Cluny Museum (Musée de Cluny)

The Basics

The Cluny Museum is one of Paris’ most important museums, one with rich history itself. The institution occupies three buildings: the Hôtel de Cluny (which dates to the 15th century), the Thermes de Cluny (the ruins of a Gallo-Roman bath complex), and a new welcome building designed by architect Bernard Desmoulin and unveiled in July 2018. While the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries are its blockbuster attraction, the museum’s other collection highlights range from sculptures and stained-glass windows to paintings and gem-studded jewelry.

A number of tours make stops at the Cluny Museum, including medieval-themed excursions and walking tours of the Latin Quarter. The Cluny Museum is also a participating institution in the Paris Museum Pass scheme, so you can choose to visit independently and explore the galleries at your own pace.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A sweeping restoration process, which began in 2016 and is projected to conclude in 2020, has modernized the museum and increased the size of its public spaces.

• The museum offers free entry during the first Sunday of every month.

• Newly added elevators have made the second-floor and underground exhibition spaces accessible to visitors with mobility issues; the museum is set to be fully accessible following the completion of its renovation.

How to Get There

The centrally located Cluny Museum is accessible via numerous forms of transportation. Take Métro line 10 to Cluny-La Sorbonne, line 4 to Saint-Michel, and lines 4 and 10 to Odéon, all just a short stroll away. You can also take the RER B to Cluny-La Sorbonne and the RER C to Saint-Michel. Additionally, bus lines 21, 27, 38, 63, 85, 86, and 87 stop nearby. The museum can also be accessed on foot, by taxi, or by Vélib’.

When to Get There

The museum is open from 9:15am–5:45pm, Wednesday–Sunday. It’s closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and the 1st of May. As part of its ongoing renovation work, the Hôtel de Cluny—one of its three main buildings—will be closed through fall 2020.

Events at the Cluny Museum

The Cluny Museum hosts a number of talks, presentations, temporary exhibitions, and special events. Its concert series, a highlight of the event calendar, introduces visitors to medieval instruments and compositions.

Ways to explore

The Cluny Museum is a popular stop on tours of the Latin Quarter, architectural tours of Paris, and history-themed tours that focus on the art and culture of the Middle Ages. The museum is also included in the Paris Museum Pass—a great option if you’re hoping to visit multiple museums while in the French capital. Best known for its 6-part Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, the Cluny also features thousands of medieval artifacts and works of art, including colorful illuminated manuscripts and 13th-century statues.

Accessibility

Following renovations, the museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

There is no minimum age to visit; children under 18 enter for free.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers (the museum is partially climate-controlled)

Not allowed

Luggage, backpacks, large bags, flash photography

Amenities

Restrooms, coat check, book and gift shop, café, lockers, baby-changing facilities, audio guides

Address

The Cluny Museum is centrally located in the Latin Quarter and is easily accessible via numerous forms of public transportation. It is a short walk from nearby neighborhood highlights, including La Sorbonne and Shakespeare and Company Bookstore.

Driving

The Latin Quarter is a maze of narrow lanes and busy boulevards, and parking is challenging. Leave your car and reach the museum and other area attractions on foot or by public transportation.

Public transportation

Take metro line 10 to Cluny-La Sorbonne, line 4 to Saint-Michel, or lines 4 and 10 to Odéon, all just a short stroll away. You can also take the RER B to Cluny-La Sorbonne and the RER C to Saint-Michel. Bus lines 21, 27, 38, 63, 86, and 87 all stop nearby.

Best times to visit

School groups tend to visit Parisian museums in the morning, so aim for an afternoon tour when the galleries and chapel are quieter.

Best days to visit

Weekends are the busiest times to visit, particularly the first Sunday of the month when admission to the museum is free. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, so plan a weekday trip to bypass the peak crowds.

Best months to visit

Only some areas of the museum are climate-controlled, so avoid touring in the heat of summer or the cold of winter. Spring and fall are the best seasons for a comfortable visit.

Special events

Year-round, the museum hosts temporary exhibits, concerts, themed tours, and presentations. Check the website for an updated calendar.