Cite de l'Architecture & du Patrimoine
About
The Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, housed in the grand Palais de Chaillot on the Trocadéro, is Europe’s largest museum dedicated to architecture and monumental sculpture. With a permanent collection that spans 400 000 years of built heritage, visitors can explore three signature galleries: the Cast Gallery showcasing stone facades, the Modern and Contemporary Gallery featuring architectural models from the 19th century to the present, and the Murals and Stained‑Glass Gallery where wall paintings and glass panels from France’s greatest cathedrals are preserved. Every year the museum hosts a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, installations and scholarly conferences that bring contemporary art, design, and research into dialogue with its historic holdings. Themes range from the history of urban planning to the challenges of sustainable architecture, and special events such as guided tours, language‑specific programs for school groups, and the annual Archi Pass offer visitors a range of experiences tailored to all ages. Designed with accessibility in mind, the Cité welcomes wheelchair users, offers free audio‑guides for those with sight impairments, and provides free lockers and assistance for visitors with special needs. The museum opens daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., extending to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, and is closed only on Tuesdays. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a family on a cultural outing, or a student exploring design history, the Cité provides an inspiring journey through the built environment and the creative forces that shape it.