Musée national de l'histoire de l'immigration

About the museum

The idea of a centre devoted to the history of immigration grew out of a report submitted in 2001. In 2004 the government chose the Palais de la Porte Dorée to house it. The Cité nationale de l’histoire de l’immigration opened to the public in October 2007, and the museum was officially inaugurated in 2014.

The building was designed by the architect Albert Laprade for the 1931 Colonial Exhibition and first housed the Musée des Colonies, later the Musée des Arts africains et océaniens. The latter closed in 2003, and its collections were transferred to the Musée du quai Branly. Since 2012 a public body has managed the palace, which also houses a tropical aquarium.

The permanent exhibition was entirely redesigned in 2023. Covering 1,800 m², it traces the history of immigration in France since 1685 through eleven key dates and nearly 600 works and objects, drawn from a collection of more than 9,000 items: archives, paintings, photographs, contemporary works and personal belongings donated by immigrants or their families.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition of 1,800 m² on three centuries of immigration in France
• Eleven key dates and nearly 600 works and objects
• Collection of more than 9,000 works, objects and documents
• Palais de la Porte Dorée, built for the 1931 Colonial Exhibition
• Free admission to the Hall of Honour, the Forum and the historic salons

Permanent exhibitions

• Exposition permanente – Chronological and thematic account of the history of immigration in France since 1685, with eleven key dates, archives, artworks and personal objects.
• Le Palais de la Porte Dorée – Visit to the building erected for the 1931 Colonial Exhibition, with its Hall of Honour, Forum and historic salons, which are free to enter.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Établissement public du palais de la Porte Dorée

Visitors per year

approx. 525,594

Admission & discounts

Free admission: First Sunday of the month

The aquarium costs the same as the museum. Free admission also applies, on proof, to job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, asylum seekers and refugees, holders of the Carte Culture accompanied by a companion, journalists, tour guides and members of ICOM and ICOMOS; a free ticket must still be collected. Access to the esplanade, the Hall of Honour, the Forum and the historic salons is free.

Accessibility

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

An access ramp leads to a lift behind the administrative entrance; the museum galleries are on the third floor, served by a lift. Wheelchairs and seat-canes are lent free of charge at the cloakroom. Guided tours in French Sign Language and audio-described tours are offered occasionally; induction loop at reception, booklet in easy-to-read language. One parking space is reserved opposite the ramp and two within the grounds (reservation by email).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

Creative workshops from age 3 at weekends and during holidays, guided tours suitable from age 7, sound trails and activity booklets; content specially designed for 8- to 12-year-olds in the exhibitions. Birthday parties with activities and snacks. Changing tables in the toilets.

Getting there & parking

Visitor entrance at 293 avenue Daumesnil.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Café du Palais (light meals) in the Hall of Honour and on the peristyle, seasonal terrace from May to September, free cloakroom and the Abdelmalek Sayad resource centre.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 1,200 guests.

Three large reception spaces (up to 1,200 people), an auditorium with 184 seats, four meeting rooms, a 1,400 m² forecourt and the aquarium for cocktail receptions of 150 to 200 people; private visits possible.

Plan your visit