Musée du Quai Branly is a stunning museum located in Paris, France. It showcases a vast collection of indigenous art and culture from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. The museum's impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural exhibits make it a must-visit for any traveller seeking to learn about the diversity of the world's cultures. Grab your tickets today!
Musee du Quai Branly in a Nutshell
Getting There
Address
37 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris, France
Get Directions
Opening Hours
Open from Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 AM to 7 PM.
Late opening until 9 PM on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Why is Musee du Quai Branly worth visiting?
- Diverse collections: Discover over 450,000 works of art and artefacts from indigenous cultures worldwide.
- Unique architecture: Explore a contemporary museum designed by award-winning architect Jean Nouvel.
- Cultural events: Enjoy concerts, dance performances, film screenings, and lectures.
- Rooftop garden: Relax in a tranquil garden with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River.
- Ethical considerations: Learn about the museum's efforts to address the colonial history of the displayed objects.
Recommended Musee du Quai Branly Tickets
If you're ready to explore the diverse cultural treasures of Musee du Quai Branly, here are your ticket options and plan your visit to this renowned museum in Paris!
Musee du Quai Branly History
If you're a history buff and want to learn about France's colonial past, the Musée du Quai Branly is an absolute must-visit. This museum was opened in 2006 to showcase art and artefacts from indigenous cultures around the world, with a particular focus on Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Designed by the world-renowned architect Jean Nouvel, the museum's unique and contemporary building is an attraction in itself. But the incredible collections of over 450,000 pieces make the Musée du Quai Branly crucial to France's cultural history. The museum has faced some controversy over the years due to its colonial past, but it has taken steps to address these issues and highlight the voices of indigenous communities. For example, the museum has returned some objects to their countries of origin and organized exhibitions in collaboration with indigenous artists. In pop culture, the Musée du Quai Branly has been featured in films like Midnight in Paris and The Da Vinci Code, adding to its allure. So, whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a unique experience in Paris, the Musée du Quai Branly is definitely worth a visit.
Musee du Quai Branly Architecture
The Musée du Quai Branly's architecture is a work of art designed by the acclaimed architect Jean Nouvel. The building's striking contemporary design is characterized by its metallic exterior and a huge vertical garden visible from the Eiffel Tower. One of the most exciting areas of the building is the central atrium, which features a dramatic staircase leading up to the galleries. The atrium's glass roof lets in natural light, giving the space a bright and airy feel. For Instagrammable spots, the rooftop garden offers breathtaking views of the Seine River and the Eiffel Tower, making it the perfect place for a selfie or a panoramic shot. The best time to visit the building depends on what you want to see. During the day, the building's metallic exterior shines brightly in the sunlight. At night, the exterior is illuminated, creating a stunning effect. Regardless of the time of day, the Musée du Quai Branly's architecture is worth experiencing in person.
Highlights of Musee du Quai Branly
1The Hanging Garden
The Hanging Garden at Musee du Quai Branly is a stunning outdoor oasis in the heart of Paris. This peaceful retreat offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with lush vegetation and a variety of unique plant species from around the world. Take a stroll through the garden, admire the greenery and soak up the sunshine!
2The African Galleries
Explore Africa's rich cultural heritage at Musee du Quai Branly's exhibition with 70,000+ pieces of art and artifacts on display. Discover intricate designs, vibrant colors, and diverse traditions, including sculpture and textiles. A unique insight into the continent's artistic expression and cultural practices awaits.
3The Oceanic Galleries
The Oceanic Galleries at Musee du Quai Branly offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the diverse cultures of the Pacific region. Admire intricate carvings, masks, and textiles that showcase the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Oceanic societies. Don't miss the iconic Maori meeting house or the imposing totem poles from Papua New Guinea.
4The Asian Galleries
The Asian Galleries are a captivating showcase of the continent's art and cultures. Marvel at the impressive collection of sculptures, ceramics, textiles, and other artifacts from East and Southeast Asia. From ancient artifacts to contemporary pieces, this exhibition offers a fascinating journey through the region's artistic and cultural heritage.
5The Library
With over 450,000 documents and multimedia resources, the library offers you a chance to explore a wide range of topics, from anthropology to art history. Don't miss the impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts, which offer a unique glimpse into the museum's rich cultural heritage.
Best Time to Visit Musee du Quai Branly
Bonjour! Excited about your trip to Paris, especially Musée du Quai Branly? Wondering when is the best time to go? Well, we suggest visiting during the off-peak season, which is from November to March. This is when the crowds are smaller, and you can take your time exploring the museum without being jostled by others. If you can, try to go on a weekday and avoid weekends, especially during the summer months. Regarding transportation, the museum is easily accessible by public transit, so check the schedules and plan your route in advance. Traffic can also be a consideration, so check local traffic reports before you go. One more thing to keep in mind is daylight savings. If you want to enjoy the stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from the museum's terrace, plan to visit during the daytime hours. And, of course, don't forget to take advantage of the many cafes and restaurants nearby for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Bonne visite!
