The Philharmonie de Paris and Cité de la Musique complex in Parc de la Villette

© Guilhem Vellut / Wikimedia Commons

Museum

Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris

A museum of more than 8,000 musical instruments and objects tracing 500 years of music history, set inside the Philharmonie de Paris concert hall complex in the Parc de la Villette.

Opening Hours

Tue–Fri 12:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–18:00. Closed Mondays.

Admission

Adult: €9 (permanent collection, full rate)

Under 18: €7 reduced; free under 18

Address

221 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris

Getting There

Metro 5 to Porte de Pantin, right outside the Philharmonie complex.

See directions ↓

4.6(5,400 reviews)

Best for

Music history enthusiasts, instrument collectors, concertgoers extending their visit

Time needed

1.5–2 hours

Worth it?

Yes for music lovers — niche appeal for general sightseers

Skip if

You have no particular interest in music history or instruments

About Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris

Part of the wider Cité de la Musique–Philharmonie de Paris complex in the Parc de la Villette, the Musée de la Musique holds one of the world's most significant instrument collections — over 8,000 pieces spanning five centuries, from Renaissance viols and early keyboard instruments through to electric guitars and 20th-century electronic instrumentation, alongside period artwork and documents illustrating how music has been made, performed and heard across that span.

The permanent collection includes instruments once played or owned by major composers and performers, presented with an included audio guide that lets visitors hear historically appropriate recordings synced to specific instruments as they walk the galleries — an unusually effective way to connect a static object with the sound it once made.

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The building sits within the same complex as the Philharmonie de Paris concert hall, designed by Jean Nouvel and opened in 2015, meaning a visit can sometimes be paired with an evening concert on the same site, and the museum itself hosts occasional live demonstrations and performances tied to its collection.

Like the neighbouring Cité des Sciences, its location in the Parc de la Villette puts it outside the historic centre, making it a natural pairing with that museum or the wider park for anyone spending a day in the city's northeast.

What to See: Highlights

  • 1More than 8,000 instruments and objects spanning 500 years of music history
  • 2An included audio guide syncing recordings to specific instruments on display
  • 3Instruments once owned or played by major composers and performers
  • 4Set inside Jean Nouvel's Philharmonie de Paris concert hall complex
  • 5Occasional live demonstrations tied to the collection

Insider Tips

1

Use the included audio guide — it's central to the experience, not an optional add-on

2

Check if an evening concert at the Philharmonie is on the same day as your visit

3

Combine with the Cité des Sciences, a short walk away in the same park

4

It's outside the historic centre — factor in Metro line 5 travel time

5

Good option for music-loving families or serious instrument enthusiasts

Getting There

221 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris

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  • 1Metro 5 to Porte de Pantin, right outside the Philharmonie complex.

Where to stay

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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you visit.

Is Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris worth visiting?+
Yes for music lovers — niche appeal for general sightseers
How long does a visit to Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris take?+
Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours at Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris. Use the included audio guide — it's central to the experience, not an optional add-on
Who is Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris best for?+
Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris is best for music history enthusiasts, instrument collectors, concertgoers extending their visit.
Do I need to book tickets in advance for Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris?+
Booking in advance is recommended, especially in summer. Use the links above to check availability.
Is Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris included with the Paris city pass?+
No — Musée de la Musique — Philharmonie de Paris is not included with the city pass. You will need a separate ticket.

Should You Visit?

Visit if...

  • You're interested in the history of musical instruments
  • You're attending a concert at the Philharmonie de Paris the same day
  • You're already visiting the Cité des Sciences nearby
  • You appreciate Jean Nouvel's architecture

Skip if...

  • Music history isn't a particular interest
  • You have limited time and are focused on the historic centre
  • You're not planning a trip to the 19th arrondissement

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