Have you heard of the Cité de l'Architecture ? Since 2007, this museum has been showcasing a fine collection of models, plans of fortified towns, pieces of destroyed buildings and stained glass windows, with the aim of answering several questions: How are the major buildings of our time and of the past constructed? Why and for whom were they designed? What are the contemporary challenges?
Housed in the magnificent Palais de Chaillot, on the Place du Trocadéro and facing the Eiffel Tower, the museum boasts a large exhibition space for monumental pieces.
Heir to the Musée de Sculpture Comparée, opened in 1882, the museum presents three collections in three different galleries. There's the gallery of casts, the gallery of murals and stained glass, and the new gallery of modern and contemporary architecture, which looks back at thehistory of French architecture since 1851.
Among the major pieces in the collection are the painted ceiling from the dome of Cahors Cathedral (14th century), a model of Notre-Dame de Paris, a 1:1 scale reconstruction of one of the housing units in the Cité radieuse built by Le Corbusier in Marseille in 1952, and a model of the Gare du Nord railway station.
Over 6,000 historic items are on display in the 7,000 m² permanent collection. In addition, the Cité de l'architecture boasts an outstanding specialized library with over 44,000 books, 507 periodical titles and thousands of documentary films and digital resources.
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine de Paris is open every day except Tuesday, from 11am to 7pm, and until 9pm on Thursdays. The last admission is at 6.20 pm and 8.20 pm on Thursdays. The museum is closed on the following days: January 1, May 1, July 14 and December 25. It closes early at 5pm on December 24 and 31.
How to get to the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine?
As you'd expect, getting to the Trocadéro is fairly straightforward and well served. Note that the Palais Chaillot, where the museum is located, is in the building on the left when you're facing the Eiffel Tower.
Admission to the museum and its permanent collection, and to exhibitions in the permanent collection, is €9 full price and €6 concessions. The same rate applies to temporary exhibitions. You can opt for a ticket that includes the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions for €12 full price and €9 concessions. We strongly recommend that you reserve your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line. The site also offers themed guided tours, workshops and courses for young and old, and even yoga. You can even organize a birthday workshop.
Free admission: the museum's permanent collection is free for EU citizens under the age of 25, and disabled people and their accompanying adults. Temporary exhibitions are free of charge for young people under 18. The museum is also free on the 1st Sunday of the month.
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine is accessible to people with disabilities. A number of facilities are available, depending on the type of disability. Audio guides are available for €5. An independent checkroom is available.
The Palais Chaillot is home to the Girafe restaurant on the first floor and the Suite Girafe on the 9th floor, with an exceptional view of the Eiffel Tower. A good idea? Head to the left wing of the palace, to the Grand Foyer de la Danse du Théâtre Chaillot, for the Ilots de Chaillot, with its sublime view of the Tower.
Throughout the year, exhibitions, workshops and events are offered to the public.
The Berlin Wall, a world divided: the exhibition at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine
A global symbol of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall divided the city in two for 28 long years. As the German capital celebrates the 35th anniversary of the fall of the wall in 2024, the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine in Paris presents a unique exhibition at the heart of this Berlin cut in two. "The Berlin Wall. A world divided" is on view from May 21 to September 28, 2025. [Read more]
La Saga des Grands Magasins, the exhibition at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine unveiled
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine unveils a fantastic exhibition on the fascinating history of Parisian department stores, from 1850 to the present day. From November 6, 2024 to April 6, 2025, discover their history, architecture and evolution since the Second Empire. [Read more]
Philippe Prost, la mémoire vive: the retrospective exhibition at the Cité de l'Architecture
The Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine pays tribute to Philippe Prost, with a retrospective exhibition highlighting the architect's career and creations. On view from October 18, 2024 to March 23, 2025. [Read more]
The birth of department stores, a double exhibition at the heart of these mythical Parisian landmarks
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Cité de l'Architecture take us to the heart of the legendary addresses of Parisian art de vivre with "The Birth of Department Stores", a two-part exhibition. Visit the MAD from April 10 to October 13, 2024, then from October 16, 2024 to March 16, 2025, to discover the history of these temples to fashion right up to the present day. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts December 25, 2024
Location
Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine
1 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre
75116 Paris 16
Access
Metro Trocadéro or Iena
Prices
- 25 ans UE: Free
Plein Tarif: €9
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.citedelarchitecture.fr
More information
Opening hours: daily 11am-7pm except Tuesdays, Thursdays until 9pm.
