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Carnival Museum
Nestled in the heart of the Marais district in Paris, this museum is dedicated to the history of the city of Paris, it offers visitors a captivating dive into past eras, highlighting the richness and diversity of the French capital.
The very architecture of the museum is a testimony to the history of the city. Housed in two 17th century mansions, the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, the building itself is a work of art in its own right.
His architecture
Housed in two remarkable private mansions, the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, the building itself is a work of art in its own right. You will see, like us, you will probably be struck by the Parisian elegance that this place exudes!
The Hôtel Carnavalet, dating from the 16th century, reveals an elegant and imposing facade, reflecting the French Renaissance style. Architectural details such as carved dormer windows, ornate pilasters and mullioned windows add a touch of grandeur to the overall look. Inside, the majestic interior courtyards, with their delicately crafted archways and spiral staircases, create a charming and timeless atmosphere for a busy placeof history.
The Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, for its part, is a magnificent example of classical 17th century architecture. Clean lines, sculpted pediments and finely chiseled balustrades characterize this elegant structure. The interiors are equally impressive, with lavishly decorated lounges, ornate ceilings and carefully crafted architectural details.
The harmonious fusion of these two private mansions creates a coherent architectural ensemble, which embodies the essence of Parisian history.The museum gardens, with their flower beds, graceful statues and winding paths, add a peaceful and picturesque dimension to the whole.
The recent renovation of the Carnavalet Museum has highlighted the original architecture while integrating contemporary elements. The exhibition spaces have been carefully redesigned, ensuring that the historic atmosphere is preserved while offering modern comfort to visitors. The subtle play of light, the noble materials and the restored architectural details demonstrate the desire to preserve the authenticity of the place.
By exploring the different rooms and discovering the enchanting corners of the museum, visitors are transported to another era, where architecture and art come together to create an immersive and captivating experience.
Current exhibitions
A macabre discovery...
We admit it, we are fond of these kinds of stories! Not for the morbid aspect (all the same...) but for the emergence of historical facts that these discoveries provoke.
During the renovation and expansion of the museum, a surprising archaeological discovery was made in 1983. While the foundations were being dug, workers uncovered the remains of an ancient mass grave.
This mass grave, dating from the end of the 18th century, contained the remains of numerous victims of the Terror during the French Revolution. The remains discovered were those of anonymous Parisians who had lost their lives under the regime of the guillotine, a symbol of the excesses of the Revolution.
Thismacabre discovery shed new light on a tumultuous period in the history of Paris. It recalled the extent of the political and social upheavals that shook the city at that time, and allowed historians and museum visitors to better understand the human consequences of the French Revolution.
The history of Paris
The Carnavalet Museum, through its architecture and its collection, offers a visual and immersive narration of the history of Paris. Every element of the building and every artifact on display tells a part of this rich and captivating history.
Upon entering, visitors are transported into the past, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of a bygone Paris. The beautifully appointed rooms, picturesque interior courtyards and tranquil gardens evoke past eras and invite exciting exploration.
The museum's permanent collection is full of historical treasures, ranging from ancient sculptures to paintings and art objects from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, modern and contemporary times. Each room is carefully designed to highlight key periods in Parisian history, with objects that bear witness to the city's defining moments.
The sumptuously decorated lounges recall the splendor of the Parisian nobility, while the engravings, photographs and old maps allow us to trace the evolution of the city over the centuries. Everyday objects, furniture, clothing and traditional crafts bring to life the habits and customs of Parisians of yesteryear.
Each thematic room in the museum tells a different story, whether it's the French Revolution, the Belle Époque, the Paris Commune or more contemporary events. Temporary exhibitions complete this narrative by exploring specific subjects and shedding additional light on certain aspects of Parisian history.
We recommend chronological and thematic tours that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the story of Paris, discovering the events, people and movements that shaped the city. Each object on display is carefully selected for its historical significance and contribution to collective history.
Not far from the Carnavalet museum
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