Musee du Quai Branly Opening Hours
- The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday.
- On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, the opening hours are from 11 AM to 7 PM.
- On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the museum is open until 9 PM.
- The museum is closed on Mondays, as well as on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
- The last entry time is one hour before closing time, so plan your visit accordingly.
Getting There
Here's a rundown of the best ways to get to the Musée du Quai Branly:
Bus
Several bus lines stop near the museum, at Pont de l'Alma, including lines 42, 63, 72, 80, and 92. From the stop, its just a 5-7 minutes of walk to the museum.
Metro
The closest metro station to the museum is the Alma-Marceau station, which is served by Line 9. The metro stop is just 5-7 minutes away from the museum.
Train
The museum is also accessible via the RER C line, with the Pont de l'Alma station being the closest. From there, its another 5-7 minutes walk to the museum.
Insider Tips to Visit Musee du Quai Branly
- Attend one of the museum's after-hours events, which feature live music, dance performances, and other cultural activities.
- Check out the museum's rooftop garden, which offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
- Visit the museum's library, which is open to the public and offers a wealth of resources on non-European cultures.
- Attend one of the museum's after-hours events, which feature live music, dance performances, and other cultural activities.
- Don't miss the museum's collection of indigenous languages, which includes audio recordings of over 5,000 languages from around the world.
Musee du Quai Branly Facts
- Musee du Quai Branly was designed by famous French architect Jean Nouvel, who was inspired by the idea of a "transparent museum" that would connect visitors with nature.
- The museum's collection includes over 450,000 objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, making it one of the largest ethnographic museums in the world.
- The museum has a dedicated section for children called "the Children's Gallery," where young visitors can learn about different cultures through interactive exhibits and workshops.
- One of the museum's most unusual items is a 19th-century Malian door adorned with hundreds of cowrie shells, which were traditionally used as currency in West Africa.
- There is a cinema on demand service at the museum that allows visitors to watch over 500 documentaries and films about the various cultures and civilizations around the world.
Restaurants Near Musee du Quai Branly
Le Jules Verne, near Musee du Quai Branly, offers a unique dining experience with panoramic views of the Eiffel Tower. Average price for two is around 250€. It's a 20-minute walk from the museum and the perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic evening.
L'Abeille is a Michelin-starred restaurant located within the Shangri-La Hotel, a short walk from the museum. The average cost for two people is around 350 euros, but the inventive dishes and elegant atmosphere make it a worthy splurge. What's more is that the restaurant offers the best contemporary French cuisine with an Asian twist!
L'As du Fallafel is a top-rated restaurant, serving delicious Israeli and Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant is popular for its falafel, shawarma and hummus, with affordable prices for around €15-20 per person. Located within a 20-minute walk from the museum, it's a great spot for a quick and tasty meal.
Le Comptoir du Relais is a cozy and welcoming French bistro located just a 15-minute walk away from the Musee du Quai Branly. The average cost for two is around €60. Their menu features classic French dishes prepared with fresh and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant's charming ambiance and attentive service make it a must-visit spot for foodies.
La Fontaine de Mars is a cozy French restaurant, around 2.5 km away from Musee du Quai Branly, with a charming interior and a lively atmosphere. It's known for its classic French cuisine, especially the duck confit and the escargots. The average price for two people is around €70 but the authentic Parisian experience that you get there is unmatched!
Places to Stay Near Musee du Quai Branly
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Things to Do Near Musee du Quai Branly
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FAQs
The Musée du Quai Branly was opened in 2006, so it is 17 years old as of 2023.
The Musée du Quai Branly was designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel.
The Musée du Quai Branly has a total floor area of 40,600 square meters, including exhibition spaces, storage, and administrative areas.
The Musée du Quai Branly is easily accessible by public transportation such as metro and bus. You can take whichever you prefer!
The Musée du Quai Branly is generally better to visit during the day when the museum is open and all the exhibitions and collections are accessible.
The Musée du Quai Branly is closed on the following days each year: January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
No, the Musee du Quai Branly is not open for visitation on Christmas and New Year.
Yes, the Musée du Quai Branly has two restaurants on its premises: ' Café Branly' and 'Les Ombres'
Yes, the Musée du Quai Branly has washrooms available for visitors throughout the museum, including accessible washrooms for people with disabilities.
There is no specific dress code to visit the Musée du Quai Branly, but it is recommended to dress appropriately and avoid wearing clothes that are overly revealing or offensive to others.
