Nestled within the historic Hôtel de Police in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, the Musée de la Préfecture de Police offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of Parisian law enforcement, from the 17th century to the present day.
Featuring over 2,000 original and diverse works, this museum takes visitors on an engaging journey through the evolution of the Paris police, with exhibits that showcase significant moments, historical artifacts, and notorious criminal cases. It’s a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the intersection of crime, justice, and urban history.
The Origins of the Museum
The museum’s origins date back to the 1900 Exposition Universelle, where Prefect Louis Lépine first showcased a collection to highlight the human side of the Parisian police. His aim was to connect the police with the public, displaying portraits of prefects and items tied to the police force.
This exhibition sparked the idea to create a permanent museum, and in 1909, the Musée de la Préfecture de Police officially opened its doors at 36 quai des Orfèvres, before relocating to its current address at 4 rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in 1975. Since then, the collection has continued to expand through regular acquisitions and generous donations.
Rich Collections of the Paris Police
The museum’s collection is both eclectic and rich in history. From criminal evidence gathered by Gustave Macé, former chief of police, to a wide array of police tools donated by Charles Péchard, the exhibits paint a vivid picture of police work across centuries.
Visitors will find an array of artifacts, from letters of arrest signed by royalty to infamous criminal cases, such as the affair of the Queen’s necklace and the case of Landru, the notorious French serial killer. These historical documents and crime-related objects bring to life the stories of Paris’s most notable crimes and the evolving role of the police in handling them.
The Museum Today
Today, the museum not only showcases police history but also serves as the historical department of the Police Prefecture’s archives. The collection includes items that document the careers of prefects, law enforcement techniques, and infamous brigades like the Brigade de Recherche et d’Intervention (BRI) and the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme (BRB).
Through changing exhibitions, the museum continues to highlight the various facets of Parisian police work, with upcoming exhibits such as “Les Brigades centrales de la Préfecture de Police” focusing on the specialized units that tackle organized crime and drug trafficking.
Art Meets Law Enforcement
In addition to its historical exhibits, the museum also explores the artistic representation of police work. For example, the recent acquisition of Alix Delmas’s serigraphs transforms judicial photographs into captivating, colorful artworks, blending the functional with the aesthetic.
These serigraphs reframe the scientific methods used by the police, such as Bertillon’s anthropometric technique, into something both sensuous and visually stimulating.
Visiting Options for the Musée de la préfecture de police
- Self-Guided Tour
Explore the museum at your own pace and discover the collections dedicated to the history of the Parisian police.
Duration: 1 hour - Guided Tour of the Permanent Exhibition
Perfect for those aged 12 and up, this tour covers the evolution of the Paris police and its most notable historical moments.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes - Specialized Guided Tours
Delve deeper into specific themes with these guided visits:- Enemies of the State: From Regicide to Organized Terrorism
Explore the rise and evolution of violent opposition to societal structures and its impact on public safety.
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes - Autopsy of a Criminal Investigation at the Brigade Criminelle (Ages 15+)
Led by a former commander, this tour traces iconic investigations from the 1980s to today.
Duration: 2 hours
- Enemies of the State: From Regicide to Organized Terrorism
- Engaging Conferences
Attend conferences featuring experts in their fields, offering a deep dive into various aspects of police work:- History of the Parisian Police Under Louis IX
Presented by Jean Trouchaud, a descendant of Parisian prévôt Étienne Boileau.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes - The Science Behind the Crime Scene
A comprehensive look at modern forensic techniques by Gilles Reix, a former crime scene technician.
Duration: 2 hours
- History of the Parisian Police Under Louis IX
- Hands-on Workshops
Participate in interactive sessions where you can learn the ins and outs of police work:- Fingerprint Workshop (Ages 15+)
Experience what it’s like to be a forensic investigator and uncover the secrets hidden in your own fingerprints.
Duration: 1 hour
- Fingerprint Workshop (Ages 15+)
- Family-Friendly Activities
The museum also offers engaging activities for younger visitors:- My First Visit to the Museum (Ages 6-10)
A journey through time for children to discover the fascinating evolution of the Paris police.
Duration: 1 hour - Crime at the Museum: Can You Solve the Case? (Ages 8-12)
A hands-on detective game where children learn about crime-solving techniques.
Duration: 1 hour
- My First Visit to the Museum (Ages 6-10)