Musée de la Musique

About the museum

The museum’s origins go back to the French Revolution: the National Institute of Music, founded in 1793, brought together a cabinet of instruments, partly made up of confiscated property. This collection was later attached to the Paris Conservatoire. In 1861 the State bought the collection of the composer Louis Clapisson, and two rooms opened to the public in 1864, making Paris one of the first places to display an instrument collection.

In the 20th century the Conservatoire’s instrument museum developed, notably under curator Geneviève de Chambure from 1961. The Cité de la musique project led to the transfer of the collection to the State, followed by a major campaign of acquisitions and restorations. The Musée de la musique opened in 1997 in the building designed by Christian de Portzamparc, with scenography by Franck Hammoutène.

Since 2015 the museum has been part of the ensemble formed with the Philharmonie de Paris. Its spaces have been expanded and its route renewed, with a new presentation for the 2026–2027 season. The collection comprises about 9,000 objects: instruments, artworks, scores and documents. Nearly 1,000 pieces are on display, from the 16th century to the present day, with a focus on the music of Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas.

Highlights

• Violins by Antonio Stradivari held by the museum
• Gamelan from Java, donated in 1887
• Electric guitars by Fender, Gibson and Rickenbacker
• Studio Pierre Henry, with instruments and electronic music machines
• Route of six instruments to touch
• A musician present in the galleries every day

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente du Musée de la musique – History of music from the 16th century to the present, with the music of Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and the Studio Pierre Henry.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Cité de la musique - Philharmonie de Paris

Visitors per year

approx. 413,029

Admission & discounts

Permanent collection rates for the 2026–2027 season. Also free for job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, Friends of the Philharmonie de Paris, social-sector intermediaries and holders of certain credentials (Pass Éducation, Carte Culture, ICOM card, tour guide card, CCIPJ press card). Temporary exhibitions have their own rates.

Accessibility

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

The museum is accessible to people with disabilities. A route of six instruments to touch, integrated into interactive installations, offers a multisensory approach. The audio guide is available in French Sign Language. The Q-Park car parks offer spaces for people with reduced mobility. Accessibility contact: accessibilite@philharmoniedeparis.fr.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

“L’Amusette” play bag lent free of charge to children aged 2 to 4; “Muséojeux” bag for families with children from age 4; activity booklet and audio-guide route for children from age 7. Visits for children and families. The Philharmonie des enfants, a play area for ages 4 to 10, is located in the same complex.

Getting there & parking

The Musée de la musique is located in the Cité de la musique building, next to the Philharmonie.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Bookshop, restaurants and bars throughout the Cité de la musique – Philharmonie de Paris. Luggage and travel bags are not admitted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit