Musée Jean-de-La-Fontaine
Museum in the birthplace of the fabulist Jean de La Fontaine in Château-Thierry, reopened in January 2026 with an interactive route and a free garden.
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About the museum
The Musée Jean de La Fontaine is located in Château-Thierry, in the house where the poet and fabulist was born. For nearly 150 years it has paid tribute to the writer and his work, and the town presents it as a major place of remembrance of La Fontaine.
After four years of restoration and modernisation, the museum reopened on January 15, 2026 with an inauguration ceremony, and to the public the following day. The works restored the historic architecture of the house while preserving its character, and created a new visitor route.
The route combines heritage, literature and contemporary experience, with interactive displays, restored works, audio narratives and visual projections. The collections include paintings, prints and sculptures from the 17th to the 20th century, for example a portrait of the poet by Hyacinthe Rigaud from around 1690, Aubusson armchairs decorated with scenes from the Fables, and a statue by Bernard-Gabriel Seurre on long-term loan from the Château de Versailles.
Highlights
- The birthplace of Jean de La Fontaine, restored
- Portrait of the poet by Hyacinthe Rigaud, around 1690
- Aubusson armchairs decorated with scenes from the Fables
- Interactive route with audio narratives and projections
- Garden, open access and free of charge
Permanent exhibitions
- Parcours permanent – Interactive route through the poet’s birthplace, with restored works, audio narratives and visual projections.
- Jardin – The garden of the birthplace, open access and free of charge during opening hours.
- Founded
- 1876
- Operated by
- Ville de Château-Thierry
- Visitors per year
- approx. 15,963
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5Young people aged 18 to 25, groups of more than 10 people, RSA beneficiaries and job seekers, people with disabilities and their companion, staff of the Town of Château-Thierry and the urban community, holders of the ICOM card, the Carte Culture, the Pass éducation or the Pass Culture, journalists and tour guides |
| Children & teens | freefree up to age 17 · Free admission for children and young people aged 0 to 17. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5Reduced rate for the person with a disability and their companion. |
| Students & apprentices | €5Reduced rate for 18- to 25-year-olds. |
| Groups (11+ people) | €5 per personReduced rate from 11 people; groups book directly with the museum by email or phone. |
Free admission: First Sunday of every month
Proof is requested at the entrance for reduced rates. The garden is open access and free of charge. A smartphone app, included with the individual ticket, accompanies the self-guided visit.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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 has a lift, step-free access for people with reduced mobility, and adapted signage.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 17 |
Free admission up to age 17. The route is designed for families, school groups and specialist visitors.
Getting there & parking
The museum is in the centre of Château-Thierry, reachable on foot, by car or by train.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Estimated length of the self-guided visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes, with a smartphone app included with the ticket. Guided tours take place Wednesday to Saturday at 10:30 and 14:30, and are booked by phone. The programme also includes workshops for children, literary encounters and themed tours. |
