Musee Carnavalet (Paris History Museum), Paris

The Paris History Museum, outlining the city's evolution through the ages, is nestled in two historic mansions—the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau.

The former, acquired by the Municipal Council of Paris in 1866, opened its doors to the public in 1880. By the end of the 20th century, the burgeoning collection necessitated expansion, leading to the acquisition, in 1989, of the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint Fargeau, the former home of 17th-century writer Madame de Sévigné, which effectively doubled the museum's exhibition space.

This historic site underwent a significant renovation in 2016, reopening five years later with enhanced galleries and an expanded array of exhibits. Its collections are strategically displayed across more than 100 themed rooms, which guide visitors through different periods, starting from prehistoric Lutetia to the reigns of Henry IV and Louis XIV through to the artistic revolutions of the Enlightenment and further ahead to the dynamic scenes of modern Paris.

The museum houses over 625,000 objects, including 2,600 paintings, 20,000 drawings, 300,000 engravings, and 150,000 photographs, that provide a visual narrative of Parisian life throughout various epochs. It also houses some 2,000 modern sculptures and 800 pieces of furniture, thousands of ceramics, numerous decorations, shop signs, and countless other items, including souvenirs of famous personalities and archaeological fragments. Among the highlights are Neolithic artifacts, Roman-era discoveries, and a detailed depiction of medieval to Renaissance Paris.

Of particular interest are the exhibits related to the French Revolution, featuring detailed scale models of guillotines and a replica of the Bastille prison made from one of its original stones. Also featured is a reconstruction of Louis XVI's prison cell and personal mementos from his life, such as medallions containing locks of his family's hair. Additionally, visitors can marvel at impressive interior recreations spanning from the Middle Ages to the rococo period, as well as Art Nouveau, with highlights including the original furnishings of Café de Paris and the exquisite jewelry shop Fouquet.