Le Louvre, Musee d’Orsay
3 Unusual Museums That Will Change How You See Paris
Let’s explore some hidden gems – 3 unusual museums that showcase Paris’s quirkier side.
Paris may be famous for the Louvre, Petit Palais and Musée d’Orsay, but tucked away in the city’s charming neighborhoods are museums that will surprise, delight, and perhaps even make you question what a museum can be.
1. Musée des Arts Forains: Step Into a Vintage Fairground
Hidden within the historic Bercy wine warehouses lies a magical world that feels like stepping into a dream. The Museum of Fairground Arts houses an extraordinary collection of restored carnival rides, games, and attractions from the Belle Époque.
What makes it unusual? Unlike traditional museums, visitors can actually ride the century-old carousels and try their hand at authentic carnival games from the 1900s. The museum’s founder, Jean Paul Favand, has created an immersive experience where every piece tells a story of Parisian entertainment history.
Don’t miss the magnificent Venice-themed room, where automated music boxes play enchanting melodies as mechanical opera singers perform in gondolas. It’s a slice of Parisian history you can truly interact with.
53 Av. des Terroirs de France,
75012 Paris, France
Phone: +33 1 43 40 16 22
https://arts-forains.com
2. Le Musée des Vampires et Monstres de l’Imaginaire: A Haunting Collection
In the suburban town of Les Lilas, just outside Paris’s eastern edge, sits Europe’s only museum dedicated to vampires and supernatural creatures. This private museum, run by historian and vampire expert Jacques Sirgent, offers a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of French folklore.
What makes it unusual? Housed in a converted house with a garden full of gargoyles, this intimate museum features everything from 19th-century vampire-killing kits to ancient texts about werewolves. Sirgent’s collection includes authentic antique tools believed to ward off vampires, rare books about the occult, and even soil from Transylvania.
The museum can only be visited by appointment, adding to its mysterious allure. Each visit includes a passionate presentation by Sirgent himself, making every tour unique and personally engaging.
Private Museum
Reservations: Tel : 01 43 62 80 76
http://artclips.free.fr/musee_des_vampires/musee-homepage.html
3. Musée de la Magie: Where Science Meets Illusion
Beneath the streets of the Marais district, in ancient vaulted cellars, the Museum of Magic reveals the secrets behind four centuries of magical entertainment in Paris. This hidden gem combines historical artifacts with hands-on illusions.
What makes it unusual? The museum doesn’t just display magical artifacts – it brings them to life. Visitors can trigger automated magic displays, experience optical illusions, and even watch live magic performances in the adjoining theater. The collection includes everything from 18th-century automation to mirror mazes and secret boxes.
Perhaps most fascinating is the museum’s location in the cellars of the Marquis de Sade’s former home, adding another layer of intrigue to this already mysterious venue.
- 11 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris, France
- Phone: +33 1 42 72 13 26
- https://museedelamagie.com >>
Why These Museums Matter
These unusual museums remind us that Paris isn’t just about grand art and famous monuments. They reveal the city’s playful spirit, its love of mystery, and its ability to preserve even the most unusual aspects of its cultural heritage.
Each of these venues offers a unique lens through which to view Parisian history and culture. Whether you’re delighting in century-old carnival games, exploring supernatural folklore, or unraveling the secrets of magic, these museums prove that Paris never ceases to surprise.
Ready to explore Paris’s unusual side? These hidden museum gems await your discovery. And while you’re planning your visit, why not bring a piece of Paris’s magic home with you? Check out our collection of Paris-inspired home decor and accessories, perfect for keeping that sense of wonder alive.
Will you visit any of these 3 Paris museums?
I know I will – can’t wait for my next adventure to visit Paris!
So how about you? Have you found any weird museums you’d like to share? I’d love to hear about them. Please do let me know:
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Enjoy your armchair travel in Paris via my website, or if you’re planning your trip or are already there — have a fabulous time!
I love Paris! J’adore Paris ! XOXOX
Teena Hughes in Australia
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