A museum off the beaten track in Paris

« Laughter and parties did not have a museum, yet so many are dedicated to wars. I created a world of dreams that could not have existed without the visitors who brought it to life. » Jean Paul Favand

One of Paris’s hidden gems

As soon as you step into the Pavillons de Bercy, you will forget everything that belongs to your daily life. This extraordinary site, also known as the Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of fairground arts), takes you off the beaten track. Discover a unique collection of objects from the performing arts of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is a timeless getaway into the themes of curiosity cabinets, carnivals, incredible gardens and Belle Epoque funfairs.

An entertaining museum in Paris

To live this original Parisian experience anytime in the year, you only need to book for one of our tours (excluding special openings).

An unforgettable experience in a Parisian museum

Freed from the traditional window displays and labels, this conceptually innovative lively museum has existed for over 20 years thanks to its visitors. One of the singular aspects of this site that combines culture, conviviality and curiosity is the possibility to play with centenary attractions or ride old merry-go-rounds.

Its pioneering scenography, based on the mix of tradition and modernity, turns the visit into a holistic show, where objects and visitors become actors.

Festival du Merveilleux 2025

The museum is not accessible to visitors in December befor December 26th for our Festival du Merveilleux. Guided tours will resume as normal in 2026.

<h4>From December 26 to January 4, discover the Festival du Merveilleux!</h4>
Many small live shows will amaze young and old, all in a friendly and warm atmosphere. This is an opportunity for the public to discover the museum at their own pace, to be amazed by the exceptional heritage preserved in the museum’s various rooms and to attend many impromptu shows.
We recommend that you purchase your tickets in advance.