Museum of Jewish Art and History (Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme)

The basics

Highlights of the museum’s collection include a Torah ark from the Italian Renaissance, a Dutch Torah scroll from the 1600s, a German menorah crafted from gold and silver, documents from the Dreyfus Scandal, and an exhibit dedicated to detailing what life was like for Jewish residents of Paris in 1939. Admission to the museum is included in many of the city's attraction and museum passes, and is an important stop in tours of the Marais District, which has a large Jewish Community.

Things to know before you go

• The Museum of Jewish Art and History is a must-visit for anyone interested in Jewish art and culture in France.
• Free audio guides are available in five languages, including English.
• Be prepared for strict security searches at the entrance of the museum; traveling light saves you time.
• The museum features a ramp and an elevator for wheelchair users and guests with strollers. Loaner wheelchairs are also available.

How to get there

The museum is located in the heart of the Marais District, right on rue du Temple, in the 3rd Arrondissement of Paris and a short walk from the Pompidou Centre. The nearest metro stations are at Rambuteau (line 11) or Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11).

When to get there

Like many Paris museums, the Museum of Jewish Art and History is open every day of the week except for Monday, with late hours on Wednesdays. The ticket office closes 45 minutes before the museum closes. This museum is open on public holidays, except for New Year's Day. There's also a media library open in the afternoon from Tuesday through Friday.

Hotel de Saint-Aignan

The museum is housed within the Hotel de Saint-Aignan, a magnificent mansion built between 1644 and 1650 for the Count of Avaux. The building, considered one of the most beautiful private mansions in Paris, served as a government building and commercial space before it was purchased by the city of Paris in 1963.

Ways to explore

Housed in a 17th-century mansion, the Museum of Jewish Art and History holds a collection of 12,000 items, including paintings, artworks, sculptures, furniture, and religious artifacts, around 600 of which are on display at a time. The museum also hosts changing temporary exhibitions, including those that showcase work by contemporary Jewish artists. Guided tours are available for an additional fee.

Admission to the museum is included in many of the city's multi-attraction and museum passes. It is also often a stop on tours of the Marais District, which has a strong Jewish heritage.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible to visitors with limited mobility and has a wheelchair accessible route. Loan wheelchairs are available. ​​It has audio-induction loops and offers museum brochures in Braille. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

None; admission is free for under 18s. Baby carriers are available for loan.

What to pack

Bring your museum/attraction pass or ID for discounted admission and a refillable water bottle. Pack lightly, in a small bag, as there are security checks and bag searches at the entrance.

What to wear

Bring a little layer to wear inside during the summertime when the air-conditioning can feel chilly.

Not allowed

Touching exhibits, large bags, suitcases, food and drinks

Amenities

Cloakroom, digital visitor guide, kid-friendly activity kits, audio guides, lockers, water fountain

Address

The museum is located in the heart of Paris’ Marais District, in the 3rd Arrondissement, a short walk from the Centre Pompidou. It is easy to reach via public transportation.

Driving

While you could drive to the museum, navigating traffic and parking is often stressful in Paris. Hail a taxi or book a rideshare instead.

Public transportation

Rambuteau station on metro line 11 is a 2-minute walk—take exit 2. Hôtel de Ville on lines 1 and 11 is a 5-minute walk. Bus routes 29, 38, and 75 stop close by.

Best times to visit

Avoid crowds by visiting in the morning, soon after opening, which is at 11am on weekdays and 10am on weekends. Last admission is 45 before closure—closing time is 6pm on weekdays and 7pm at weekends.

Best days to visit

On the first Saturday of the month (October to June), admission to the permanent collection is free. The museum is closed on Mondays.

Best months to visit

Paris is at its best in the spring and fall months—although the museum offers a cool respite from the summer heat.

Special events

The museum occasionally hosts special events; check the calendar for details.