A walk in the midst of various non-Western civilizations: this is what the remarkable Musée du Quai Branly offers. You’re still not convinced? Ideally located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, this museum which rises above a green garden is a unique place in Paris. Follow this guide and learn more about the history, the collections, the prices and how to get to the Musée du Quai Branly.
Our Opinion
What We Like
- The richness and the diversity of the collections
- A nice moment to spend with the whole family
- Easy to get there
- An affordable price
What We Don’t Like as Much
- Many people are there during the weekends
From all points of view, a visit to the Musée du Quai Branly is a must.
Whether it is for a family outing, with friends, as a couple or even alone, you will not regret your immersion in the culture of this incomparable place.
History of the Museum
From its Creation…
In 1994, to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America, French president Jacques Chirac and his friend Jacques Kerchache decided to set up an exhibition on the Tainos. They brought together objects from countless museums.
Then, they decided to open a place dedicated to the so-called “primitive arts” of non-Western cultures.
Thus the Musée du Quai Branly was inaugurated in 2006 and it became later the Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in 2016.
…To its Collections
The museum brings together collections inherited from the Musée de l’Homme and the Musée national des Arts d’Afrique et d’Océanie.
It has 370,000 physical items and more than 700,000 iconographic items!
The main Permanent Collections offer a geographical tour in which you can admire more than 3,500 works from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the American continent.
So don’t waste your time hesitating and go discover these marvels!
Did You Know?
There was a controversy about this museum even before it was opened to the public.
The Musée du Quai Branly was originally to be called the “Musée des Arts premiers” (Museum of Early Arts).
However, this designation was abandoned before it opened because its conception was ethnocentric and chronologically incorrect.
A Surprising Architecture
Designed by Jean Nouvel, this building presents a singular and surprising architecture which makes it a unique place.
This museum which is on stilts has five levels and aims to create a bridge between cultures.
The building is concealed by dense vegetation and is protected by a glass fence that whets the visitor’s curiosity.
How to Visit the Musée du Quai Branly
What is the Best Time to Visit the Museum?
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:30 am and 7 pm. The garden is open between 9:15 am and 7:30 pm.
Recommended hours:
- Thursday or Friday
- Late afternoon
How Long Is the Visit?
You should plan between 2 and 3 hours to really enjoy the museum!
Getting to the Museum
Located on the banks of the Seine next to the Eiffel Tower, the museum has a central location and is very easy to access.
- By metro: line 6 (Bir Hakeim stop), line 8 (Ecole Militaire stop), line 9 (Alma-Marceau or Iéna stop)
- By RER: line C (Pont de l’Alma or Champ de Mars Tour Eiffel station)
- By bus: line 42 (Tour Eiffel or Bosquet-Rapp stop), lines 63-80-92 (Bosquet-Rapp stop), line 69 (Champ de Mars stop), line 72 (Musée d’Art Moderne – Palais de Tokyo or Alma Marceau stop), line 82 (Warsaw or Champ de Mars stop), line 87 (Rapp – La Bourdonnais stop)
The Quai Branly car park is located under the museum if you prefer to go there by car. Please note that it is not free! Parking spots are also reserved for people with impaired mobility.
Visitors’ entrance: 37 quai Branly or 218 rue de l’Université.
Should You Buy Skip-the-line Tickets?
It is highly recommended that you book your ticket online, even for visitors who have a free access and a card.
Automatic tickets machines are available on site, but buying your ticket in advance will save time by avoiding queues.
Are Audio Guides Available?
They are available and also recommended.
You should purchase them if you want to get the most out of the museum experience.
They can be booked in advance at the ticket office or purchased on-site for €5 at full price or €3 at a reduced price.
Don’t worry, the devices are disinfected before and after each use but you can also use your own headphones.
Can You Get Reduced Prices?
It is possible to buy a ticket at a reduced price on presentation of a relevant justification.
Tickets for the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions cost €12 at the full price and €9 at the reduced price.
