Paul Éluard Museum of Art and History

The Musée d’art et d’histoire naturally found its place in the former Carmelite monastery of the city of Saint-Denis, north of Paris, presenting original collections and themes that have made its name.
Here, medieval archaeology is present alongside the Siege and Commune of Paris (1870-1871), while objects from the former Hôtel-Dieu (hospital for the poor and needy), including a pharmacy collection considered one of the most beautiful in France, engage in an artistic dialogue with the works of the poet Paul Éluard, who was born in Saint-Denis and after whom the museum is named. A Garden of the 5 Senses has even been created to allow all visitors to enjoy intense sensory experiences. Close your eyes, touch with care, savour the aromas…

Royal inspiration

One the most notable episodes in the history of the Carmelite monastery, founded in 1625, was the 1770-1787 stay by Madame Louise de France, daughter of King Louis XV, who undertook considerable refurbishment work. She commissioned Richard Mique, court architect and the man behind the Trianon at Versailles, to rebuild the chapel.

Discover the Paul Éluard Museum of Art and History through one of the treasure hunts in the Paris Region Adventures application specially designed for families and downloadable free of charge.

To stay up close and personal with royalty, make sure you visit the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the final resting place of kings and queens of France, just a stone’s throw from the museum.