in Paris
The National Museum of Natural History in Paris takes us to the most extreme corners of the planet with the exhibition "Deserts," open from April 2, 2025, to April 19, 2026. [Read more]
The Musée de Cluny at night: discover the Middle Ages two Thursday evenings a month
On the first and third Thursday evenings of the month, until 9pm, the Musée de Cluny welcomes you for a nocturne through its fine collections presenting the Middle Ages and its temporary exhibitions. [Read more]
Robert Badinter, justice at heart: the moving and historic exhibition at the Panthéon
From October 11, 2025 to March 8, 2026, the crypt of the Panthéon will host the exhibition "Robert Badinter, la justice au cœur", retracing his struggles and inspirations, on the occasion of his entry into the monument. [Read more]
Center culturel irlandais: the institution that promotes Irish culture in Paris
Exhibitions, concerts, screenings, debates... Throughout the year, the Centre culturel irlandais opens its doors to all for a cultural immersion on the Emerald Isle. Let's take a closer look at this cultural institution, housed since 2002 in the Collège des Irlandais building in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter. [Read more]
The Musée du Service de Santé des Armées: a little-known site on the history of military medicine
The little-known Musée du Service de Santé des Armées retraces four centuries of military medical history in the heart of the former Val-de-Grâce abbey, featuring medical instruments, casts and scientific developments. [Read more]
Grande Galerie de l'Evolution: discover the children's workshops, a storytelling tour every Saturday
Every Saturday, the Grande Galerie de l'Evolution offers a weekly event for families with children. Welcome to the little ones' Saturdays! [Read more]
The Institut Finlandais in Paris: an open window on Finnish culture and society
Located in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, the Institut Finlandais is a genuine invitation to travel and discover the beautiful and discreet Nordic country of Finland. Throughout the year, this multi-disciplinary cultural center offers a rich and varied program combining gastronomy, design and visual arts! [Read more]
The Durfort Mammoth at the Paris Natural History Museum, restored!
(Re)discover at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, the newly restored "Mammouth de Durfort", an icon of paleontology on display since 1898. [Read more]
