Napoleon and Josephine visiting the French Monuments Museum with Alexandre Lenoir

Museum Of French Monuments

Museum of French Monuments Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets & Comprehensive Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the historic Palais de Chaillot and offering panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower, the Museum of French Monuments (Musée des Monuments Français) stands as a vital institution in preserving and showcasing France’s architectural heritage. Established in the late 19th century and now a core part of the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, the museum provides a sweeping journey through France’s monumental art, sculpture, and architectural achievements, from the Middle Ages to modern times. This guide details the museum’s history, significance, collections, practical visitor information, and nearby attractions—ensuring a rewarding visit for architecture enthusiasts, history lovers, and travelers alike. For further details, consult the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine and France Voyage.

Room interior from 15th century at the Musée des Monuments Français around 1815

Interior of a 15th-century room at the Museum of French Monuments with historical artifacts and classical decor

Moliere's sarcophagus in Jardin Elysée with intricate sculptures

Gravestones of Descartes and Condé in Jardin Elysée des Petits Augustins, Paris

Eckersberg painting of the grave monument of Ved Molière in Jardin Elysée des Petits Augustins, Paris, dated June 10, 1811

Medieval tombs of Charles V and Jeanne de Bourbon surrounded by Gothic arcatures with Apostles of the Sainte-Chapelle and gisant statues of Saint-Denis

14th century sculpture hall at the Musée des Monuments Français

Entrance to the garden of the Petits Augustins in Paris, 19th century drawing

Painting of the garden of the Musée des Monuments Français, former convent of the Petits-Augustins

Interior view of the French Monuments Museum showcasing sculptures

Interior view of the French Monuments Museum, second view of the 17th century room with sculptures

Interior view of the French Monuments Museum showing the establishment of a bath, historic drawing after 1789

Interior view of the French Monuments Museum, 15th century room, features recumbent effigies

Interior view of the French Monuments Museum, second view of the introduction room with sculptures

Interior view of the French Monuments Museum cloister with sculptures and visitors guided tour

Etching of Jardin Elysée with views of tombs of Molière, Montfaucon, and Jean de La Fontaine showing urns

Historic illustration of the Fontaine de Pomponne in the Jardin du cloître des Petits-Augustins, Paris, featuring 16th-century statues and chimneys in a 19th-century landscape

19th century drawing of monuments of Diane de Poitiers and Boileau in the Cloister Garden of the Petits-Augustins in Paris

Drawing of the Tombs of Héloïse and Abélard in the Cloister Garden of Les Petits-Augustins, Paris, 1815

Drawing of the Tomb of Dagobert I located in the Cloister Garden of the Petits-Augustins Priory in Paris

Garden with tomb sculptures and columns at the Prieuré de la Sainte-Trinité des Petits-Augustins in 19th century Paris

Tombeau de Diane de Poitiers with caryatids of the châsse of Sainte Geneviève and the tomb of Mazarin by Coysevox in the background

Tomb of Louis XII and Anne de Bretagne in the 15th century room of the French Monuments Museum with Alexandre Lenoir guiding a visitor

Historical pencil drawing of the Nogent-sur-Seine monument in the Petit-Augustins garden featuring Corinthian columns and classical statues

Drawing of the French Monuments Museum at Petits-Augustins showing 13th-century sculptures including gisants under a Gothic ribbed vault with stained glass windows

Drawing of Descartes' tomb in the garden of the Petits-Augustins, Paris, showing trees, fence, bench, and a square pedestal with winged quadrupeds and acroteria under a roof.

Drawing of Montmorency tomb in the garden of Petits-Augustins, Paris with columns, statues, and garden pots

17th century room interior at the French Monuments Museum

Plan, section, and elevation etching of Musée des Monuments français by Louis Marie Normand

Etching artwork of the French Monuments Museum garden showing tombs of René Descartes and Mabill

Drawing of the Monument of Cardinal Richelieu, featuring statues and bas-reliefs in the vestibule of Musée impérial des monuments français, Paris, 19th century

Interior view of Musée des Petits-Augustins featuring tomb sculptures and funerary monuments including statues and obelisks in 19th century Paris

General plan of the three courts of the Musée des Monuments Français dedicated to citizen Chaptal, Interior Minister, by Alexandre Lenoir

19th century statue of Henri IV in the French Monuments Museum

13th century room interior in Musée des Monuments Français with historic architecture and monuments

Etching of the Tomb of Diane de Poitiers and part of the garden at the Musée des Monuments Français, 19th century artwork

Etching of the Tomb of Diane de Poitiers and part of the garden at the Musée des Monuments Français

Tombeau de Diane de Poitiers and a part of the garden at Musée des Monuments Français

Engraving of the Tomb of King Dagobert, created using etching and burin techniques, displaying intricate details of the monument.

