Slaves working in a coffee plantation on Bourbon Island, historical watercolor circa 1800

Cité Nationale De L'Histoire De L'Immigration

Visiting Cité Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration Paris, France: Tickets, Hours, and Comprehensive Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Cité Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration (CNHI) is a unique institution located in the heart of Paris’s 12th arrondissement, dedicated to the history and cultural significance of immigration in France. Housed in the striking Art Deco Palais de la Porte Dorée, the museum offers a rich exploration of over three centuries of migration, integration, and cultural exchange. Through its permanent and temporary exhibitions, interactive installations, and extensive collections, the CNHI provides visitors with an immersive understanding of how immigrants have shaped French society and identity (Palais de la Porte Dorée Official Site; Wikipedia).

This guide delivers all essential information on visiting hours, tickets, exhibitions, accessibility, and practical advice to help you plan an enriching visit to one of Paris’s most insightful historical sites.

Historical Overview and Origins
Architectural Significance
Symbolic and Cultural Importance
Museum Mission and Thematic Scope
Permanent Exhibition: Structure and Highlights
Temporary Exhibitions and Cultural Events
Collections and Research Resources
Visitor Information
Amenities
Visitor Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit
Summary and Call to Action
References and Official Links

Historical Overview and Origins

The CNHI is situated in the Palais de la Porte Dorée, originally built for the 1931 Exposition Coloniale Internationale as a showcase of French colonial power and global reach (Palais de la Porte Dorée Official Site). Over the years, the building has undergone several transitions, serving as the Musée des Colonies, then the Musée de la France d’Outre-mer, and later as the Musée National des Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie. In 2007, after decades of advocacy by historians and sociologists, the CNHI was inaugurated to critically engage with France’s colonial past and foreground the contributions of immigrants (Wikipedia; histoire-immigration.fr).

Architectural Significance

Art Deco Features

The Palais de la Porte Dorée is a prime example of Parisian Art Deco architecture. Designed by Albert Laprade, the building features an imposing façade adorned with Alfred Janniot’s monumental bas-reliefs, depicting scenes of colonial flora, fauna, and figures (Wikipedia). The structure covers over 17,000 square meters and was intended to project imperial grandeur.

Interior Design and Artistic Contributions

Inside, the Hall d’Honneur, Salle des Fêtes, and Salon Lyautey are lavishly decorated with murals, mosaics, and custom furniture by artists such as Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann. Materials like exotic woods and marble reflect the building’s original purpose as a colonial showcase (Paris Promeneurs).

Renovations and Modern Use

A significant renovation in 2006 adapted the building for CNHI’s needs, preserving key Art Deco elements while enhancing accessibility and visitor comfort (Paris Promeneurs). The public can now access the historic salons, esplanade, and tropical aquarium, which remains from the building’s earliest days.

Symbolic and Cultural Importance

The Palais’s transformation from a colonial monument to a center celebrating immigration is emblematic of France’s evolving relationship with its own history. The CNHI’s exhibitions directly address the building’s colonial legacy, fostering critical dialogue about national identity, inclusion, and the contributions of immigrants to French society (Palais de la Porte Dorée Official Site).

Museum Mission and Thematic Scope

The CNHI is France’s only national museum devoted exclusively to the history of immigration. Its mission is to collect, preserve, and present materials that document immigrant experiences and their impact on French society, while promoting recognition and fostering inclusive perspectives (Wikipedia; histoire-immigration.fr).

Thematic and Chronological Scope

The museum’s permanent exhibition, “Repères,” follows a chronological narrative from 1685 to the present. It explores:

The evolution of immigration laws and policies
Demographic shifts and migration waves
Economic and social integration
Cultural hybridity and creativity
Issues of racism, discrimination, and colonial legacies (palais-portedoree.fr)

The exhibition emphasizes personal testimonies and artistic works, highlighting the human dimension of migration (histoire-immigration.fr).

Permanent Exhibition: Structure and Highlights

Reopened in June 2023, the permanent exhibition is organized around 11 key dates in French immigration history, from the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685) to the present (official museum site). The display includes:

Archival documents (passports, letters, immigration papers)
Photographs and paintings illustrating migration journeys
Sculptures and posters on migration themes
Oral histories and testimonies from immigrants
Contemporary artworks, such as Kader Attia’s La machine à rêve (version féminine) (exhibition image)
Digital and interactive tools for deeper engagement

Special sections address major migration events, like the effects of world wars and the 1973 oil crisis (museum exhibition details). Children’s trails and digital resources make the experience accessible for families.

