History Museums in Paris

THE 10 BEST Paris History Museums

History Museums in Paris

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17 places sorted by traveler favorites
  • Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

What travelers are saying

  • RonL40
    Utica, NY3,565 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were expecting a history of the deportations during World War Ii. The museum and memorials are much more more... here is an exhaustive history of antisemitism and pogroms... from the days of the Roman Empire through contemporary times. The World War I experience is emphasized but there is a deep and long history that is not overlooked. Remarkable presentations. The exhibition of the photographs of Julia Pirotte, a French resistance fighter, was beautifully curated -- on exhibit until January 7, 2024. So go soon if you have the chance! A free museum that is beautifully designed and deeply moving.
    Written November 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • breggie
    Asheville, NC865 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Uncrowded on a Friday in February, informal smallish but lively in every way. Read up on Utrillo and his mom Suzanne Langedon before you go, as they lived here and the studio is recreated faithfully as well
    As their works on display. Find and read the history of Van Gogh on placards in the stone wall around the corner away from Sacre Coeur also, very illuminating. This museum is a perfect fit for the Montmartre area and vibe. We really enjoyed it.
    Excellent large exhibit on the “black cat” posters and shows in the area, upon third floor.
    Nice small non- pushy gift shop and very hospitable staff- easy on the eyes too!!
    Written February 25, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Isaac F
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was an AMAZING museum that I spent a solid two hours in, listening to and learning about the different historic instruments. It could also be great for a small side trip during a busy day or if you are in the area. The route through is a little confusing for an American tourist like me but once I figured it out it made sense. I really enjoyed the vastness of the collection along with the beauty of the building itself! And as a bonus, it was completely free for me! Highly recommend this somewhat hidden gem in the outer arrondissements.
    Written December 17, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Chgo_biz_trvler
    Chicago, IL25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Incredibly interesting and well displayed museum of documents highlighting French history. And did I mention free? Currently there's an exhibit on the day to day life of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette at Tuileries palace, where they went when forced out of Versailles. It is amazing because of the detail. Who knew that the Gard of Louis XVI had color-coded security badges indicating level of access to the King? Just like the US Secret Service. The permanent exhibits are great too, and the building alone is worth it. AND IN ENGLISH
    Written September 1, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Grant S
    Alnwick, UK30 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Have been to Paris many times and always try to visit different attractions. Really enjoyed learning more about Victor Hugo and his amazing canon of work and its wider impact. It's a very moving and quite personal museum and even if you don't know his work it is engaging. Lovely and stylish cafe too.
    Written February 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emily B
    Jackson, WY1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent small museum with much more than we expected including some fine paintings and many interesting artifacts and items. Highly recommend.
    Written June 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • RonL40
    Utica, NY3,565 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had been to the precursor of the Museum many years ago and found it pedantic, with a warehouse full of exhibits and little human content. The Museum now is a wonder.... a beautifully curated examination of France in the years before and during World War II. The story is told through the lives of two men, LeClerc and Moulin. Wonderful way to learn about the Resistance, life during the war, the deportations and much more. A very personal, very human story that is a signpost that suggests how other museums should create their exhibits. Masterpiece curatorial work. Bravo.
    Written November 26, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • jean marc B
    Paris, France24 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The place is interesting and present the Parisian police along the centuries. It is well documented..
    The museum is free
    Written December 12, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Victoria
    188 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This museum isn't for everyone. Information is only in French, and if you don't have at least a passing interest in chivalric orders, there probably won't be much here to interest you.

    But if you do, this museum is wonderful. You can find military decorations from all over the world, French field marshal's batons, and decorations belonging to Napoleon and his family. If you're into military history, it's a nice compliment to the Musee de l'Armee.

    Free entrance, right across from the Musee d'Orsay.
    Written February 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Companion260101
    56 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A quintessential French museum!

    Actually, i first went years ago and loved it. It then closed for many years for remodeling and now it’s even better! Whereas there is a modern tendency to dumb down exhibits and replace them with bells, whistles and tech, the Musee de la Poste took the opposite track and made it even more informative with a strong historical perspective (like many French museums.)

    One highlight relates to the Seige of Paris (how did one carrier pigeon carry entire newspaper articles?). There are also the articulated visual semaphore system placed every 10 k that managed to deliver news across the length of France, a four hundred year old letter and a panel about delivering mail via a rocket (Yes. A rocket.)

    Only caveat - it’s all in French.
    Written September 8, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve R
    Temecula, CA2,149 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This ended up being the best Museum of our trip. Being a military fan it was MUCH more than expected. First of it is HUGE! The artifacts are top notch. I mean they have napoleon's horse on display. Absolutely magnificent weapons displays all the way back to the 1400's. Believe me when I say you can't miss this. We spent double the time here compared to The Louvre.
    Written May 14, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Locutus
    Zurich, Switzerland277 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was a very surprising find when we were at Invalides. It’s on the 4th floor of a wing (same wing where the temporary SAS exhibition is). The detail and size of the models are amazing. They must have been extremely valuable in terms of military strategy in the past.

    There is also a section of the museum which shows how the maps were made and restored etc.
    Written December 23, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • JRM
    Penetanguishene, Canada102 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The "Maison Balzac" should be of interest to any student or fan of 19th century French literature. The enigmatic writer penned much of his Comedie Humaine at this location in the now fashionable Passy quartier of western Paris. The narrow hallways and compact rooms make for a tight squeeze; but the dwelling is both manageable and charming. The tour is also pleasantly underwhelming: the exhibits and displays are easily digestible, allowing the visitor to enjoy a complete visit in less than 45 minutes. The highlight for most is Balzac's writing table and chair, basic and functional, but evocative nonetheless. Very easy to combine a visit here with one to the nearby Musee Marmatton Monet. To top it all off, the Maison Balzac is free!! Not a can't miss to be sure but an interesting, informative and rewarding diversion off the beaten track.
    Written August 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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