Musée de la Magie

About the museum

The Musée de la Magie has been open to the public since 1993 in the Marais, in the heart of the Saint-Paul village. It occupies vaulted stone cellars dating from the 16th century, beneath the former house of the Marquis de Sade, and presents itself as an unusual and interactive venue.

The museum is a private institution and receives no public subsidies. Its collections trace the history of illusionism: magicians' objects, trick props, large stage illusions, posters and prints, optical installations and animated automata. Part of the route is devoted to key figures such as Robert-Houdin, considered the father of modern magic, Georges Méliès, a pioneer of cinema and special effects, and Houdini.

The visit is largely guided by animators who recount the history of magic and anecdotes. It includes a parlor magic performance, given several times a day. The museum also offers magic classes and workshops for children, as well as birthday parties and private events.

Highlights

• Parlor magic show included with the ticket
• Grand illusions, including a version of Thurston's “Femme sciée”
• Collection devoted to Robert-Houdin, Méliès and Houdini
• Animated automata and optical illusions
• Posters and prints from the golden age of magic
• Vaulted 16th-century cellars in the Marais

Permanent exhibition

• Collections permanentes : magiciens de référence, grandes illusions, automates – Guided route through the history of magic, with props, grand illusions, posters, optical illusions and animated automata.

Founded

1993

Operated by

Établissement privé, sans subvention publique

Admission & discounts

A single ticket gives access to the permanent collections, the magic show and the guides' accompaniment. The museum states that it offers no other reduced rates (such as for large families or job seekers); special rates exist only for works councils. Online booking is strongly recommended, but tickets can also be bought at reception.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• 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

The museum occupies former cellars and is reached by a single staircase with handrails; it is not accessible to wheelchair users or people using a walker. Blind and visually impaired visitors must be accompanied.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 3+

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Kids’ birthday parties

Magic workshops for children (introductory classes from age 6, Wednesday workshops, courses during Zone C school holidays) and magic birthday parties from age 6. The museum welcomes children from age 3. It is best to leave strollers inside the museum's premises to ease the flow of visitors. A treasure hunt, “Le journal d'Alice”, is offered as a complement to the visit.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is only on Rue Saint-Paul, not through the Saint-Paul village. The museum is close to the Opéra Bastille and the Place des Vosges.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Académie de Magie shop in the center of the museum, with books and magic tricks for beginners. A free app lets visitors scan the QR codes of the works.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 100 guests.

Private hire is possible on days the museum is closed to the public (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday): up to 100 people for a standing cocktail, 60 for a seated meal, and a 60-seat show room.

Plan your visit