Temporary Exhibitions and Cultural Events

The CNHI regularly presents temporary exhibitions that explore contemporary issues, artistic responses, and the lived realities of France’s diverse populations. Notable examples include:

Banlieues Chéries (until August 17, 2025): A photographic and artistic exploration of France’s diverse suburbs (Paris Update)
Quartiers de Demain (October 24, 2025–March 29, 2026): Focusing on future urban neighborhoods shaped by migration (Paris Update)

The museum also hosts conferences, workshops, concerts, and film screenings to engage a wide audience (palais-portedoree.fr).

Collections and Research Resources

The CNHI’s collections include:

Personal objects: Suitcases, clothing, and tools tied to specific migration stories
Documents and archives: Passports, administrative papers, photographs
Artworks: Paintings, sculptures, and installations by artists of migrant backgrounds
Media and oral histories: Recorded interviews, videos, and interactive materials (museum collections)

The Abdelmalek Sayad Resource Center provides access to specialized archives, press materials, periodicals, and multimedia resources for researchers and students (Palais de la Porte Dorée).

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Friday: 10:00–17:30
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00–19:00
Closed Mondays and selected holidays (museum hours)

Ticketing

Museum only: €12 (full price), €9 (reduced)
Combined museum and aquarium: €16 (full), €13 (reduced)
Free for visitors under 26 and on the first Sunday of each month
Online booking is strongly recommended (ticketing info)

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps
Multimedia guides and multilingual resources available
Contact the museum in advance for specific needs

Getting There

Address: 293 Avenue Daumesnil, 75012 Paris
Metro: Porte Dorée (Line 8)
Bus and Vélib’ bike stations nearby (museum location)

Guided Tours and Programming

Guided tours in French and English are available; pre-booking is advised
Workshops and educational activities offered regularly

Nearby Attractions

Bois de Vincennes (park)
Paris Zoo
Aquarium Tropical (in the Palais basement)

Amenities

Café: Light meals and refreshments on-site
Bookshop: Specialized books, exhibition catalogs, and gifts
Family-Friendly Activities: Interactive displays, children’s trails, and adjacent aquarium (Visit Paris Region)

Visitor Tips

Check the official website for updated hours, exhibitions, and events
Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and free-admission days
Use the mobile app for a self-guided tour and enhanced experience
Combine your visit with the aquarium for a family-friendly outing
Request audio guides or inquire about English-language materials at the information desk
Photography: Non-flash photography is permitted in most areas; check signage for restrictions
Accessibility: Contact the museum in advance if you have specific needs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the museum’s visiting hours?
Tuesday to Friday 10:00–17:30, Saturday and Sunday 10:00–19:00, closed Mondays and some holidays.

How do I buy tickets?
Book online in advance via the official museum website.

Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, with elevators, ramps, and adapted facilities.

Are resources available in English?
Audio guides and some exhibit texts are available in English; check at the desk for current options.

Can children visit?
Yes. There are dedicated children’s trails and family-friendly activities.

What else is nearby?
Bois de Vincennes, Paris Zoo, and the Aquarium Tropical offer additional attractions.

Plan Your Visit

Maximize your experience by checking current exhibitions and events on the official website. Download the Palais de la Porte Dorée app for self-guided tours, and consider booking a guided visit for deeper insight. Combine your museum trip with a walk in the Bois de Vincennes or a visit to the Paris Zoo for a full day of discovery.

Summary and Call to Action

The Cité Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration is a vital Paris institution, illuminating the rich narratives of migration and multiculturalism in France within the architectural grandeur of the Palais de la Porte Dorée (Palais de la Porte Dorée Official Site; Wikipedia). Its dynamic exhibitions, extensive collections, and robust cultural programming make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in the complexities of modern French identity (official museum site).

Plan your visit by booking tickets online, exploring the museum’s digital tools, and staying up-to-date with upcoming events. Engage with this essential landmark and gain deeper appreciation for the stories that shape contemporary France.