The Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts) is one of Paris’s most magical hidden treasures — a place where history, imagination, and wonder come alive. Tucked inside the historic wine warehouses of Bercy Village, this private museum is dedicated to the enchanting world of 19th- and early 20th-century fairs. With its antique carousels, carnival games, and theatrical atmosphere, the museum feels like stepping into a living dream, where visitors don’t just observe history — they experience it.
The museum was founded in 1996 by Jean-Paul Favand, an antiques collector, actor, and showman who devoted his life to preserving the forgotten art of fairgrounds. Housed in 19th-century pavilions once used for wine trade, the museum holds one of the largest collections of fairground artifacts in the world. Unlike traditional museums, the Musée des Arts Forains is designed as an immersive, interactive experience, where visitors become participants in the spectacle.
Its collections include vintage rides, mechanical games, stage sets, and musical instruments. Visitors can ride antique carousels, including one powered by bicycles, or test their luck at old-fashioned fairground games. Wooden horses, carnival masks, and ornate organs fill the halls, each piece lovingly restored to its former glory. The spaces are theatrical and dreamlike, enhanced with lighting and sound effects that evoke the magic of traveling fairs from centuries past.
The museum is divided into several fantastical worlds:
- The Venetian Rooms, inspired by the Carnival of Venice, with gondolas, masks, and mirrored halls.
- The Theatre of Marvels, where sound, light, and video create immersive illusions.
- The Fairground Art Museum, featuring restored rides and games.
- The Garden of Bercy Pavilions, a whimsical outdoor area blending greenery and artifacts.
What makes the Musée des Arts Forains truly unique is its interactive spirit. Guides encourage visitors to play the games, ride the attractions, and lose themselves in the atmosphere. It feels like both a museum and a living carnival, blending education with entertainment in a way few cultural spaces manage.
Though it remains somewhat off the beaten path compared to Paris’s grand museums, it is a beloved destination for families, groups, and anyone seeking something extraordinary. During special events like Christmas festivals or Nuit Blanche, the museum transforms into an even more spectacular playground of lights, performances, and music.
Why You Should Visit
- To ride authentic 19th-century carousels and fairground attractions.
- To explore one of the world’s largest collections of fairground art.
- To experience a hands-on, immersive museum unlike any other in Paris.
- To discover a hidden cultural gem in the lively Bercy district.
Practical Information
Tickets & Entry
- Standard: ~€18.
- Reduced: ~€12.
- Children (under 4): free.
- Tickets must often be booked in advance, as entry is only available through guided tours.
Opening Hours
- Generally open daily, but only by reservation.
- Tours last about 1.5 hours.
- Special openings for festivals and events.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays: Less crowded, easier to book tours.
- Evenings during special events: Magical atmosphere with performances and lights.
- Christmas & holidays: The museum hosts spectacular seasonal shows.
Getting There
- Metro: Cour Saint-Émilion (Line 14).
- Bus: Lines 24, 64, 109.
- Walking: Located in Bercy Village, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and gardens.
Insider Tips
- Book tickets well in advance, as visits are only possible with a guided group.
- Don’t rush — interactive games and rides are highlights you’ll want to enjoy.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through Parc de Bercy or shopping at Bercy Village.
- If you’re in Paris during Nuit Blanche or Christmas, check for special events.
- Allow at least 2 hours including the tour and time to explore the neighborhood.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 1996 by Jean-Paul Favand.
- Location: Bercy Village, in 19th-century wine warehouses.
- Collection: Antique carousels, fairground games, musical instruments, carnival art.
- Style: Interactive, theatrical, immersive.
- Nickname: “The most playful museum in Paris.”
Final Thoughts
The Musée des Arts Forains is a world apart from Paris’s traditional museums. It is a place where history and imagination fuse, where visitors don’t just learn about the past but step directly into it. With its antique carousels, playful games, and theatrical settings, it captures the joy and wonder of childhood while preserving a unique part of cultural heritage. Whether you’re a family, a curious traveler, or simply someone who loves the unusual, this museum offers an unforgettable Parisian experience — equal parts magical and meaningful.
