Musée des Arts Forains, Paris - a statue of a horse in front of a building
1 / 10

Musée des Arts Forains Paris

4.7
·7k reviews·Paris, France

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Christmas Holidays (Dec-Jan)

Festival du Merveilleux offers open access & unique shows.

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Musée des Arts Forains, Paris - a statue of a horse in front of a building

Musée des Arts Forains Paris

Best Time

Christmas Holidays (Dec-Jan)

Festival du Merveilleux offers open access & unique shows.

CrowdHigh
Highlights

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.

4.7
(7k reviews)

"An immersive, fantastic universe that's a memorable and off-the-beaten-path gem in Paris, especially for families! InstagramReddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

📅 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Venetian Salons

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. Instagram+1

Fairground Rides & Games

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. Instagram

The Theatre of Marvels

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. Instagram

Planning Your Visit

Booking is Essential

The Musée des Arts Forains Paris operates primarily through guided tours, so securing your spot in advance is crucial. Redditors and Instagrammers consistently highlight the need for an appointment or booking, especially if you're visiting with kids or during peak seasons. Don't just show up! InstagramReddit

Special Openings & Festivals

While regular visits are guided, the fairground museum truly comes alive during special events like the 'Festival du Merveilleux' over Christmas and European Heritage Days in September. These periods offer open access and a more vibrant, interactive experience, though expect higher crowds. InstagramReddit+1

Best Times

When
Christmas Holidays (Dec-Jan)
Why
Festival du Merveilleux offers open access & unique shows.
Crowd
High
When
European Heritage Days (Sept)
Why
Special open access, lively atmosphere.
Crowd
High
When
Wednesdays & Saturdays
Why
Regular guided tours available.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

NOUVEAU FORMAT - 🕵🏻‍♀️ LES MUSÉES INSOLITES À PARIS Pour ce premier épisode, on t’emmène découvrir un musée immersif peu connu, mais qui vaut vraiment le détour ! 🎠 Le Musée des Arts Forains, c’est...
pilsparis
12.7K likes • 353.9K views

📅 Book Ahead

Guided tours are mandatory for the fairground museum; book online well in advance to secure your spot. InstagramReddit

🎄 Visit During Festivals

For a truly unique experience, aim for the 'Festival du Merveilleux' or European Heritage Days. InstagramReddit

🎠LES PAVILLONS DE BERCY - MUSÉE DES ARTS FORAINS🎠 Esse é um ótimo programa para crianças! Só é possível fazer visitas guiadas ao museu. As visitas duram 1h30m e acontecem às quartas-feiras, sábad...
conexaoparis
1.1K likes • 21.6K views
#invitation Le Festival du Merveilleux célèbre le « Joyeux Bercy » Musée des Arts Forains @museedesartsforains du vendredi 27 décembre 2024 au dimanche 5 janvier 2025 Une magnifique sortie en fami...
lololeblog
597 likes • 987 views

👪 Great for Kids

This museum of fairground arts is highly recommended for families; it's an interactive and fun program. InstagramReddit

🕒 Allow 1.5 Hours

Guided visits typically last 1 hour and 30 minutes, so plan your schedule accordingly. Instagram

Ce musée insolite te plonge dans un univers fantastique à Paris ! Le Festival du Merveilleux fait son retour et te promet un voyage au temps de la belle époque, au coeur des manèges et des arts forain...
sortiraparis.officiel
919 likes • 88.3K views

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. InstagramReddit

🎄 Visit During Festivals

For a truly unique experience, aim for the 'Festival du Merveilleux' or European Heritage Days. InstagramReddit

👪 Great for Kids

This museum of fairground arts is highly recommended for families; it's an interactive and fun program. InstagramReddit

🕒 Allow 1.5 Hours

Guided visits typically last 1 hour and 30 minutes, so plan your schedule accordingly. Instagram

📸 Charge Your Phone

The fantastic universe and Belle Époque attractions are incredibly photogenic. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7k reviews)

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

Unique, immersive experience
Interactive antique rides
Great for families with kids

What People Dislike

Requires pre-booking guided tours
Limited open days

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎟️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit+1

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. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 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. Instagram+2

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎉 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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👪 Families with Kids

The Musée des Arts Forains is an absolute hit with families, frequently cited as an 'excellent program for children' on Instagram and Reddit. The interactive nature of the fairground museum, with its working antique carousels and games, captivates young visitors. It's a fantastic way to engage kids with history in a fun, hands-on manner, far removed from traditional, static museum exhibits. Remember to book your guided tour in advance, as it's a popular choice for families. InstagramReddit

🧑‍🌍 Travelers Seeking Unique Experiences

For those who've 'done all the suggested touristy things' or are looking for 'underrated' and 'quirky' attractions, the Musée des Arts Forains Paris is a top recommendation. It offers an 'unusual or off-the-beaten path' glimpse into Belle Époque entertainment, providing a memorable and immersive experience unlike any other museum in the city. It's perfect for travelers who appreciate hidden gems and want to discover a different side of Paris. Reddit+2

💰 Budget Travelers

While not a free attraction, the Musée des Arts Forains offers significant value for its unique, immersive experience. The guided tour, lasting 1.5 hours, provides entertainment and historical insight. For budget-conscious travelers, consider visiting during European Heritage Days in September, when many cultural sites in Paris offer free or reduced entry, though this is a specific, limited-time opportunity. Otherwise, booking directly online can sometimes offer the best rates for the fairground museum. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Immersive Guided Tour Experience

A visit to the Musée des Arts Forains Paris is not a typical museum experience; it's an immersive journey led by passionate guides. These 1.5-hour tours delve into the history of fairground arts, theaters, and music halls, bringing the Belle Époque to life. Visitors are encouraged to interact with many of the antique attractions, from riding vintage carousels to playing old-fashioned games, making it a truly memorable and hands-on experience. The guides often share fascinating anecdotes, enhancing the feeling of stepping back in time. Instagram+2

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. Reddit+1

Special Openings: Festival du Merveilleux & Heritage Days

While regular visits to the Musée des Arts Forains are strictly by guided tour, the museum truly shines during its special open periods. The most famous is the Festival du Merveilleux (Festival of the Marvelous), held annually during the Christmas holidays. During this time, the museum opens its doors for general admission, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and enjoy live performances, music, and the chance to ride many of the antique attractions. It's a joyous and festive atmosphere that transforms the space. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

You may also like