Musée de la franc-maçonnerie
Museum housed in the headquarters of the Grand Orient de France: objects, aprons and lodge decor tell the story of Freemasonry.
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About the museum
The museum was founded in 1889 in the headquarters of the Grand Orient de France at 16 rue Cadet in Paris. Plundered during the Occupation, its collections had to be rebuilt after the war; the museum reopened in 1973 and has continued to enrich its holdings since. It officially became the Musée de la franc-maçonnerie in 2000 and has held the “Musée de France” label since 2003. It was recently completely renovated.
The collections comprise about 10,000 objects: aprons, jewels, decorative items, lodge furniture, ritual objects, prints, faience and manuscripts. The permanent display covers about 400 m², plus 200 m² for temporary exhibitions and a library of around 23,000 volumes with an archive center.
The museum also presents the architecture and decoration of Masonic temples. A guided tour led by a Freemason gives access to the temples of the headquarters in addition to the museum rooms. Overall, it offers an accessible introduction to the history, symbols and rites of Freemasonry since the 18th century.
Highlights
- Full-length portrait of the Comte de Clermont, Grand Master from 1743 to 1771
- Aprons associated with Voltaire and Jérôme Bonaparte
- Sword of La Fayette as “vénérable” (lodge master)
- 18th-century faience collection with Masonic motifs
- 1723 first edition of Anderson's Constitutions
- Guided tour of the temples of the Grand Orient de France headquarters
- Founded
- 1889
- Operated by
- Grand Orient de France
- Director
- Pierre Mollier
- Visitors per year
- approx. 18,006
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Under 26, members of the Grand Orient de France, holders of the Pass Culture or Pass Éducation, job seekers (with proof) |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for under-18s, with proof. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree admission for visitors with disabilities, with proof. |
| Groups (12+ people) | €14 per personTwo-hour guided tour of the museum and the temples, for groups of 12 or more, by reservation. |
| Guided tour of the museum and temples, full price | €15Reduced rate: €12. Free online booking; payment at the museum on the day of the visit. |
The ticket gives access to the permanent collections and the temporary exhibitions. Free admission, with proof, for recipients of social minimum benefits, members of the Friends of the Museum society, journalists, national tour guides and ICOM members. Chèques-vacances are accepted.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Access is by elevator; the museum recommends using it accompanied. A guided tour in French Sign Language is possible on request, for up to 10 participants; write to museefm@godf.org.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Cadet
Metro: Cadet (line 7) or Grands Boulevards (lines 8 and 9).
Vélib' station Cadet, 24-26 rue Cadet.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum shop is open during museum hours.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided tours of the temples and the museum by a Masonic guide on Thursdays at 14:30, Saturdays at 14:30 and 16:00, and Sundays at 14:30; please arrive 15 minutes early. Group visits from 12 people on request. |
