Musée Condé

About the museum

The château of Chantilly belonged to several great families, from the Montmorency to the princes of Condé, who enlarged and embellished it from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Its history is closely linked with that of France.

The Duke of Aumale (1822–1897), son of King Louis-Philippe and a great collector, bought back and rebuilt the estate, and there he brought together his collections of paintings, manuscripts and art objects. In 1886 he gave it to the Institut de France, on condition that the collections remain displayed as he had arranged them. In tribute to the princes of Condé, he named the whole the Musée Condé.

The picture galleries form the second-largest collection of old paintings in France after that of the Louvre, and their hanging has barely changed since the 19th century. The grand apartments on the first floor show the splendour of the Bourbon-Condé princes, while the private apartments of the Duke and Duchess of Aumale, fitted out in the 1840s, can be visited in small groups with a guide. The library cabinet holds one of the richest libraries in France, including manuscripts of the princes of Condé.

The estate also includes a 115-hectare park with three gardens, among them the one designed by Le Nôtre, and the Grandes Écuries, which house the Musée vivant du Cheval.

Highlights

• Picture galleries: the second-largest collection of old paintings in France after the Louvre
• Library cabinet with precious manuscripts, including those of the princes of Condé
• Grand apartments of the Bourbon-Condé princes
• Private apartments of the Duke and Duchess of Aumale, visible on a guided tour
• Park and gardens, including the French formal garden by Le Nôtre

Permanent exhibitions

• Les galeries de peintures – The second-largest collection of old paintings in France after that of the Louvre, presented as it was in the 19th century.
• Les grands appartements – Reception and living rooms of the Bourbon-Condé princes, with furniture, art objects and paintings.
• Le cabinet des livres – Library fitted out at the end of the 19th century for the manuscripts of the princes of Condé and the Duke of Aumale.

Founded

1898

Operated by

Propriété de l'Institut de France

Visitors per year

approx. 221,206

Admission & discounts

The one-day ticket gives access to the château, the park and the Grandes Écuries, to equestrian shows according to the programme, and to the exhibitions. The estate is private: entry is not free on the first Sunday of the month. Only online booking guarantees access on days of heavy visitor numbers. The ticket is valid all day. An annual pass is available. Payment on site by card, contactless card, paper Chèques-Vacances ANCV or cash.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The château is a listed historic monument and access can be difficult: paved sloping paths with gravel. The library cabinet and the grand apartments are accessible to people with reduced mobility via the honour courtyard, as are the shop and the graphic arts cabinet via the Capitainerie courtyard, but the private apartments are not. Adapted toilets are available on request, and two wheelchairs are lent for the château subject to availability. Free parking with proof, with reserved spaces in car parks P1 and P2 and a drop-off zone in front of the honour gate. The park is very large and the paths are uneven; electric buggies can be hired there.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Activity booklets for ages 6 to 12, a treasure hunt in the park, a children’s audioguide from age 6, a giant Jeu de l’Oie, rides on the little train, electric buggy or boat, and equestrian shows are included in the ticket. Under-7s enter free. Strollers and baby carriers without a frame are admitted in the château, but no strollers are lent. Changing mats are available in the women’s restrooms of the château and the Grandes Écuries.

Getting there & parking

The château is 40 km from central Paris, accessible via the A1 and A3 motorways, Chantilly exit. The Navigo pass is not valid as far as Chantilly. A TER and one-day ticket package is offered for €27. Free bicycle parking, lockers and charging for e-bikes.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available
• Lockers: not available

La Capitainerie restaurant on the ground floor of the château, Le Hameau restaurant in the park (April to October) and Café Les Écuries in the courtyard of the Grandes Écuries. The château has no cloakroom and refuses large luggage and motorcycle helmets. Uncovered picnic tables are in the English garden. A small train and electric buggies run through the park.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Private events and filming are possible in the château, the park and the Grandes Écuries, with about 4,200 m² of indoor space. Private equestrian shows and a private day at the racecourse are offered.

Plan your visit