Museum Carnavalet
Le Marais is a real open-air museum. But did you know that some of the most beautiful artistic and cultural treasures of Paris are housed there? Here, Museums don't just exhibit masterpieces: they are masterpieces themselves.. Most of them are installed in sumptuous private mansions Or, like the Centre Pompidou, within resolutely contemporary architectural creations, these places perfectly blend architectural heritage and rich collections. Step through the doors of these prestigious buildings and immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere. A stroll through these museums is much more than a cultural outing: it's an immersion in the timeless elegance of Paris. Here are the 10 museums of Marais that I prefer.
The museum Carnavalet, nestled in the magnificent private mansions of Ligneris (known as Carnavalet) and Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, is my absolute favorite for dive into the fascinating history of Paris. Here, each room tells the story of an era, from the early days of Lutetia to the excitement of the modern capital. Paintings, sculptures, period objects, reconstructions of shops or salons: everything is designed for you. immerse yourself in the soul of the City of Lights with more 640 works, from prehistory to the present day. During your visit, perhaps you will feel, like me, the ghost of the writer Madame de Sévigné who settled there from 1677 to 1694 or that of Marcel Proust lying in his bed presented here...
The Memorial Carnavalet organizes sublime and exciting temporary exhibitions (paid) including here is the program. Book your slot quickly.
My advice : from May to autumn, you can restore in the museum’s sublime gardens. Gourmet snacking is possible from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., a timeless dinner is served from 19:30 p.m. (to be reserved here)
In the Hôtel Salé, a splendid private mansion of the XVIIth century, the Museum Picasso Paris unveils a unique collection of more than 5 works of the master who had such strong ties with Paris. Paintings, sculptures, drawings, archives: everything is there to immerse yourself in the artist's abundant universe. It is also the richest public collection in the world! Let yourself be surprised by theboldness and diversity of Picasso, a jack-of-all-trades genius who never set himself any limits. For my part, I never leave these complicit immersions. in the intimacy of a creator which continues to fascinate the art world. temporary exhibitions are just as great for discovering other artists.
My advice : a café and snack area is perched on the roof top of the museum, here is the menu !
The Pompidou Center, or " Beaubourg », is an architectural masterpiece designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. Inaugurated in 1977, it is distinguished by its bold design, with its colored pipes and visible structures, a revolutionary approach that redefined cultural architecture by upsetting many conventions. It features a exceptional collection of modern and contemporary art, masterpieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, Dali, Matisse and Duchamp, and wonderful temporary exhibitions that captivate millions of visitors every year. In addition to discovering the works, I particularly like take the outside escalator, this famous transparent “tube” which winds along the facade. On each floor, the view of Paris is revealed a little more, and arrived At the very top, the panorama is breathtaking : a face-to-face encounter with the Eiffel Tower, the rooftops of Paris, and of course, the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
But be careful, this iconic monument to close in September 2025 for five years of renovation! The last temporary exhibitions are accessible here.
Pinault Collection : a new jewel of contemporary art!
Note that a few minutes walk from the Centre Pompidou (so we leave the Marais…) is theexceptional collection of contemporary art by billionaire François Pinault exposed to the Bourse de Commerce. The entrance ticket to the Pinault Collection located behind the Forum des Halles is to be reserved via the button here on the right
The Museum of Jewish Art and History (MAHJ), installed in the former Hôtel de Saint-Aignan, a magnificent private mansion of the XVIIe. It is a statue of Captain Dreyfus that welcomes you into its courtyard. This museum traces Jewish history and culture through a wide variety of collections and wealth: manuscripts, liturgical objects, paintings, sculptures and historical archives. An important place is given to the Jewish presence in the arts with painters from the School of Paris (Chagall, Soutine, etc.) and contemporary artists (Christian Boltanski, Sophie Calle, etc.). The temporary exhibitions, often daring, explore contemporary themes of Judaism.
This is a visit that fits perfectly into the discovery of the Jewish quarter of Marais. Street my article, discover the history and soul of the Pletzl !
Located in the heart of the majestic Place des Vosges, the House of Victor Hugo offers a fascinating dive into the world of the famous writer. This apartment, where he lived from 1832 to 1848, bears witness to his daily life, his commitments and his creative genius. Through magnificently restored rooms, the visitor discovers period furniture, original manuscripts, drawings made by the author himself, as well as personal memories that tell of his exile, his fights for social justice and his passion for the arts. Place of intimacy and grandeur, this house illustrates the life and work of one of the greatest names in French literature, while offering a breathtaking view of the timeless charm of the Place des Vosges.
My wink: living in the neighborhood, I often come to have a drink and read my newspaper on the terrace at Café Mulot located in the heart of this superb private mansion. This café is a truly unusual, peaceful and almost secret place. A haven of peace…
Housed in the elegant Hotel Donon, the Museum Cognacq-Jay invite to a refined journey into the art of XVII1st century. This intimate museum houses the exceptional collection of Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jay, founders of the department store La Samaritaine. Paintings by Boucher, Watteau and Fragonard, sculptures, precious furniture and art objects bear witness to the refinement of the Enlightenment era. Each piece evokes the elegance and art of living of a century marked by the quest for beauty. The museum also offers temporary exhibitions and guided tours that reveal the history of the works and their creators. A true haven of charm and poetry, it is an essential stop for discover a Paris of yesteryear, in the heart of Marais.
Le Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, located in the majestic setting of the private mansions of Guénégaud and Mongelas, is a place where art, history and exploration of the relationships between man and his environment intertwine. Through exceptionally rich collections combining contemporary works, trophies and ancient art objects, this museum invites a unique reflection on the place of humans in the living world. Both surprising and poetic, it offers an extraordinary cultural experience for lovers of art, nature and unexpected discoveries.
Housed in the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, the Museum of Arts et Métiers is a an essential place dedicated to major scientific and technical advances. Established in 1794, it houses over 80 objects and 000 drawings, tracing the history of human innovation. Discover iconic pieces like the Foucaul pendulumt, the first airplanes, automatons and revolutionary inventions, divided into seven main areas: mechanics, energy, transport, communication, automatons, construction, materials. The museum offers an interactive tour, captivating temporary exhibitions and workshops for all ages. The The nave of the church, a spectacular setting, showcases the masterpieces of human genius, offering a unique experience.
La Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP) is a an essential place dedicated to contemporary photography. A true temple of the image, it is distinguished by its captivating temporary exhibitions, an exceptional collection of prints, books and films, as well as a varied programme of cultural activities, including conferences, screenings and workshops. With its ambitious mission to celebrate and promote photographic art in all its forms, the MEP attracts an international audience of amateurs, enthusiasts and the curious. An essential event to discover the richness and diversity of the world of photography.
In addition to the MEP, you absolutely must visit the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation also located in the Marais. It's another one Parisian mecca of photography.
Le Musée des Archives Nationales, located in the elegant Hôtel de Soubise offers a fascinating dive into the history of France through its exceptional documents and artifacts. It preserves and exhibits emblematic archives, ranging from medieval charters to historical letters and treaties, which bear witness to the major political, social and cultural stages of the country. With its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum highlights the richness of French written heritage, in a remarkable architectural setting dating from the XVII1st century. A unique place to discover rare pieces and understand the roots of national memory.
© Julien Dumarais My Marais Paris
