Musee Cite Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration museum
This museum in Paris is also a cultural centre dedicated to the history of immigration from the 19th century through to the present day, and along with the permanent exhibitions there are lectures, workshops, an auditorium and a cinema room showing themed films.
About the Cite Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration
The Palais de la Porte Doree was first constructed in 1931 for the Colonial International Exhibition in Paris with a museum dedicated to the colonies and even though the focus has changed over the years, it has always housed a museum.
There has also always been the Tropical Aquarium, even while the building was undergoing renovations, but with the opening of the Musee Quai Branly in 2006, the collections of the original museum at that time were transferred to the new location.
However, the historical nature of the building with its impressive frescos and decor, which has been classified as one of the historical monuments in Paris, was still able to be visited, and it was not long before plans were put in place to create a new museum in Paris within the building itself.
This multi-disciplinary cultural centre and its museum called the Musee Cite Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration were first opened within the Palais de la Porte Doree in 2007, and it includes documentation, photographs, films and numerous objects including art works, plus there are also themed temporary exhibitions.
There are numerous interactive displays at this unique museum in Paris, which recount the history of immigration from the 19th century within the permanent collection called Landmarks.
Yet there are also themed temporary exhibitions that take place throughout the years to run alongside these, such as one relating to Algeria and another called Gypsy Worlds, plus there are theatre productions, music events, lectures and much more for those that want to discover more.
Visiting the Musee Cite Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration
As we have mentioned before, the National Centre of the History of Immigration in France is located within the historical building of the Palais de la Porte Doree, and within the same building you can discover the Palais de la Porte Doree - Aquarium Tropical with around 300 different species of fish, along with the impressive historical rooms of the building.
This is located in the 12th Arrondissement of Paris close to the Boulevard Peripherique, making it convenient if you have your own transport, plus it is very close to the Parc de Vincennes where you can discover tourist attractions such as a zoo and a circus, which is a great way to spend a day or two out, when you are on a family holiday in Paris.
You will find that the Cite Nationale de l’Histoire de l’Immigration museum is open on a Tuesday through to a Sunday from 10am and on weekdays it closes at 5:30pm whereas on weekends it closes at 7pm.
You may be pleased to know that there is access for the disabled via the entrance on Rue Armand Rousseau, however, we would like to point out that last entry is a minimum of 45 minutes before closing time, and this unusual museum in Paris is always closed on a Monday and on national French holidays such as 1st May.
The cost of entry is €4.50 for the permanent collection as of 2018, however, when there are temporary exhibitions being held, the cost goes up to €6. You can also obtain a combined ticket to visit the Tropical Aquarium as well, which ranges in cost from €8 up to €10 for an individual depending whether there are temporary exhibitions at either of these tourist attractions in Paris.
Although you may be pleased to know that visiting the historical section of the Palais de la Porte Doree, such as the original ballroom and admiring the frescos, etc, is completely free to enter.
Access to Musee Cite Nationale de l'Histoire de 'Immigration
When it comes to getting here via the public transport in Paris, you can utilise the Metro, with the nearest Metro station being the Porte Doree stop serving line 8. Alternatively, the bus line 46 or the Tramway via line T3a will also get you within walking distance of this museum in Paris and the other tourist attractions here.
