Musée de Cluny (Musée National du Moyen Âge), Paris - a group of statues in a room with windows
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Musée de Cluny

4.5
·7k reviews·Paris, France

Discover medieval wonders and Roman history at the Musée de Cluny, home to the iconic 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries and ancient Roman baths in the...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Enjoy fewer crowds and a peaceful visit.

CrowdLow
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Musée de Cluny (Musée National du Moyen Âge), Paris - a group of statues in a room with windows

Musée de Cluny

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Enjoy fewer crowds and a peaceful visit.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover medieval wonders and Roman history at the Musée de Cluny, home to the iconic 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries and ancient Roman baths in the heart of Paris.

4.5
(7k reviews)

"A captivating journey through the Middle Ages, offering a unique and less crowded cultural escape in Paris."

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TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your Musée de Cluny tickets in advance online to ensure entry and potentially save time at the entrance.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Latin Quarter

The Cluny Museum is near Notre Dame; combine your visit with a stroll through the historic Latin Quarter .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries

The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries

Room 19

Marvel at the six iconic 'La Dame à la licorne' tapestries, allegories of the senses and a mysterious sixth meaning, a true masterpiece of medieval art.TikTok

Roman Baths (Thermes de Cluny)

Roman Baths (Thermes de Cluny)

Ground Floor

Explore the remarkably preserved ancient Roman baths, a stunning example of Roman architecture integrated within the museum's medieval structure.TikTok

Medieval Garden

Medieval Garden

Exterior

Wander through the tranquil medieval garden, a serene outdoor space designed to evoke the flora and spirit of the Middle Ages, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Gothic Architecture

Gothic Architecture

Throughout

Admire the stunning Gothic mansion itself, a beautiful example of medieval Parisian architecture that houses the museum's vast collection.

Planning Your Visit

Reopened & Refreshed

The Musée de Cluny, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, has recently reopened after extensive renovations. Expect a modern presentation of its incredible medieval collection, including interactive panels that enhance the experience.TikTok

A Calmer Parisian Museum

While Paris boasts many famous museums, the Musée de Cluny offers a more intimate and less overwhelming experience compared to giants like the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay. It's an excellent choice if you're looking to avoid the biggest crowds while still seeing world-class art and history.TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Enjoy fewer crowds and a peaceful visit.
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out, more relaxed atmosphere.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@vanilla_swirlxx
949.5K likes • 13.5M views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your Musée de Cluny tickets in advance online to ensure entry and potentially save time at the entrance.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Latin Quarter

The Cluny Museum is near Notre Dame; combine your visit with a stroll through the historic Latin Quarter.TikTok

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@paulinejchoii
315K likes • 3.9M views
Girl's favorite pet🦄🦄🦄 #unicorn #detail #ladywithunicorn #medievalart #gothic #tapestry #наединорогеповасильковомуполю #museecluny #Paris
mashicooo
43 likes • 0 views

💡 Look for Interactive Displays

The recently renovated museum features interactive panels that bring the Middle Ages to life.TikTok

📸 Capture the Unicorn

Don't miss the famous 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries – they are a highlight for photos.TikTok

#FloralFriday feeling #inspired by this detailed iconic piece #TheLadyAndTheUnicorn #Tapestry at the #museenationaldumoyenage in #Paris 🌻🌻🌻
helenedwardspr
39 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Secure your Musée de Cluny tickets in advance online to ensure entry and potentially save time at the entrance.

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Latin Quarter

The Cluny Museum is near Notre Dame; combine your visit with a stroll through the historic Latin Quarter.TikTok

💡 Look for Interactive Displays

The recently renovated museum features interactive panels that bring the Middle Ages to life.TikTok

📸 Capture the Unicorn

Don't miss the famous 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries – they are a highlight for photos.TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Musée de Cluny for its unique focus on medieval art and its stunning 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries. Many appreciate its less crowded atmosphere compared to other major Parisian museums, offering a more intimate and reflective experience. The recent renovations and interactive elements are also frequently highlighted as enhancing the visit.

"I love medieval art, so naturally really enjoyed my visit to the Cluny museum. It's full of medieval sculptures, reliefs, artwork, jewellery, armour, and TAPESTRIES - these are simply stunning! A darkened room with huge tapestries of Lady and the unicorn, from floor to ceiling, you can explore the details close too. There are other tapestries as well, which are also amazing. I highly recommend visiting this beautiful museum!"

Tanya Bond

"Musée de Cluny felt like a hidden gem during my Paris trip! This museum has an impressive selection of human kinds most cherished artifacts. As a medieval history lover this museum was one of my fave days during my Paris trip! This museum has SO much to see & some of the oldest artifacts I’ve ever laid eyes on.

I came for The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries—six breathtaking pieces that symbolize the five senses and a mysterious sixth sense. They are so powerful to see in person & it’s wild to be that close to something so old.

This beautiful museum is full medieval tapestries, ancient artifacts, old religious relics and seeing it all in person was truly special. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here to fully soak in the art and history. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the collections of such old & historical artifacts."

Heather Boswick

"The Musée de Cluny, also known as the Musée national du Moyen Âge, is a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the medieval world. Housed in a beautifully preserved 15th-century Gothic mansion and built over ancient Roman baths, the museum itself feels like stepping back in time.

The collection is rich and varied—stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, medieval sculptures, tapestries, and everyday objects that tell the story of life during the Middle Ages. The star of the show is undoubtedly The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry series, which is absolutely breathtaking in both scale and detail. Seeing it up close is worth the visit alone."

