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Musée de la Magie Paris

4
·1k reviews·Paris, France

Step into a world of wonder at Paris's Museum of Magic, featuring antique illusions and captivating live shows.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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Musée de la Magie - Image 1

Musée de la Magie Paris

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into a world of wonder at Paris's Museum of Magic, featuring antique illusions and captivating live shows.

4
(1k reviews)

"Phenomenal collection of antique magic machines, most still operational!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Antique Magic Machines

Antique Magic Machines

Main exhibition hall

Explore a phenomenal collection of 100+ year old operational magic machines and automatons.

Live Magic Show

Live Magic Show

Performance area

Witness a professionally executed 20-minute magic show with classic sleight-of-hand tricks.

Georges Méliès Artifacts

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

The Musée de la Magie offers a unique experience, but timing your visit can enhance it. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the antique magic devices and avoid crowds, especially if you're not attending a birthday party. Reddit

Understand the Experience

This museum blends historical magic artifacts with live performances. While some interactive exhibits might require small payments, the core experience includes a magic show. It's particularly engaging for families and magic enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (non-party days)
Why
Enjoy the magic show
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Magic Museum in Paris in between Paris week shows meetings and events, I always find it helpful to do something that fuels my inspiration outside of my industry, to push your mind and see things that are out of the ordinary. I find my inspiration and excitement comes from the strangest places so I love to fuel it. It’s so nice to not live in the bubble of everything we’re supposed to see. I ha...
@carmeldione
57 likes • 957 views

🎯 Interactive Exhibits

Some antique machines require a small coin payment to operate, budget a few euros. Reddit

✨ Magic Show Included

The ticket price includes a live magic show, often a highlight for visitors. Reddit

@strangethingspodcast
8K likes • 97.5K views
Découvrez le Musée de la Magie, en plein cœur de Paris 🪄
museedelamagie
2 likes • 284 views

📚 French Bookstore

Browse a collection of old books on magic and occultism, mostly in French. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

This museum is especially magical for children and families. InstagramReddit

🟡Abracadabra ! D’où ça vient ?✨ 🟢de l’hébreu ! Et du récit de la Création dans la Genèse ! Direction le musée de la magie pour découvrir cette formule magique 🧙 🔴 Retrouve tous nos articles sur notre site internet prixm.org ! 👉lien en bio 📀 #harrypotter #muséedelamagie #paris #bible #magie #hebrews
prixm.officiel
539 likes • 13.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Interactive Exhibits

Some antique machines require a small coin payment to operate, budget a few euros. Reddit

✨ Magic Show Included

The ticket price includes a live magic show, often a highlight for visitors. Reddit

📚 French Bookstore

Browse a collection of old books on magic and occultism, mostly in French. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun

This museum is especially magical for children and families. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4
(1k reviews)

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. InstagramReddit

"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

Antique magic machines
Live magic show
Family-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Ticket price
Extra coin payments

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). Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Discounts are usually available for children. Check the museum's official website for any special offers or group rates. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

You'll find a remarkable collection of antique magic apparatus, automatons, optical illusions, and props from famous illusionists, including Georges Méliès. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a bookstore selling a collection of old books on magic, occultism, and tricks, primarily in French. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Instagram

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. Instagram

You'll find everything from traditional French creperies and bakeries to international cuisine and trendy cafes in the Marais. Instagram

Yes, many restaurants in the Marais are family-friendly. Look for creperies or casual bistros that offer simpler menus suitable for children. Instagram

Dining prices in the Marais can vary. You can find budget-friendly options like bakeries and casual eateries, as well as more upscale restaurants. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram

The antique magic machines and the historical props offer unique photographic opportunities. The overall ambiance of the museum is quite photogenic. Instagram

To protect the antique artifacts and avoid disturbing other visitors, flash photography is usually not permitted inside museums. Instagram

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. Instagram

Video recording might be restricted, especially during the magic show. It's best to confirm with museum staff upon arrival. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Musée de la Magie is a fantastic choice for families looking for a unique Parisian adventure. Children are often captivated by the interactive magic machines and the live magic show, which provides plenty of wonder and excitement. InstagramReddit The museum's focus on visual spectacle and hands-on elements makes it highly engaging for younger attention spans. Reddit

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. Instagram

✨ Magic Enthusiasts & History Buffs

For those with a deep interest in the art of magic, the Musée de la Magie offers a treasure trove of historical artifacts. The collection of antique magic machines and automatons is truly remarkable, providing insights into the evolution of illusionary techniques. Reddit The presence of props from legendary illusionists like Georges Méliès adds significant historical weight to the exhibits. Reddit

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. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers & Short-Stay Visitors

If you have limited time in Paris and are looking for an unusual, memorable experience, the Musée de la Magie is a good option, especially if you're in the Marais district. The museum is relatively compact, and the included magic show provides a concentrated dose of entertainment. Reddit It offers a break from the more traditional tourist sites and can be a fun, quirky addition to your itinerary. Instagram

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. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting History of Magic

The Musée de la Magie delves into the rich history of illusion and conjuring, showcasing artifacts that span centuries. From the intricate automatons of the 18th century to the groundbreaking work of illusionists like Georges Méliès, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of magic as an art form. Reddit Visitors can marvel at original magic equipment, including devices used by famous performers and props that graced the silver screen in early cinema. This collection provides a tangible connection to the past, allowing you to appreciate the ingenuity and artistry that have captivated audiences for generations. Reddit

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. Reddit It’s a place where history comes alive, revealing the secrets and stories behind the world’s most enduring illusions. Instagram

Experiencing the Magic Show

A key component of the Musée de la Magie experience is the live magic show, typically lasting around 20 minutes. While the tricks are often classic sleight-of-hand, they are performed with professional execution that can still impress even those familiar with the methods. Reddit The magicians aim to create an engaging atmosphere, often interacting with the audience and making the show a memorable part of the visit. Reddit

The show is particularly a hit with younger visitors, contributing to the museum's reputation as a family-friendly destination. InstagramReddit 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. Reddit

Interactive Elements and Beyond

Beyond the static displays, the Musée de la Magie offers interactive elements that allow visitors to engage directly with the exhibits. Many of the antique machines are designed to be operated, often with the insertion of a small coin, providing a hands-on understanding of their historical mechanisms. Reddit While some visitors note that a few machines might be out of order or require payment, the majority are functional and offer a unique glimpse into how these devices worked in their heyday. Reddit

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. Reddit These resources are primarily in French, but they add to the authentic atmosphere of the museum for those interested in further study. Reddit