Pavillon de l'Arsenal

About the museum

The Pavillon de l’Arsenal building was constructed in 1878–1879 on the former Île Louviers, which had been joined to Paris’s right bank in 1843. It was built at the request of Laurent-Louis Borniche, a former timber merchant and art lover, who wanted to display his collection of around 2,000 paintings in a “popular museum”. After his death the paintings were sold, and the building served various purposes: a pasta factory, an alcohol shop, a restaurant and, from 1931, garment workshops for La Samaritaine. The City of Paris bought it in 1954.

The building was renovated by the architects Bernard Reichen and Philippe Robert and opened in 1988–1989 as an exhibition venue devoted to the architecture and urban planning of Paris. The Pavillon de l’Arsenal is run by an association. It produces exhibitions, publishes books, organises lectures, guided tours, courses and workshops, and welcomes groups of children. Its FAIRE programme, launched in 2017, supports teams of architects and landscape designers each year as they test innovative projects.

Since January 2025 the building has been closed for major renovation works led by DATA Architectes. The project aims to improve the building’s bioclimatic performance and make it more welcoming, particularly for people with disabilities. In the meantime the Pavillon presents its exhibitions and events at various venues across Greater Paris. No reopening date is given on the website.

Highlights

• Late 19th-century metal hall in the heart of Paris
• Architecture and urban planning centre with free admission
• Exhibitions on the past and future of Paris and the Métropole
• FAIRE programme supporting innovative architecture projects
• Off-site programme during the works

Founded

1989

Operated by

Association du Pavillon de l'Arsenal (subvention de la Ville de Paris)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The Pavillon presents itself as a free place of exchange and learning, open to all. Access conditions for off-site events are given on a case-by-case basis.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• 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 ongoing renovation is meant to improve welcome for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Activities and workshops that you can take part in alone, with friends or as a family; the Pavillon welcomes groups of children every year.

Getting there & parking

The building is near the Bastille, the Marais and the Seine. Venues for off-site events are listed in the website’s calendar.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop with the Pavillon’s own publications, contact: librairie@pavillon-arsenal.com; online shop.

Events & venue rental

The Pavillon de l’Arsenal has been closed for works since January 2025 and presents its programme off-site.

Plan your visit