Standing on the parvis du Trocadéro, opposite the Eiffel Tower, the Cité de l’Architecture & du Patrimoine is situated within the Palais de Chaillot, along with the Théâtre National de la Danse, the Musée de la Marine and the Musée de l’Homme.
The Cité’s 22,000 square metres, devoted entirely to architecture and urban planning, are divided into a variety of spaces. Three prestigious galleries house the permanent collections: the Casts gallery, the gallery of Murals and Stained Glass, and the Modern and Contemporary Architecture gallery. On display are, among other treasures, 7,000 architectural casts, 350 reproductions of wall paintings and more than 300 ancient and modern models. With its many different spaces, masterpieces and insights into the history of architecture, this museum is full of surprises.
The Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine takes a fresh look at the history of department stores, with an exhibition that's an event both in terms of its international scope and time scale. Recounting more than 150 years of department store activity, in France and abroad, the exhibition takes visitors behind the scenes of these familiar yet little-known names. While department stores provide a platform for architectural innovation, they are also the scene of economic and social upheaval. As new public spaces in the city, they become showcases for the political, sociological, cultural and artistic changes of the eras through which they pass. Through more than 500 works, many exhibited for the first time, department stores reveal their history.
What is included :
Access to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the Cité de l'architecture & du patrimoine
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Reservation is MANDATORY for a date and time slot on the site of the museum (subject to availability). You will receive a ticket with instructions on how to book a date and time for your tour. We advise you book your time slot as early as possible.
Access to Cité de l'architecture & du patrimoine is free, upon presentation of proof, for: all young people under 18 years of age, residents of the European Union aged 18 to 25 years inclusive, holders of the Education Pass, job seekers, people with disabilities and their companion, ... (complete list available on the museum's website and directly on site).
Access to the Cité de l'architecture & du patrimoine is free for all on the first Sunday of each month.
A reduced rate is also offered on site for young non-EU residents under 25 years of age and teachers who do not hold an Education Pass.
As part of the Vigipirate program security controls are put in place at the entrance of Parisian museums and monuments. In case of a large attendance, these controls can create a waiting time which cannot be skipped.
Open every day except Tuesday from 11am to 7pm.
Night-time opening on Thursdays until 9pm.
Closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.