
Musée de la Magie Paris
Step into a world of wonder at Paris's Museum of Magic, featuring antique illusions and captivating live shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction

Musée de la Magie Paris
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a world of wonder at Paris's Museum of Magic, featuring antique illusions and captivating live shows.
"Phenomenal collection of antique magic machines, most still operational!"

🎯 Interactive Exhibits
Some antique machines require a small coin payment to operate, budget a few euros.
✨ Magic Show Included
The ticket price includes a live magic show, often a highlight for visitors.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Antique Magic Machines
Main exhibition hall
Explore a phenomenal collection of 100+ year old operational magic machines and automatons.

Live Magic Show
Performance area
Witness a professionally executed 20-minute magic show with classic sleight-of-hand tricks.

Georges Méliès Artifacts
Exhibition hall
See original props and equipment used in the pioneering films of illusionist Georges Méliès.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Magic
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Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Interactive Exhibits
Some antique machines require a small coin payment to operate, budget a few euros.
✨ Magic Show Included
The ticket price includes a live magic show, often a highlight for visitors.
📚 French Bookstore
Browse a collection of old books on magic and occultism, mostly in French.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
This museum is especially magical for children and families.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Interactive Exhibits
Some antique machines require a small coin payment to operate, budget a few euros.
✨ Magic Show Included
The ticket price includes a live magic show, often a highlight for visitors.
📚 French Bookstore
Browse a collection of old books on magic and occultism, mostly in French.
👨👩👧👦 Family Fun
This museum is especially magical for children and families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Musée de la Magie for its unique collection of antique magic machines and the engaging live magic show, making it a hit with families. However, some find the ticket price high for the overall experience, and a few interactive exhibits may require additional coin payments.
"Well. It's interesting I suppose. A 30-minutes magic show is included, but the magician was what it was. Very basic stuff for kids, maybe due to the fact there was a kid's birthday being celebrated. We appreciated the effort of trying to explain a bit in English, for tourists!"
Paolo Catozzella
"This is a great museum for kids and lovers of magic.
The automatic part of the museum really wasn't that amazing. I was hoping for more creepy dolls, most of the artefacts were kinda dull. Kids would enjoy the "pushing buttons" factor.
The magic museum side was pretty cool. Live magic and some nice interactive displays. There was a bunch of kids having a birthday party so was filled with laughter. I imagine when empty this place is creepy as."
George Forgan-Smith
"If you fancy a cozy underground cellar-looking apartment full of poorly maintained memorabilia from magic shows of the early and mid 1900’s you will not be disappointed. If you expect anything modern or well-made, to show you some spectacular magic, will will have wasted your money, like we did. (And by the way it costs quite a bit of money)"
Konstantinos Rizakos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Musée de la Magie is located at 11 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris. It's easily accessible by public transport. The closest Metro stations are Saint-Paul (Line 1) and Bastille (Lines 1, 5, 8).
Yes, the museum is situated in the charming Marais district, a very walkable area with many shops and cafes. You can explore the surrounding streets before or after your visit.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. They are typically open on weekends and some weekdays.
Street parking in the Marais can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or a nearby parking garage like Parking Saint-Paul or Parking Bastille.
Absolutely! The museum is close to Place des Vosges, the Picasso Museum, and the Carnavalet Museum, making it easy to plan a day of exploration in the Marais.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are typically around €15 for adults and €11 for children aged 3-12. It's advisable to book tickets online in advance to secure your spot.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or if you're visiting with a group, to avoid disappointment.
Discounts are usually available for children. Check the museum's official website for any special offers or group rates.
Your ticket generally includes access to the museum's exhibits featuring antique magic devices and a live magic show. Some interactive machines may require an additional small fee.
The museum is particularly enchanting for children and families, but adults interested in the history of magic will also find it fascinating. The magic show is designed to entertain a broad audience.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
You'll find a remarkable collection of antique magic apparatus, automatons, optical illusions, and props from famous illusionists, including Georges Méliès.
The museum includes a 20-minute magic show featuring classic sleight-of-hand tricks. While basic, it's professionally executed and a highlight for many visitors.
Many of the antique machines are operational and you can interact with them. Some may require a small coin payment to see how they worked historically.
Information on accessibility can vary. It's best to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific needs, as some older buildings may have limitations.
Yes, there is a bookstore selling a collection of old books on magic, occultism, and tricks, primarily in French.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not have a restaurant. However, the surrounding Marais district is filled with numerous cafes, bistros, and restaurants offering a wide range of culinary options.
It's generally not permitted to consume outside food and drinks within the museum exhibits. There are many places nearby to eat before or after your visit.
You'll find everything from traditional French creperies and bakeries to international cuisine and trendy cafes in the Marais.
Yes, many restaurants in the Marais are family-friendly. Look for creperies or casual bistros that offer simpler menus suitable for children.
Dining prices in the Marais can vary. You can find budget-friendly options like bakeries and casual eateries, as well as more upscale restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions, especially during the live magic show.
The antique magic machines and the historical props offer unique photographic opportunities. The overall ambiance of the museum is quite photogenic.
To protect the antique artifacts and avoid disturbing other visitors, flash photography is usually not permitted inside museums.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial, as some areas of the museum might be dimly lit. A smartphone camera can also capture good shots.
Video recording might be restricted, especially during the magic show. It's best to confirm with museum staff upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid larger crowds and potential birthday parties. While some interactive exhibits require a small coin, the overall experience is well worth the modest additional cost. The surrounding Marais district also offers many family-friendly dining options for a complete day out.
✨ Magic Enthusiasts & History Buffs
For a deeper dive: Take your time exploring the detailed exhibits and consider browsing the bookstore for rare texts on magic and occultism. While the magic show is entertaining, the true value for enthusiasts lies in the historical context and the sheer rarity of the displayed items.
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Short-Stay Visitors
To maximize your time: Aim to visit during its opening hours and be aware that the magic show is a key part of the experience. Combine it with a stroll through the charming Marais neighborhood to make the most of your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting History of Magic
The museum's collection is particularly strong in its representation of early 20th-century magic, with items that highlight the transition from stage illusions to more cinematic forms of spectacle. The emphasis on operational machines means you can often see these historical marvels in action, offering a unique educational and entertaining experience. It’s a place where history comes alive, revealing the secrets and stories behind the world’s most enduring illusions.
Experiencing the Magic Show
The show is particularly a hit with younger visitors, contributing to the museum's reputation as a family-friendly destination. The intimate setting of the performance space allows for a close-up view of the illusions, enhancing the sense of wonder. Even if you know how some tricks are done, the skill and presentation can still be captivating.
Interactive Elements and Beyond
The museum also features a bookstore stocked with vintage books on magic and the occult, offering a chance to delve deeper into the subject matter. These resources are primarily in French, but they add to the authentic atmosphere of the museum for those interested in further study.
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