Musée d’Art et d’Histoire

Montmartre & Northern Paris


To the southwest of Basilique de St-Denis is the Museum of Art and History, housed in a restored Carmelite convent founded in 1625 and later presided over by Louise de France, the youngest daughter of Louis XV. Displays include reconstructions of the Carmelites’ cells, an 18th-century apothecary and, in the archaeology section, items found during excavations around the basilica.

There’s a section on modern art, with a collection of work by a local son, the surrealist artist Paul Éluard (1895–1952), as well as an important collection of politically charged posters, cartoons, lithographs and paintings from the 1871 Paris Commune.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Montmartre & Northern Paris attractions

1. Basilique de St-Denis

0.28 MILES

Once one of France's most sacred sites, this basilica was built atop the tomb of St Denis, the 3rd-century martyr and alleged first bishop of Paris who…

2. La REcyclerie

2.46 MILES

An abandoned Petite Ceinture train station has been repurposed as an eco-hub with an urban farm along the old railway line, featuring community vegetable…

3. L'Aerosol

2.65 MILES

Street art is showcased at this cavernous museum inside a former SNCF freight railway station. French and international artists here include Mr Chat,…

4. Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie

2.9 MILES

Paris' top museum for kids has a host of hands-on exhibits for children aged two and up, the special-effects cinema La Géode, a planetarium and a retired…

5. Parc de la Villette

3 MILES

Spanning 55 hectares, this vast city park is a cultural centre, kids playground and landscaped urban space at the intersection of two canals, the Ourcq…

6. Le 104

3.01 MILES

A funeral parlour turned city-funded alternative art space, Le 104 is a hive of activity. It essentially supports and encourages young artists, and a…

7. Art 42

3.02 MILES

Street art and post-graffiti now have their own dedicated space at this 'anti-museum', with works by Banksy, Bom.K, Miss Van, Swoon and Invader (who's…