France’s National Museum for the History of Immigration: A Must Visit

France’s National Museum for the History of Immigration: A Must Visit
Audrey
Audrey 
Published
| 2 min read

It’s remarkable that France’s National Museum for the History of Immigration exists. Long before its opening in 2007, the museum was a subject of contention and debate in light of France’s history as a colonial power and its sometimes hostile treatment of immigrants. Luckily it got the green light, becoming the country’s first museum to discuss the subject. Today, it is a venue that aims to shed new light on the impact and importance of immigration to the formation of modern French society. Various witness accounts, art installations, and personal objects help to illustrate the story. The permanent collection Repères (Landmarks) is incredibly varied and interactive, while the Donor Gallery adds a personal touch to the museum’s collection.

Learn about the building’s history

Museum exterior

The museum is housed in a large complex called Le Palais de la Porte Dorée (The Palace of the Golden Door). The museum occupies the first and second floors, while a tropical aquarium occupies the basement. It was constructed in 1931 in an Art deco style, however, it also features elements of classic architecture and was inspired in part by Moroccan palaces. The exterior façade has carvings of ships, animals, and humans, all of which are sculpted in incredible detail.

Originally built for The International Colonial Exposition, it served as the Museum of the Colonies, a museum which traced the history and celebrated France’s colonial conquests, until 1935. Since its inauguration, the museum has also hosted the Museum of Overseas Territories (1935-1959) and the museum of African and Oceanic Art (1961-2003). This progression highlights the changing opinions about colonization, foreign cultures, and immigration. In this way, the choice for the location of the museum was appropriate.

Look, listen, and discover the permanent collection

Objects from the Landmarks Collection

The museum’s permanent exhibition, Repères (Landmarks), covers 1,110 square meters (11,947 square feet) and explores two centuries of immigration history in France from the 19th century to modern day. The story is told through different lenses including historical, anthropological, and artistic, as well as through different media. Accounts from immigrants appear in written, spoken, and video form providing an intimate look into the lives of migrants, while various archive documents (such as passports) and art displays further enrich these stories.

There is an incredible amount of information, but it is presented in nine thematic sequences, which helps visitors better follow an immigrant’s journey in France. The themes covered include reasons for emigrating, struggles in obtaining visa documents, housing, and work authorization, France’s regard towards immigration, immigrants’ connection to their homeland, the diversity created by immigration, and the role of sports in integration into a new society.

Be moved by the donor gallery

Donor Gallery

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also dedicates 450 square meters (4,844 square feet) to its donor gallery. Here, 250 objects illustrating the journey of 40 immigrants are displayed. In addition, there are photographs and personal accounts that help to complete the story. The museum encourages its visitors to contribute family artifacts relating to immigration so as to preserve them and share them with the public.

Prepare for your visit

For a visit that is both informative and interactive, make your way to the National Museum for the History of Immigration in Paris. The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 10.00 AM to 5.30 PM and until 7.30 PM on weekends. It can be easily accessed by taking subway line 8 and getting off at stop Porte Dorée. Tickets cost 6 EUR (6.65 USD) during temporary exhibits and 4.50 EUR (5 USD) when there are no exhibits. Entry is free for those under 26.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Audrey is a 25-year-old American living in South Korea and teaching English. She lived in Paris for two years as a French language student and au pair. During that time she also mastered the art...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore 12th Arrondissement
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top