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Top History museums in Paris, France
Top Rated History museums in Paris
Top Reviewed History museums in Paris
The Army Museum
The Army Museum
Musée Carnavalet
Cluny Museum - National Museum of the Middle Ages
National Marine Museum
Clemenceau Museum
Reviews
Very modern place, full of history with activities for children as well
Very nicely renovated maritiem museum with many interactive displays.
Brilliant. Fantastic discovery for adults and kids alike. But you need a whole day!
Great experience especially enjoyed the temporary exhibition on cinema and the sea
What is most impressive is how big it is inside, and how deep underground in Paris is. The collection of art pieces is truly something. I recommend going there with a guide to get more context, especially surrounding the cristal sections.
I have been to a lot of museums in many cities and this is one of my favourites. From the moment you go in, it is accessible and welcoming and guides you through the history of Paris. Loved finding out more about the revolution and seeing the faces of those involved. The art deco and nouveau periods were beautiful.
The museum is very interesting and you don't have to buy a ticket for it. At first we thought it would be a small collection but it's actually quite big so consider at least 2 hours for the visit.
Absolutely stunning collection of military memorabilia. Takes half a day to go through the whole museum and of course Napoleons Tomb is a must see… oh.. and they also got one of horses !!
It was a lovely medium size museum, which you can visit in half the day (unlike the bigger museums in Paris like the Louvre which needs at least the whole day). Additionally there is a section of what appears to be temporary exhibitions.
Might be odd to have a marine museum in Paris but there is one. Especially nice after a very recent refurb, the exhibits are divided by area - military, shipwrecks, ports…etc. informative explanations in French and English, nice facilities and good bookshop. Interesting museum and good to while a couple of hours away
Visité en décembre 2023, ce musée est extraordinaire de contenu historique. L'armure de François premier, le tombeau de Napoléon,... La collection d'armures et d'armes est monumentale, les détails d'orfèvrerie des différents pistolets, fusils et autres épées nous montre quel était le niveau des maîtres ouvriers qui les ont réalisé. Musée visité avec nos 3 enfants de 8, 11 et 13 ans, ils ont apprécié aussi.
Huge disappointment.
You would think a Marine museum would give a large space and importance to the sea exploration of new frontiers, but no, nothing on Cook, Magellan, Drake...
While there are the kind of people that are so exciting to learn about.
Not a single map, a single story about them. Their expeditions, their ships, their adventures on sea...
How could you forget about that ?!!!
You would think a Marine museum would give a large space and importance to the sea exploration of new frontiers, but no, nothing on Cook, Magellan, Drake...
While there are the kind of people that are so exciting to learn about.
Not a single map, a single story about them. Their expeditions, their ships, their adventures on sea...
How could you forget about that ?!!!
Favorite museum. If you love middle age history, this is a must when visiting Paris. The collection of the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries is the highlight of their collections . I always wanted to see them in person since I was a little girl and I was not disappointed.
A lot of maquettes of ships and paintings retracing the golden age of France's military power on the seas
Awesome French history museum. Throughout this museum you will experience all the moments in French history through signs, portraits, paintings, furniture, daily objects and so much more. The corridors are also beautifully designed. I spent several hours there and enjoyed it very much. The permanent exhibition which is 3 levels choke full of history is free of charge. You can donate and for special exhibitions there are tickets sold. Definitely a must see for anyone interested in history.
Un grand Wouah ! Un lieu incroyable chargé d'histoire, riche en objets. Le parcours est bien museographié. Il y a juste ce qu'il faut en cartel. L'éclairage est top, les salles spacieuses, bref, incroyable. Un petit bémol tout de même pour la nonchalance de certains agents. Pas très pro...
Beautiful museum is a preserved church. They have great temporary exhibits as well as permanent ones. You only need about an hour to see everything. very worth the trip!
Lovely little museum worth a visit!
Recently refurbished museum that explores French maritime history
Well done with modern multimedia interactive exhibits. Many interesting old naval paintings and model ships.
Well done with modern multimedia interactive exhibits. Many interesting old naval paintings and model ships.
One of my favourite museums in Paris I've visited so far. It's about history of Paris. What I've appreciated the most is that all descriptions are bilingual, both French and English.