Reduced price:
- holders of the Large Family Card
- visitors presenting a ticket from the Musée de l’Homme less than 12 months old
Free admission:
- under 18-year old
- under 26 years old residents in the European Union
- job seekers (with proof less than 6 months old)
- people receiving social security benefits
- speakers from the RMN
- national, regional and auxiliary speakers and guide interpreters
- students at the Ecole du Louvre
- journalists holding press cards
- partners of the musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
- holders of the “Pass Education” card
- members of ICOM, ICOMOS, IAA and AICA
- members of Scientific Societies
- holders of the Culture Card, multipass card, Maison des artistes card and the professional card of the Paris and Ile-de-France regional tourism committee
- holders of the Paris Museum Pass
- asylum seekers
- disabled visitors plus their carer
Is it Possible to Leave Stuff in the Cloakroom?
A free cloakroom is available if you want to leave your personal belongings.
However, please note that suitcases, travel bags and backpacks larger than A3 size are prohibited.
If you visit the museum in winter, we advise you to keep your jacket as it is rather chilly in the galleries.
Pushchairs are allowed inside the museum but you can also leave them in the cloakroom.
Please note that the following items must be stored in the cloakroom:
- motorcycle helmets
- umbrellas and walking sticks
- backpacks and small bags
- sharp and blunt objects
- art folders
Upon presentation of relevant evidence, you can use a wheelchair, a seat-stick, a walker, a stroller, a magnifying glass or a flashlight free of charge.
Family Visit
A visit to the Musée du Quai Branly offers a fun and pleasant moment to share with the whole family.
Various activities are presented such as guided tours, workshops for children, events and shows and even visits narrated by a guide.
Adults and children are welcome and will be charmed by this family atmosphere.
The activities are generally accessible from 3 years old.
Let’s Take a Walk in the Musée du Quai Branly
Afraid of getting lost in the museum? Don’t worry, it’s very easy to find your way around the galleries.
And to reassure you, here is a quick overview of the structure.
The reception hall is on level 0. There, you can get a map and all kinds of information you need for your visit.
In order to visit the main Collections, you must go to level 2. This part is divided by continents (Oceania, Asia, Africa, American continent). You will find a variety of objects dating from the 4th Century BC to the 20th Century.
We advise you to start the visit by Oceania with Papua – New Guinea and to finish by the South American continent with the Aztecs and the Mayas. Along the way, you will discover drums from Indonesia, palanquin structures from Syria, jewelry from Ivory Coast or statuettes from Mexico (to give you just a few examples).
The two orientation tables in each geographical area are a good way to avoid getting lost in the museum. They also inform you about the works to be discovered.
Only one disappointment: the Asian collection is much poorer than those of other continents.
Stairs and elevators provide access to the mezzanines on level 3, where the temporary exhibitions are located.
Finally, if you are interested in the media library, go to level 5.
To Discover
Other areas of the museum are also to be discovered.
We particularly recommend the musical instrument storeroom on level 0 and the Claude Lévi-Strauss Theatre on level JB.
Feeling a Bit Peckish?
In a very pleasant setting and with a nice view over the Eiffel Tower, the Café Jacques opens its doors in the heart of the garden of the Musée du Quai Branly. Come and enjoy a quiet moment to relax after your visit to the museum.
The Café is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10:30 am and 6 pm.
One slightly sour note: the view and the Café signed Jacques Ducasse go along with a rather high bill. Nevertheless, the entry+dish+dessert menu totals out at €27.
If you feel like having a little sweetness, we recommend the pastries which are absolutely delicious, with a special mention for the Tarte Tatin.
Click here to see the menu (in French).
For visitors on a tighter budget, we recommend avoiding restaurants close to the Eiffel Tower. Indeed, the pleasure of the view will certainly be tarnished when the bill arrives.
Garden of the Quai Branly
Feel like enjoying a walk in the great outdoors?
After your visit to the museum, you can stroll through this unique space designed by Gilles Clément.
This garden, which covers 18,000 m², is freely accessible.
However, please note the opening hours!
This natural space is a real invitation to relaxation and meditation.
If you are looking for a more festive atmosphere, come in summer!
Every year in July and August, you can find all kinds of programs in free access such as workshops, initiations, storytelling…
Conclusion
A visit to the Musée du Quai Branly is highly recommended whether it is for its original exhibitions, its ideal location in the heart of Paris or its lush garden.
You will come out of this timeless journey with only one wish: to go back!
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