How about some free entertainment at the Musée Carnavalet? The Parisian museum in the heart of the Marais district is offering a festive weekend for the whole family on Saturday March 29 and Sunday March 30, 2025. Shows, workshops, interactive tours and theater take place over two days in the museum's halls, all free of charge. A great opportunity for children and adults alike to discover the history of Paris in a whole new way.
The Musée Carnavalet, an emblematic institution devoted to the history of Paris, is transforming its spaces to welcome families, the curious and history buffs with a rich program adapted to all ages. Toddlers, older children and even teenagers will find what they're looking for among the many activities on offer. And since it's free, you'd be wrong not to take advantage of this great offer. You can register on site on the day of the event, subject to availability.
The program for this family weekend
On Saturday, March 29, entertainment begins in the morning:
- Picked visits (10:15, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45): a mediator guides young and old through the collections according to subjects picked at random by the children, for an unpredictable and fun visit.
- Des œuvres à hauteur d'enfant" workshop (10:30 a.m.): for 6-12 year-olds, a creative workshop to draw a work of art from the museum, whose drawings will be inserted in the cartels alongside the original works.
- Divinatory visits (11 a.m., 2.15 p.m., 3.15 p.m.): an unusual experience for children aged 8 and over, combining the Tarot de Marseille and Parisian heritage, in the company of Léone Metayer, actress and fortune-teller.
- Goose game" workshop (2:30 p.m.): children aged 8 and over create their own goose game inspired by the monuments of Paris, guided by a mediator.
- Paris-ci, par-là" fun tour (2:30 to 5:30 p.m.): the whole family can hunt for details in the 19th-century rooms. Continuous activity, no registration required.
- Révolution!" show (3pm to 5pm): playlets performed by students from the Lycée Victor Hugo invite you into the French Revolution collections, as you wander through the museum halls.
On Sunday, March 30, it's time for the youngest and sensory discovery:
- Toddler show "Le doudou de Fanfan l'éléphant" (10:30 am, 11:30 am): a tender adventure around the museum's mascot, for children aged 0 to 5.
- Musical show for toddlers "Le musée des animaux" (10:45 am, 11:45 am): a sound exploration for toddlers through the museum's animal collections.
- Philosophical visit "Qu'est-ce qu'une ville?" (2:30 pm, 4:15 pm): a visit for 8-14 year-olds that questions the notion of the city through the museum's works, led by Fanny Bourillon from Ateliers Philomoos.
- Dramatized tours "En fables et en lettres" (3pm, 4pm, 5pm): immerse yourself in 17th-century Paris with Jean de la Fontaine and Madame de Sévigné. A storytelling walk in the company of actors from the Chapeau de paille company.
- Musical tour "Jeux d'interprètes" (3.30pm, 4.30pm): a tour for 8-12 year-olds where emotions become music, as you explore the museum's rooms.
These free events at the Musée Carnavalet run from 10am to 5:30pm all weekend long. It's the perfect way to introduce children to Parisian culture and enjoy a historic setting in the Marais district. When you're finished, take a stroll through the neighboring streets, among the mansions, the Place des Vosges or the gardens of the Hôtel Lamoignon.