Very beautiful. Has a lot of painting, historic objects, full decorated rooms. I loved that so many paintings had little dogs somewhere.
Even though it's free was not too crowded and it's quite big, actually.
Even though it's free was not too crowded and it's quite big, actually.
This is a lovely place for people who like history. It's incredible to know the great War history of France but you should take 4 hours minimum to see everything!
Très bon musée. La collection est vraiment énorme donc vous en avez facilement pour 2 à 4h dans le musée. Tout est très bien construit et accessible. La partie sur les camps de concentration est vraiment remarquable notamment à travers les nombreux dessins qui y sont exposés.
Je vous conseille la visite de ce musée. De plus, elle est gratuite pour les personnes disposant du Pass Éducation.
Je vous conseille la visite de ce musée. De plus, elle est gratuite pour les personnes disposant du Pass Éducation.
Musée très sympa qui se divise en plusieurs sections : les armures anciennes, les deux guerres, les plans relief... Et l'exposition temporaire sur la Victoire. On peut y passer la journée facilement. Je recommande.
Museum focusing on the exploits of France’s rich military history. This complex of museums provides major exhibits from dozens of suits of armor, muslim captured crusader cannons, and every worthwhile type of poking and slashing instrument one can imagine, through the Napoleonic era, and into modern war in WW1 and WW2. There is an audio tour, which we highly recommend that provides insight and storylines into some of the more unique artifacts, and several other ongoing programs, so check the website before going. Further the museum offers English and French interpretation through almost all of the complex and also offers in depth strategic overviews of different battles through video and in actual footage in some cases. I could have a stayed here for days but needed to stay married.
I am rating the exhibition I saw. 'La Régence". Very interesting. Lots of information about that important period of French History.
The Museum is in a gorgeous Hotel in Le Marais, itself worth the trip.
The Museum is in a gorgeous Hotel in Le Marais, itself worth the trip.
A lovely museum with a varied collection. But the key attraction and the absolute best room of the entire museum is undoubtedly the Lady abd the Unicorn tapestry room! As you come in you are surrounded by the set of six tapestries, lit up in the general darkness of the room. The amazing detail and the possibility to see it up close, to notice the tapestries referencing each other - it simply takes your breath away. This was a truly moving experience and I highly recommend it!
National Museum featuring art and tools from the early bronze era through the middle ages. These items of antiquity are held in a former Roman bathhouse and a 15th century residence for an abbot. Here you will find gallic artifacts, statues from Notre Dame that were thought destroyed during the French Revolution, and medieval furniture, jewelry, and many other treasures. These are laid out for you to see and you can purchase (recommended) for 4E an audio device to help interpret the thousands of artifacts at this location. This was a great visit - highly recommend!
Absolutely next level!! This is super cool (if history and army strategy is your thing)! Take the option of the digital tour (headsets in many languages), it made all the difference especially with the kids. Really awesome, reflective experience.
It’s amazing that this is a free museum. I really loved it. Lots of beautiful rooms and a great Paris history lesson. During the week, it had loads of visitors but it wasn’t crazy crowded.
Amazing museum! Cost about $15 Euros, can get a ticket there or online (getyourguide). A tourist attraction, but cheap to see the great architectures, statues, Napoleon's tomb, cannons, etc. Has a lot of history that is explained a bit next to certain monuments. The place is surprisingly clean and has a restaurant nearby the museum. Worth it if you're a fan of history, taking pictures/videos, and exploring things to do in Paris 🇫🇷
Spectacular. One of our favourite museums in Paris... Filled with beautiful pieces of art and history, and because it is so quiet you can really appreciate the building itself as well. A highlight of our trip.
A magnificent collection of art of all forms from the Middle Ages. The display of each of the thousands of pieces is well thought out and permits the viewer to truly absorb the work. The piece de resistance is the room of 'The Lady and the Unicorn' pieces, huge tapestries which are amazing examples of their time and age. And of course entry is free on the first Sunday of the month, but it is well worth the time and entry fee to visit regardless. (And yes, there is a small cafe inside, along with many eateries outside.)
A little jewel of a museum. Well kept with lots of interesting news about Clémenceau: anti-colonialist arduous defender of Dreyfus, Minister of War during WWI. One can see his bedroom where nothing has changed since his death. Well worth a visit.
