Quai Branly Museum (Musée du Quai Branly)

The Basics

Quai Branly Museum's permanent collection of 3,500 objects is divided into geographical areas: Oceania, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Due to their fragile nature, objects from the permanent collection periodically rotate. Temporary exhibits are displayed in the main gallery, and range from painting collections to thematic displays of objects from around the globe.

Located nearby the Eiffel Tower in the 7th Arrondissement, the Quai Branly Museumis easily accessible via hop-on, hop-off bus tours, a convenient way for visitors to explore without the hassle of navigating on their own. Segway and bike tours offer views of the museum’s exterior and iconic vertical garden. The museum is listed on most Paris museums passes, which grant access to a bundle of institutions with a one-time payment. Museum passes also typically include the Louvre, Musee D’Orsay, and the Rodin Museum.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Quai Branly Museum is a must for history buffs.

• The museum has two dining options: Branly Café, which serves light refreshments, and Les Ombres, an upscale restaurant that overlooks the city and Eiffel Tower.

• The rooftop terrace has some of the best unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Located in the 7th Arrondissement just east of the Eiffel Tower on Rue de l’Universite, the museum is easily accessible using the city’s comprehensive public transit system. The nearest stops are Alma-Marceau on line 9 and Pont de l’Alma on the RER’s C line.

When to Get There

Though busiest on weekend afternoons, the museum’s cavernous galleries mean that it rarely feels overly crowded. See the museum’s online calendar for cultural events, lectures, and concerts held throughout the year.

The Green Wall

In 2004, botanist and researcher Patrick Blanc designed and installed a vertical garden on the facade of museum that looks out over the Seine from Quai Branly. The garden wall houses 15,000 plants and 150 species from around the globe, and represents the future of green architecture in Paris.

Ways to explore

The Quai Branly Museum has a collection of more than 1 million artworks and artifacts from Indigenous cultures in Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and beyond. Some 3,500 objects are displayed in its permanent collection at any one time, and the museum also hosts rotating temporary exhibitions, film screenings, and other events.

For a seamless visiting experience, book your admission tickets to the museum in advance of your visit. Many Paris sightseeing tours also stop near the museum, and you can squeeze in a visit before or after exploring the Eiffel Tower, located minutes away.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users, and wheelchairs, folding seats, and walking frames are available to rent.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Handheld bag, notebook or sketch pad

What to wear

Wear good walking shoes and comfortable layers for sightseeing.

Not allowed

Touching the artworks, being loud or disruptive, eating and drinking in galleries, bringing luggage or bulky items

Amenities

Gift shop, café and restaurant, bathrooms, cloakroom

Address

The Quai Branly Museum overlooks the Seine in Paris’ 7th arrondissement, just east of the Eiffel Tower. The museum is well-served by public transportation, including riverboat services, as well as taxis and rideshares.

Driving

Owing to traffic congestion and restrictions, driving in Paris is not recommended for travelers. If you must drive, use the paid Quai Branly–Tour Eiffel parking garage, located beneath the museum.

Public transportation

Take the RER C commuter train to Pont de l’Alma station, or take line 9 of the Paris Métro to Alma–Marceau, just across the river. Alternatively, use hop-on hop-off Batobus riverboats, which stop at the Eiffel Tower.

Best times to visit

The museum is open most days from mid-morning to early evening. Arrive right when it opens for fewer crowds, or take advantage of late-night hours on Thursdays.

Best days to visit

The Quai Branly Museum is open every day except Mondays. As a rule, weekdays are likely to be quieter than weekends.

Best months to visit

Summer is the high season in Paris, when museums like the Quai Branly are likely to be at their busiest. Aim to visit at another time of year instead.

Special events

The museum’s Summer Garden programming includes a range of film screenings, workshops, storytelling sessions, and more throughout the season.