19th century drawing of funeral monuments including statues, busts, and recumbent figures from Musée impérial des monuments français in Paris

Print of fountain Pomponne de Bellièvre made by Alexandre-Charles Dormier and Jean Lubin Vauzelle in 1788

Anonymous wood engraving view of the cloister of Petits-Augustins in Musée Carnavalet Paris

Introduction
Museum History and Evolution
Key Galleries and Collections
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Accessibility and Visitor Facilities
Tips for an Optimal Visit
Nearby Attractions
Cultural Significance
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Museum History and Evolution

Origins and Early Development

The roots of the Museum of French Monuments trace back to the late 19th century, when the Museum of Comparative Sculpture was established in the Palais du Trocadéro (1879/1882). This initiative aimed to document and preserve casts, models, and reproductions of France’s landmark monuments, aligning with the broader national movement to safeguard architectural and artistic heritage (Cité de l’Architecture). The museum’s foundation was closely connected to the Commission of Historical Monuments, created in 1837, which catalyzed the collection and documentation efforts that underpin the museum’s holdings.

Transformation and Expansion

In 1937, coinciding with the International Exposition in Paris, the museum was renamed the Museum of French Monuments and relocated to the Palais de Chaillot. Under Paul Deschamps’s directorship, the museum expanded its collections, notably developing the Murals and Stained Glass Gallery. This systematic approach to preserving mural art and stained glass established the museum as a unique European institution for architectural heritage (France Voyage).

In 2004, the museum was integrated into the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, initiating a new era of interdisciplinary research, education, and public engagement (Architecture Exhibitions).

Key Galleries and Collections

The museum is organized into three principal galleries, each highlighting different facets of France’s architectural evolution:

1. Casts Gallery

Home to monumental plaster casts of portals, sculptures, and architectural fragments from iconic sites such as Moissac Abbey, Chartres Cathedral, the Gros-Horloge of Rouen, and the Smiling Angel of Reims. This gallery provides a rare, full-scale encounter with masterpieces of French architecture and sculpture (France Voyage).

2. Murals and Stained Glass Gallery

Initiated in the 1930s, this gallery houses faithful reproductions of medieval and Renaissance mural paintings and stained glass, including highlights from the Abbey Church of Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe. These reproductions allow visitors to experience fragile or inaccessible works in a museum setting (Cité de l’Architecture).

3. Modern and Contemporary Architecture Gallery

This section explores 19th- to 21st-century innovations, featuring models, drawings, and reconstructions of significant works such as Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse apartment and projects by Jean Nouvel. It bridges the gap between historical masterpieces and contemporary design (France Voyage).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday (late opening): Until 9:00 PM
Closed: Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, December 25th

Check the official practical information page for updates or special closures.

Ticket Prices

Full Price: €12
Reduced Price: €9 (students, large families, job seekers, visitors aged 18–25 from non-EU countries)
Free Admission: Under 18s, EU residents aged 18–25, disabled visitors and their companions, and on the first Sunday of each month

Purchase tickets online to skip the line (buy tickets here). Groups of 10+ should book in advance for guided tours in French or English.

Accessibility and Visitor Facilities

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible: elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms
Free wheelchair loans at the cloakroom
Tactile and audio guides for visually impaired visitors
Braille descriptions for select exhibits

Amenities

Cloakroom: Free for coats, umbrellas, and small bags; large luggage not permitted
Restrooms: Accessible facilities and baby-changing stations available
Wi-Fi: Free throughout the museum
App and Multimedia: Download the museum app for interactive guides

Tips for an Optimal Visit

Recommended Duration: 2–3 hours for a thorough visit; architecture enthusiasts may wish to stay longer
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays (Tuesday/Wednesday) and late autumn or winter for fewer crowds; expect more visitors on the first Sunday of each month (free entry)
Photography: Allowed without flash; no tripods or commercial shoots without permission
Café: On-site with Eiffel Tower views
Museum Shop: Open during museum hours, accessible without ticket

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with these nearby Paris landmarks:

Eiffel Tower: 10-minute walk across the Seine
Trocadéro Gardens: Perfect for a stroll or picnic
Musée de l’Homme: Located in the same Palais de Chaillot complex (Musée de l’Homme)

Cultural Significance

The Museum of French Monuments provides an unrivaled overview of France’s architectural history, with its collections serving as a vital resource for architects, historians, students, and the general public (Cité de l’Architecture). It encourages dialogue between historical and contemporary architecture, raises awareness of heritage preservation challenges, and fosters appreciation for sustainable development in the built environment (Architecture Exhibitions).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the Museum of French Monuments’ visiting hours?
Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Thursdays until 9:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays.

How much do tickets cost?
€12 for adults, €9 reduced; free for under 18s, EU residents aged 18–25, disabled visitors and their companions, and on the first Sunday of the month.

Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes; elevators, ramps, accessible restrooms, and audio/tactile guides are available.

Can I purchase tickets online?
Yes, advance online booking is recommended (purchase tickets here).

Are guided tours available?
Yes, in French and English, with special group arrangements available.

What are the best times to visit?
Weekdays and low season are quieter; first Sunday of the month is free but busy.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Museum of French Monuments is a premier destination for exploring France’s architectural heritage, situated at the crossroads of history and innovation in Paris. Its unique collections—from monumental casts to contemporary models—offer a panoramic view of centuries of artistic and architectural achievement. Plan your visit today by checking current hours and tickets, and enhance your experience by downloading the museum’s mobile app for interactive guides. For more insights, see our related guides on Paris historical sites and follow us on social media for updates on exhibitions and events.