Musée des Arts Forains Paris
Step into a fantastic universe at this immersive fairground museum in Paris, where Belle Époque magic and antique attractions create a truly unforgett...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festival du Merveilleux offers open access & unique shows.
Musée des Arts Forains Paris
Best Time
Festival du Merveilleux offers open access & unique shows.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a fantastic universe at this immersive fairground museum in Paris, where Belle Époque magic and antique attractions create a truly unforgettable, interactive experience.
"An immersive, fantastic universe that's a memorable and off-the-beaten-path gem in Paris, especially for families!
"📅 Book Ahead
Guided tours are mandatory for the fairground museum; book online well in advance to secure your spot.
🎄 Visit During Festivals
For a truly unique experience, aim for the 'Festival du Merveilleux' or European Heritage Days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Venetian Salons
Inside the museum
Step into a magical world of Venetian carnivals with antique rides and automatons, offering an immersive journey into Belle Époque entertainment.
Fairground Rides & Games
Throughout the pavilions
Experience working antique carousels and fairground games. Many are interactive, allowing visitors to truly engage with the museum's unique collection.

The Theatre of Marvels
Inside the museum
Discover a captivating collection of theatrical props, optical illusions, and curiosities that transport you to the golden age of performance arts.
Planning Your Visit
Booking is Essential
Special Openings & Festivals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📅 Book Ahead
Guided tours are mandatory for the fairground museum; book online well in advance to secure your spot.
🎄 Visit During Festivals
For a truly unique experience, aim for the 'Festival du Merveilleux' or European Heritage Days.
👪 Great for Kids
This museum of fairground arts is highly recommended for families; it's an interactive and fun program.
🕒 Allow 1.5 Hours
Guided visits typically last 1 hour and 30 minutes, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Tips
from all over the internet
📅 Book Ahead
Guided tours are mandatory for the fairground museum; book online well in advance to secure your spot.
🎄 Visit During Festivals
For a truly unique experience, aim for the 'Festival du Merveilleux' or European Heritage Days.
👪 Great for Kids
This museum of fairground arts is highly recommended for families; it's an interactive and fun program.
🕒 Allow 1.5 Hours
Guided visits typically last 1 hour and 30 minutes, so plan your schedule accordingly.
📸 Charge Your Phone
The fantastic universe and Belle Époque attractions are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Musée des Arts Forains for its unique, immersive, and magical atmosphere, often calling it a hidden gem in Paris. It's particularly beloved by families and those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, though the reliance on guided tours and limited open days can be a point of consideration for some. The interactive elements and Belle Époque charm leave a lasting impression.
"This was a highlight of our trip to Paris and we had looked forward to this for a year. A very enthusiastic tour guide. Only French was spoken but if travelling in August you can have an English tour. To ride on 3 merry-go-rounds, all of which were quite old, was an experience. Book your tickets in advance. Highly recommended."
Tim Both
"Amazing tour from Manu, thank you so much!
You should book in advance. We were lucky that they signed us up for a tour in English the next morning and the tour guide is a real comedienne and actress. Without her story this would be just a bunch of carousels.
I especially appreciate the possibility to ride and play which gets you in the fairground vibe, this was really well thought through."
Evgenia B.
"This is a very mysterious museum. You need to make an appointment to enter. The audience can have fun while visiting, and the tour guide is also very professional and enthusiastic. This is my first time to visit such a museum. I think it is very novel and interesting. I highly recommend it to everyone.❤️"
Elaine Teoh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Musée des Arts Forains is located in the Bercy district. You can reach it easily by metro (Line 14 to Cour Saint-Émilion) or by bus. It's a short walk from the metro station to the museum, which is housed in the Pavillons de Bercy. Many visitors find public transport the most convenient option for reaching this unique fairground museum.
While public transport is recommended, there are usually paid parking garages in the Bercy Village area. However, given the central location of the Musée des Arts Forains Paris, using the metro is often less stressful and more efficient, especially during peak tourist seasons or special events like the Festival du Merveilleux.
🎫 🎟️ Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking in advance is absolutely essential for the Musée des Arts Forains. Visits are almost exclusively by guided tour, and spots fill up quickly. Redditors consistently advise making an appointment to visit, especially if you're planning a trip with children.
The museum of fairground arts does not have standard daily opening hours like most museums. It primarily opens for pre-booked guided tours, typically on specific days like Wednesdays and Saturdays. However, it has extended and open access during special events such as the 'Festival du Merveilleux' around Christmas and European Heritage Days in September. Always check their official website for the most current schedule and booking availability.
The museum often offers different pricing tiers, including reduced rates for children. Given that it's considered an 'excellent program for children' by many, it's worth checking their website for family packages or group discounts when booking your guided tour.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A guided tour at the Musée des Arts Forains is an immersive journey into a fantastic universe. You'll explore former wine cellars filled with antique fairground rides, automatons, and theatrical objects from the Belle Époque. The 1.5-hour tour often includes opportunities to ride some of the vintage carousels and play old fairground games, making it a truly interactive experience.
While the museum is housed in historic pavilions, efforts are generally made to accommodate visitors. However, given the nature of the antique collections and the layout of the former wine cellars, it's advisable to contact the museum directly regarding specific accessibility needs before your visit to the fairground museum. This ensures they can provide the best possible experience.
The Musée des Arts Forains is incredibly photogenic, with its unique collections and magical atmosphere. Many visitors, including Instagrammers, capture stunning visuals of the Belle Époque attractions. While photography is generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific guidelines provided by your guide during the tour.
🎫 🎉 Special Events
The 'Festival du Merveilleux' (Festival of the Marvelous) is an annual event held during the Christmas holidays, typically from late December to early January. During this festival, the Musée des Arts Forains Paris opens its doors for free-flow visits, offering a vibrant atmosphere with performers, musicians, and the chance to ride many of the antique attractions. It's a highly anticipated event that transforms the fairground museum into a joyous spectacle.
Yes, the Musée des Arts Forains does participate in European Heritage Days, usually held in September. Redditors recall visiting during these days when the museum was 'open and lively,' offering a different experience than the usual guided tours. These special openings are a fantastic opportunity to explore the collections with more freedom.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👪 Families with Kids
🧑🌍 Travelers Seeking Unique Experiences
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Guided Tour Experience
This unique approach sets the fairground museum apart, transforming a historical collection into a vibrant, living exhibition. It's less about passive observation and more about active participation, which is why it's so highly recommended for those seeking an unusual or off-the-beaten-path activity in Paris.
Special Openings: Festival du Merveilleux & Heritage Days
Another significant open period is during European Heritage Days in September. Redditors have fond memories of visiting the museum of fairground arts during these days, describing it as 'open and lively,' offering a rare opportunity for a more independent exploration of the collections. These special events are highly sought after and provide a distinct experience compared to the regular guided tours, often drawing larger crowds but offering unparalleled access to the funfair museum Paris.
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