Musée des Arts Forains

If you head to the old 19th-century wineries in the Bercy neighbourhood of Paris, not far from the Cinémathèque Française, you’ll find one of the most unusual museums in Paris. The Musée des Arts Forains is home to a unique collection of 19th- and 20th-century fairground and entertainment objects.
Here, visitors can go on an adventure through time, exploring themes such as cabinets of curiosities, carnivals, incredible gardens and how people had fun in the Belle Époque.

This museum is like a permanent performance, and encourages you to let out your inner child. Try your hand at the waiters’ race, be blown away by the Sylvan Theatre or the Venetian Rooms, have fun on the hundred-year-old merry-go-rounds, or man the controls of old fairground attractions that have been wonderfully restored and protected from the ravages of time. There are no display cases or plaques here – just staging that will transport you away into a dream world. In this magical place, where culture, conviviality and curiosities combine, you are the real performer during your visit. So let the fun begin!

You can enjoy this original guided tour experience all year round, although booking is required (excludes special events such as the European Heritage Days in September or the Festival du Merveilleux during the Christmas holidays).

The visit continues in the museums and cultural sites in Paris Region.