Wisanu Tuntawiroon

What People Like

Unique medieval collection
Lady and the Unicorn tapestries
Less crowded atmosphere

What People Dislike

Niche focus (not for everyone)
Limited food options nearby

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Accessibility

The Musée de Cluny is centrally located in Paris's Latin Quarter. You can reach it easily via Metro (Cluny – La Sorbonne, Saint-Michel, Odéon) or RER B/C (Saint-Michel – Notre-Dame). It's also a pleasant walk from Notre Dame.TikTok

Following its recent renovation, the Musée de Cluny has improved accessibility. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information on specific accommodations for wheelchairs and strollers.

The medieval garden of the Cluny Museum is typically accessed as part of your museum visit. It offers a beautiful outdoor extension to the indoor exhibits.

The Musée National du Moyen Âge (Musée de Cluny) often offers guided tours or audio guides. Check their official website for schedules and booking information to enhance your understanding of the Cluny Museum collection.

The Musée de Cluny is perfectly situated for a day exploring the Latin Quarter. You can easily combine it with a visit to Notre Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, or a stroll along the Seine.TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Musée de Cluny hours can vary, so it's always recommended to check the official website for the most current opening and closing times before your visit. They are typically closed on Tuesdays.

Musée de Cluny tickets vary in price, with potential discounts for students, seniors, or EU citizens under 26. Purchasing your musee cluny tickets online in advance is often recommended to avoid queues.

While it's sometimes possible to buy tickets on the spot, booking your musée de cluny tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee entry and save time.

Yes, the Cluny Museum (Musée National du Moyen Âge) is often included in popular Paris museum passes. Check the specific pass details to confirm coverage before your visit.

Some Paris museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month or for specific age groups. Check the official Musée de Cluny website for any free entry policies or special events.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience & Collection

The Cluny Museum collection focuses on medieval art and artifacts, including sculptures, stained glass, ivories, and textiles. Its most famous pieces are the 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries.TikTok

Yes, the ancient Roman baths, known as the Thermes de Cluny, are an integral part of the museum experience. They are among the best-preserved Roman ruins in Paris and are a must-see.TikTok

The 'La Dame à la licorne' tapestries are renowned for their intricate detail, vibrant colors, and enigmatic symbolism. They are believed to represent the five senses, with a sixth tapestry, 'À mon seul désir,' often interpreted as an allegory of love or reason.TikTok

Yes, the Musée de Cluny can be engaging for children, especially with its interactive panels and the captivating 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries. The medieval garden also offers space for younger visitors.TikTok

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours exploring the Cluny Museum. This allows ample time to appreciate the medieval art, the Roman baths, and the famous tapestries without feeling rushed.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Musée de Cluny offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families. The interactive panels introduced during the renovation help bring medieval history to life, making it more accessible for younger visitors.TikTok Kids will be fascinated by the 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries and the ancient Roman baths. The tranquil medieval garden provides a lovely space for children to explore and enjoy some fresh air between exhibits.

📚 History Buffs & Art Lovers

For those passionate about history and art, the Musée de Cluny is a treasure trove. It houses one of the world's finest collections of medieval art and artifacts, from intricate sculptures and stained glass to the iconic 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries.TikTok The integration of the ancient Roman baths (Thermes de Cluny) provides a unique historical context, allowing visitors to trace Paris's evolution from Roman Lutetia through the Middle Ages.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers & Short Stays

If you're in Paris for a short trip or looking for a focused cultural experience, the Musée de Cluny is an excellent choice. It's less crowded than the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay, allowing for a more relaxed visit.TikTok You can comfortably explore its highlights, including the famous tapestries and Roman baths, in 1.5 to 2.5 hours, leaving time to discover the charming Latin Quarter nearby.TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Lady and the Unicorn Tapestries: A Medieval Masterpiece

The heart of the Musée de Cluny's collection lies in the breathtaking series of six tapestries known as 'La Dame à la licorne' (The Lady and the Unicorn). These 15th-century masterpieces are allegories, with five representing the senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell) and the sixth, 'À mon seul désir' (To my sole desire), offering a more complex, often debated interpretation of love, reason, or free will.TikTok Visitors are captivated by their intricate details, vibrant colors, and the mysterious narrative they weave. The tapestries are a highlight for many, offering a unique glimpse into medieval symbolism and artistry.TikTok

Roman Roots: The Thermes de Cluny

Beyond its medieval treasures, the Musée de Cluny is built upon and incorporates the ancient Thermes de Cluny, the remains of a vast Roman bath complex dating back to the 1st century AD. These remarkably preserved Roman ruins, including the frigidarium (cold room), offer a fascinating contrast to the Gothic architecture of the museum itself.TikTok Exploring these ancient structures provides a tangible connection to Paris's Roman past, showcasing the city's layered history from antiquity through the Middle Ages. It's a unique opportunity to see Roman architecture and medieval art under one roof.

A Modern Medieval Experience

After a significant seven-year renovation, the Musée de Cluny has reopened its doors, offering a refreshed and enhanced visitor experience.TikTok The museum now features interactive panels and modern display techniques that make the rich history of the Middle Ages more accessible and engaging for all ages. This blend of ancient artifacts with contemporary presentation ensures that the stories of knights, kings, and artisans are told in a dynamic and understandable way, making the Cluny Museum a vibrant hub for exploring France's medieval heritage.TikTok

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