Musée de la Contrefaçon
Small Paris museum in the 16th arrondissement that uses pairs of authentic and counterfeit objects to show the history and stakes of counterfeiting.
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About the museum
The museum has its origins in the Union des fabricants (Unifab), an association founded in 1872 to defend intellectual property, particularly trademarks. To support its lawsuits against counterfeiters, the association gathered pairs of objects, each consisting of an original and its copy; these pieces first formed a legal archive and then became the core of the collections.
The museum opened in 1922, on the association's fiftieth anniversary, but was then reserved for professionals. Unifab moved in 1951 into the mansion on Rue de la Faisanderie, where the museum is still located. For the association's centenary in 1972, the museum opened to the general public.
A reorganization took place in 1992: the route was expanded, the first guided tours and temporary exhibitions appeared, and the subject was broadened to the consequences of counterfeiting for health, safety, the environment and the economy. A room devoted to fakes in the art world opened in 2008, with pieces from judicial seizures. In 2021, a room on the fight against counterfeiting explains cooperation between professionals and states.
Today the collections include industrial objects from all sectors, historical pieces ranging from Gallo-Roman amphorae to copies from the 1980s, and forged works of art.
Highlights
- Pairs of authentic and counterfeit objects from real cases
- Historical collection, from Gallo-Roman amphorae to 1980s copies
- Fake paintings, sculptures and drawings removed from the art market
- Former smoking room of the mansion, with carved wood paneling
- Archives of trademark registers predating the INPI
Permanent exhibition
- Collections permanentes – Authentic objects and their copies, historical pieces and forged works of art, displayed in the rooms of the mansion.
- Founded
- 1951
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €6 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Under 25s and students, over 65s, holders of the Pass Éducation, holders of the large family card (proof required) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 11 · Free admission for children under 12. |
| Seniors | €5Reduced rate from age 65. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –Free admission for holders of a disability card. |
| Students & apprentices | €5Reduced rate for students and visitors under 25. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €4 per personGroup rate of €4 per person for groups of 10 to 30, in addition to a guide flat fee; reservation required. |
| Guided tour for individual visitors (from) | €8First Saturday of the month at 10:00. |
| Group guided tour of 45 minutes (guide flat fee) | €66 |
| Group guided tour of 60 minutes (guide flat fee) | €82.50 |
| Group guided tour of 90 minutes (guide flat fee) | €99 |
Admission is free upon proof for job seekers and recipients of social minimum benefits, working journalists, customs, gendarmerie, police and DGCCRF officers, and holders of the ICOM card. Payment by card, cash or check; tickets are available online or on site.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Access to the rooms is via a staircase of seven steps; staff can help carry a wheelchair. The rest of the museum is at ground level.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 8+
| Time needed | approx. 40 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
- Family tours & workshops
Workshop visits for groups and classes (“Dans la peau des douaniers”, “Apprendre à identifier le vrai du faux”). The museum recommends the visit from age 8.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Porte Dauphine
Metro line 2, Porte Dauphine station (exit 4, avenue Hubert Germain); tramway T3b, Porte Dauphine; RER C, Avenue Foch station; bus 52, Bugeaud stop.
By car
Parking available
Parking at 74 and 120 avenue Victor Hugo.
Nearby Vélib' stations: 2 boulevard Lannes, 1 rue Crevaux, 68 boulevard Flandrin. Taxi stand at 12 place Victor Hugo.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The website has a page on private hire, without details.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Individual visitors do not need to book: simply ring the bell at the door during opening hours. The visit is suitable from age 8. Groups (maximum 30 people) should book at least 10 days in advance; guided tours, workshop visits and lecture-tours are offered, as well as school workshops from 6th grade through the final year (terminale). |
