Things to doNational Marine Museum

National Marine Museum

A profound voyage into France's naval past, the Musée National de la Marine offers a captivating encounter with maritime innovation, art, and adventure across centuries.
15
Free for visitors under 18 years old and European Union residents between 18 and 25 years old.

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11 AM - 7 PM
Free cancellation available
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Paid Parking
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Overview

The Musée National de la Marine is an essential museum for anyone eager to explore France’s rich maritime history.

Established through a series of monumental collections and designed to deliver an immersive experience, this museum houses over 30,000 objects that reflect a fascinating mix of history, science, art, and folklore.

Following a seven-year renovation, the museum now features innovative galleries and interactive installations, transforming the visitor journey into an adventure across the seas and through French naval prowess.

A Voyage Through Time and Tide

With its reimagined visitor journey, the museum invites guests to engage with its vast collection of artifacts, including models of grand naval ships, intricate navigation tools, powerful figureheads, and iconic artwork.

Divided into thematic sections, visitors can experience the maritime world through four “Stopovers” and three “Crossings,” each highlighting a unique facet of naval history, from the origins of navigation to the dangers of the sea.

Best Things to Do and See

Key Stopovers and Treasured Artifacts

Construction and Instruction: Ship Models Among the museum's prized pieces are remarkable scale models of historical ships. Ranging from toy-sized representations to almost 5-meter-long masterpieces, these models were not only used to train future naval officers but also embody France’s naval ingenuity across centuries. Finding One’s Way on the Sea: Navigation Arts Discover the evolution of maritime navigation in this section, which showcases charts, compasses, and other instruments that helped early sailors conquer the open waters. From ancient maps to Galileo’s satellites, this gallery illustrates humanity’s enduring quest to chart the uncharted. Representing Power: Maritime Carving Visitors can marvel at ornate ship carvings that symbolize France's naval power. Here, the storied figureheads capture the grandeur of historical warships, with the awe-inspiring Réale, a galley representing the ambitions of Louis XIV, floating above in majestic display. Painting for the King: Vernet's Views of France’s Ports A grand portrayal of France's bustling ports, Vernet’s series of large-scale paintings offers a visual story of 18th-century maritime life. Once intended to affirm royal power, these works now offer a glimpse into the social and commercial heart of France’s port towns.

Immersive Crossings: The Sea's Highs and Lows

Le Havre: Gateway to Global Consumption This segment focuses on modern maritime trade, giving visitors an inside look at the bustling activity of ports like Le Havre. Learn about the intricate network of shipping routes that bring everyday goods across oceans, the rise of offshore energy, and the exciting world of watersports. Shipwrecks and Storms Step inside the heart of a stormy wave in this thrilling gallery that brings the harsh realities of the sea to life. Here, tales of solidarity and survival echo through artifacts from famous shipwrecks, showcasing the resilience and bravery of seafarers. France as a Naval Power: History and Innovations Journey through France's naval achievements, from the 17th century to modern-day innovations. This gallery celebrates the National Navy’s role and technological advancements through a collection that spans centuries, underscoring France’s lasting impact on maritime science and naval warfare.

Additional Info

Opening hours

11 AM - 7 PM

Audioguide & App

No audioguide.

Wifi

No Wifi.

Wheelchair

Wheelchair accessible.

Pets

Pets are not allowed in the museum.

Location

17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75116 Paris

How to get there

To reach the museum, take Metro lines 6 or 9 to the Trocadéro station and use exit 6. For bus options, lines 22, 30, 32, and 63 all stop at Trocadéro. If you prefer to drive, paid parking is available at 65 Avenue Kléber or 19 Rue de Passy.