Musée de la Musique

The Basics

Located on the northeastern edge of Paris in the Parc de la Villette, the Musée de la Musique is one of the highlights of the Cité de la Musique: a major musical complex, designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, that contains a concert hall, an amphitheater, and other educational spaces. The collection includes instruments and objects that hail from across the Western musical traditions, as well as items sourced from around the globe. Collection highlights range from a piano once used by Chopin to a guitar owned by Georges Brassens. The museum also hosts free daily concerts, as well as temporary exhibitions, talks with visiting musicians, and other events.

The Musée de la Musique is included in select Paris Museum Pass schemes, making for an affordable and accessible way to visit.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum is fully accessible to visitors with mobility issues.

• Ticket holders for concerts at the Philharmonie de Paris receive reduced admission to the Musée de la Musique.

• Free audio guides are available with entry, and allow visitors to hear some of the instruments on display.

• From 2–5pm daily, visiting musicians play in the galleries and chat with visitors.

How to Get There

The Musée de la Musique is accessible via Métro line 5, which stops at the nearby Porte de Pantin station. Bus routes 75 and 171 also stop nearby. The Philharmonie additionally offers free shuttle service to select locations in central Paris for those attending late-running evening performances.

When to Get There

The Musée de la Musique is open from 12–6pm on Tuesday–Friday, and from 10am–6pm on Saturday–Sunday. It’s closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and May 1st; it also closes an hour early on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The museum hosts numerous special events and temporary exhibitions in addition to its daily concerts.

The Philharmonie de Paris

A recent addition to the Cité de la Musique complex, the new Philharmonie de Paris building—designed by starchitect Jean Nouvel—debuted in 2015. Distinct for its bright metallic facade and phenomenal acoustics, the building hosts a world-class symphonic hall (the Grande Salle Pierre Boulez).

Ways to explore

Part of the complex of the Cité de la Musique and located next to the Philharmonie 1 symphony hall with its tessellated, black and white exterior, a visit to the Musée de la Musique is perfectly paired with a trip to la Villette (an expansive urban park complex along the Canal de l’Ourcq.) There are several concert halls and theaters scattered across the grounds, making the museum a perfect first stop before a night out. Otherwise, you can make a day of it by adding the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie or the Argonaute Submarine maritime museum to your itinerary.

Accessibility

The building is wheelchair accessible. Guide dogs are permitted. A variety of equipment including wheelchairs, binoculars, and ear defenders are available to loan.

Age limits

There are no age limits—ask for L’Amusette at the start of your visit for a fun activity bag for kids aged 2–4, while Muséojeux activity bag is available for older kids

What to pack

Small bag with any essentials

What to wear

If you’re going to the symphony after the museum, formalwear is appropriate. Otherwise, casual, comfortable clothes are best.

Not allowed

Large, bulky bags

Amenities

Restrooms, café, bookstore

Address

Located in the bustling 19th arrondissement, the Musée de la Musique is accessible by public transit, bike, or car. Public transit in Paris tends to be the easiest option, thanks to the convenience of the extensive Metro system.

Driving

There’s a small parking lot beneath the Cité de la Musique complex if you choose to drive, accessible along Avenue Jean Jaurès. The Boulevard Périphérique has exits onto the avenue in both directions.

Public transportation

Porte de Pantin is the nearest Metro stop, served by line 5, while a bus stop of the same name is served by the N13, N41, and N45 buses.

Best times to visit

Come early in the day unless you’re planning on attending a show afterwards, and pack a picnic to enjoy on the large lawns of la Villette.

Best days to visit

The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday; visit on a weekday to skip the crowds. Otherwise, check the programming for the surrounding venues to pair your visit with a show.

Best months to visit

Take advantage of the grounds surrounding the Cité de la Musique in May and June before the heat gets oppressive and the crowds get crazy.

Special events

The Days Off festival runs from the end of June to the first week of July across the Cité de la Musique complex and grounds, showcasing acts from France and around the world.