La Contemporaine

La Contemporaine Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: Discover La Contemporaine Paris

La Contemporaine stands at the crossroads of modern history and scholarship, serving as one of Paris’s foremost cultural institutions dedicated to the study and preservation of 20th and 21st-century history. Founded in 1918 as the Bibliothèque de Documentation Internationale Contemporaine (BDIC) following World War I, its mission has evolved to encompass the collection, documentation, and interpretation of materials that illuminate pivotal social, political, and cultural transformations. Today, La Contemporaine operates as a museum, archive, and library, granting visitors and researchers an exceptional lens into both France’s and the world’s recent past.

With more than 4.5 million items—including paintings, photographs, diaries, propaganda posters, and oral histories—La Contemporaine narrates stories from the World Wars through to contemporary social movements. Since 2021, its main museum has been housed in a striking new facility at Université Paris Nanterre, designed to foster accessibility and engagement through immersive exhibitions and state-of-the-art digital research tools. Its central Paris presence at the Hôtel National des Invalides further enriches visitor experiences with thematic displays and special exhibitions.

Free general admission at the Nanterre site, affordable ticket options for special exhibitions, comprehensive accessibility features, and proximity to key Parisian landmarks like La Défense and Parc André Malraux make La Contemporaine a must-visit destination. This guide covers everything you need to know for planning your visit: opening hours, ticketing, collections, accessibility, visitor tips, and nearby attractions. For the latest updates, always check the official La Contemporaine website and related resources (reciproque.com; Paris Top Ten).

Welcome to La Contemporaine: A Paris Historical Site
Origins and Mission
Highlights of the Collections
Practical Visitor Information (Hours, Tickets, Location)
Visitor Experience: New Building and Features
Accessibility and Amenities
Engaging with the Collections: Research and Education
Planning Your Visit: Tips and FAQs
Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries
Sustainable and Multilingual Services
Conclusion and Key Resources

1. Welcome to La Contemporaine: A Paris Historical Site

Located at Université Paris Nanterre, with a prominent presence at the Hôtel National des Invalides, La Contemporaine is a unique combination of museum, archive center, and research library. Whether you are a history buff, student, or curious traveler, it offers an unparalleled journey into the complexities of modern history.

2. Origins and Mission

La Contemporaine began as the BDIC in 1918, aiming to collect and preserve materials that document contemporary history. Originally focused on the First World War, its scope now covers major events and movements of the 20th and 21st centuries (cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr; reciproque.com).

3. Highlights of the Collections

The institution’s collections offer a comprehensive panorama of modern history:

World War I and II archives: Paintings, sketches, photographs, and personal diaries capturing daily life and major conflicts.
Propaganda posters and objects: From both World Wars and the Cold War, exemplifying the power of visual communication.
Personal writings and samizdat publications: Unique perspectives on social and political resistance.
Photojournalism and oral histories: Firsthand accounts of activism, conflict, and societal change (lcbam.hypotheses.org).

The collections also include materials on May 1968, decolonization, and international relations.

4. Practical Visitor Information

Addresses & Locations

Main Museum and Archives: 7 Avenue de la République, 92000 Nanterre, Paris
Paris Museum (Les Invalides): Hôtel National des Invalides, 7th arrondissement

Opening Hours

Nanterre Site: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Sundays and Mondays
Les Invalides Site: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays and certain holidays

Tickets

General Admission: Free at Nanterre; standard adult tickets at Les Invalides (€8–€12)
Discounts: Reduced rates for students, seniors, and groups
Free Entry: Children under 18, disabled visitors and companions
Special Exhibitions: Additional charges may apply—always check the official website for current information

Getting There

Nanterre: RER A (Nanterre-Université); bus lines; parking available
Les Invalides: Metro Line 8 (La Tour-Maubourg), Line 13 (Varenne); accessible by bus and taxi

5. Visitor Experience: New Building and Features

Since its move in 2021, the Nanterre location features:

Immersive exhibitions: The “Atelier de l’histoire” allows visitors to engage with history through curated objects and interactive digital tools.
Modern facilities: Conservation labs, reading rooms, and digital archives.
Events: Guided tours, lectures, workshops, and rotating exhibitions.

The Les Invalides site focuses on thematic displays within the historic Parisian complex.

6. Accessibility and Amenities

La Contemporaine prioritizes inclusivity:

Wheelchair access: Ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms at both sites (France.fr)
Audio guides: Available in multiple languages
Large-print and sensory-friendly resources: Provided upon request
Amenities: Cloakrooms, lockers, free Wi-Fi, a museum café, and a shop with books and souvenirs

7. Engaging with the Collections: Research and Education

Library and Archives: Open to researchers (some materials require advance booking)
Educational resources: Workshops, family activities, and guided group tours
Academic events: Conferences, seminars, and publications foster scholarly engagement

8. Planning Your Visit: Tips and FAQs

Best times: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience
Average visit duration: 1.5–2.5 hours; longer if accessing archives
Photography: Allowed for personal use (no flash or tripods); restrictions may apply to temporary exhibitions
Conduct: Respectful silence in reading rooms; food and drink not permitted in exhibition spaces

FAQs:

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Nanterre: Tues–Sat, 10:00–18:00; Les Invalides: Tues–Sun, 10:00–18:00.
Q: How do I get tickets?
A: Purchase online or on-site; advance booking recommended during peak times.
Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Yes, with full wheelchair access and adapted resources.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, in multiple languages; book in advance via the official website.
Q: Can I bring children?
A: Absolutely—educational resources and workshops are available.

9. Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

At Les Invalides: Musée de l’Armée, Napoleon’s Tomb, Rodin Museum, and the Seine riverbanks are within walking distance.
At Nanterre: Parc André Malraux and La Défense’s modern architecture are nearby (Visit Paris Region).

Combine your visit with other Parisian landmarks for a full day of cultural exploration.

10. Sustainable and Multilingual Services

Sustainability: Energy-efficient lighting, digital catalogs, and recycling programs
Multilingual support: Exhibition texts and audio guides in French, English, Spanish, and German

11. Conclusion and Key Resources

La Contemporaine is a cornerstone among Paris historical sites, offering visitors an enriching, accessible, and thought-provoking journey through the events that shaped our modern world. For up-to-date information on exhibitions, tickets, and accessibility, consult the official La Contemporaine website and consider downloading the Audiala app for personalized museum guides.

Visuals and Interactive Resources

Exterior and interior images of La Contemporaine’s Nanterre and Les Invalides sites (alt: “La Contemporaine new building entrance Paris”; “Atelier de l’histoire exhibition”)
Sample propaganda posters and archival documents (alt: “Historical propaganda posters at La Contemporaine”)

Internal Links

Official Sources

By integrating La Contemporaine into your Paris itinerary, you engage with a vital institution that not only preserves the past but also fosters dialogue about the present and future. Plan your visit today and experience the dynamic spirit of contemporary history in the heart of Paris.