There is a lot to take in here. A whole day and you won't see everything. Very well laid out exhibits with everything very clear. Most displays are also in English which is helpful when your French is as bad as mine. Children under 18 are free which was a nice bonus.
Series of museums dedicated to military history, as well as the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. You can spend several hours in here. The museum provides in depth information into the history and context, in English and French, from the Middle Ages until modern times. It may not be for everyone’s taste, but if you like history, this is a good way of spending your time. If not, you may visit only Napoleon’s tomb, one of the city landmarks. Overall, recommended!
I'll be honest, this museum wasn't of interest to me, but I went there because of my bf. I give it 5 stars because it has so many things to look at and learn about! You can spend several hours in there. We had to speed through the last area because our feet were tired. It feels so worth the money you pay, which isn't much, because of its extensive collections. The church was a nice addition, too. This museum is definitely worth visiting, especially if you prefer to avoid places with too many tourists.
Spent hours here, much longer than expected, there was simply too much to see. Napoleons grave was beautiful and very informative but the highlight was the relief maps in the attic that were so extensive and detailed. The museum is much more than war and violence and provides in depth information into the history and context. But if you are into the military side there is also lots of weapons, armour, uniform and more!
Très beau musée, j’y étais il y a 7 ans et je suis à nouveau émerveillé devant tant de richesses de notre histoire. Les collections sont impressionnantes et les restaurations à la hauteur !
Il n’y avait pas trop de monde ce qui est fort agréable pour un musée parisien.
Les différentes sections sont toutes plus impressionnantes les unes que les autres et il faudrait une dizaines d’heures pour tout voir en détail.
Je recommande fortement la visite de ce lieu, les invalides juste à côté sont aussi à visiter impérativement mais pour ça je ferais un autre avis 😁😉
Il n’y avait pas trop de monde ce qui est fort agréable pour un musée parisien.
Les différentes sections sont toutes plus impressionnantes les unes que les autres et il faudrait une dizaines d’heures pour tout voir en détail.
Je recommande fortement la visite de ce lieu, les invalides juste à côté sont aussi à visiter impérativement mais pour ça je ferais un autre avis 😁😉
an extremely recommended free museum in Paris! They have 3 floors (including basement) with unique galleries. Not too crowded on weekdays. I arrived after 4pm and was very leisurely visiting until they closed.
Small museum but no crowds at all. You start the visit with second floor, which is very much text and photo based. Then you go to first floor which is where Clemenceau used to live, and I think this is the interesting part of the museum. It is a very subjective museum though, it doesn't portray Clemenceau with both his positives and negatives but pretty much only positives. This must be because the museum is found and run by the Clemenceau foundation.
Really impressive. It is a trip in time and an opportunity to have an insight to the life of one of France’s greatest politicians. It is really worth to visit.
This is a museum where Georges Clemenceau, the French Prime Minister during World War I, lived in an actual apartment from 1896 to his death. On the first floor there are records about him (newspapers, paintings, letters etc), and on the ground floor you can see the dining room, bedroom, bureau and garden.
He is known for his distinctive mustaches and photographs of tigers and Clemenceau's words below the museum paintings stand out.
<<Il faut savoir ce que l'on veut. Quand on le sait, il faut avoir le courage de le dire. Et quand on le dit, il faut avoir le courage de le faire.>>
(You have to know what you want. When you know it, you have to have the courage to say it. And when we say, you have to have the courage to do it.)
It is not large, so it takes about 20 minutes to look around, and it is recommended to check the website in advance as the museum is often closed depending on circumstances.
He is known for his distinctive mustaches and photographs of tigers and Clemenceau's words below the museum paintings stand out.
<<Il faut savoir ce que l'on veut. Quand on le sait, il faut avoir le courage de le dire. Et quand on le dit, il faut avoir le courage de le faire.>>
(You have to know what you want. When you know it, you have to have the courage to say it. And when we say, you have to have the courage to do it.)
It is not large, so it takes about 20 minutes to look around, and it is recommended to check the website in advance as the museum is often closed depending on circumstances.
Wow
Beautiful!!!
A Wonderful, dedicated museum. Time Capsule + wealth of information. Try to see a conference about Clemenceau (app 1 hour, very insightful)