Devoted to the art and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the non-Western Americas, it is situated on quai Branly opposite the Seine and close to the Eiffel Tower.

Designed by the architect Jean Nouvel and inaugurated in 2006 by President Jacques Chirac, it comprises five buildings over a surface area of 40,600 m2. The main building which houses the exhibitions is in the innovative shape of a metallic bridge and is a reminder that the Eiffel Tower is close by. The main facade of one of the buildings, facing the Seine on quai Branly, features an 800 m² plant wall, designed by landscape architect Patrick Blanc.

The museum stands in an 18,000 m² garden designed by landscape architect Gilles Clément. It is formed of paths, small mounds and ponds conducive to meditation and daydreaming. The museum exhibits some 3,500 objects, in a collection that comprises of around 300,000 articles. The regular renewal of objects on display makes it possible to show the latest acquisitions, recent donations, and the richness of the collections. This renewal also allows fragile works to be preserved carefully away from the light.

Musée du quai Branly: 37 quai Branly Paris 7th. Metro Alma-Marceau / RER Pont de l’Alma, Champs de Mars-Tour Eiffel

Description

Opened in June 2006, the Musée d'Arts et de Civilisations gathers the collections of the Musée National des Arts d'Afrique et d'Océanie and those of the ethnology laboratory at the Musée de l'Homme. Designed by Jean Nouvel in a vast public garden created by Gilles Clément, this museum develops the scientific missions of the two museums, offering visitors a great range of activities.

The museum itself devotes more than 39,000 m² to the permanent exhibition of representative works of African, American, Asian and Oceanic arts and cultures. A themed section of over 750 m² focuses on universal existential questions (man's relationship with the invisible, powerful figures, the life cycle, wealth, exchanges and currencies, man's relationship with the natural environment, etc.).

Exhibitions on the 600 m² mezzanine present in turn different observations on one or more aspects of these heritages which have been too long little-known to the general public.

Entrance fees and modalities

Independent tour

Permanent collections: €8.50 / €6 (concessions) Temporary exhibitions: €7 / €5 (concessions) Combined ticket (Permanent collections + temporary exhibitions): €10 / €7 (concessions)

Guided tour

1hr30 tour: €8 / €6 (concessions). 1hr tour: €6 / €4 (concessions).

Group tour

Up to 20 people. Booking is necessary.

Free

Free entry for all on the first Sunday of every month. Free for under 26 year olds from countries within the European Union as well as primary and secondary school teachers (except temporary exhibitions). Free for the disabled and an accompanying person, as well as job seekers and those receiving French state benefits.

Free for young people and children Temporary exhibitions are free for under 18s.

Free and reduced for disabled people Free and reduced for disabled people : Free admission for disabled people and accompanying person on presentation of proof of identity. Reduction for guided tours.

Opening times

Closing times Monday

Exceptional closure NC

Opening times Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11am to 9pm.

Details of opening times Open on Monday during some school holidays.

Opening of ticket desks The ticket office opens at 9.30am (10.30am on Sunday) and closes at 6pm (8pm from Thursday to Saturday).

Late opening Open until 9pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Exceptional opening 1 January, Easter, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, 8 May, Whitsuntide, Whit Monday, 14 July, 15 August, 1 November, 11 November