Located on the banks of the Seine, the Conciergerie was formerly the royal residence of the French kings. It was then converted into a courthouse and prison during the French Revolution with its most famous prisoner being Marie-Antoinette, the last queen of France. This Gothic architectural marvel is now a national monument and museum representing the rich history of the country.
The museum hosts exhibitions throughout the year. This page has all you need to know about the different exhibitions held at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Situated on the Île de la Cité island, the Conciergerie was originally the royal residence of the kings of France. It remains one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Following the royal family’s move to the Louvre, a concierge was made the keeper of the Conciergerie. The palace itself was turned into a judicial courthouse.
Additionally, one part of the Conciergerie was converted into a prison that housed political and common outlaws. The palace underwent a major renovation in the 19th century and was then converted into a museum that stands as a testimony of the rich history of France. Explore the oldest parts of the building including the Hall of Soldiers, Guard Room, Marie-Antoinette’s Chapel, Kitchen, the Women’s Courtyard, and more on your visit to the Conciergerie.
Book Tickets to the ConciergerieDates:
This narrated, dramatized visit follows the history of the Conciergerie through time. Follow the storyteller on a journey through time, from life in the Palace during the medieval times to the events of the French Revolution.
Dates: December 28, 2023 - January 6, 2024
Join festive programs at the Conciergerie you can enjoy with family, storytelling shows, workshops for children, and a funny show by the Company la Petite Main, as part of the 'Tales and Stories operation offered by the Center des Monuments Nationaux.
Dates:
Join this narrated show for a glimpse into life at the Palais de la Cité in the Middle Ages. From food to holiday pleasure, join this guided tour at the Conciergerie and discover daily life in the former palace of the Capetian kings.
Date: December 30 (10:30 AM)
What: Workshop
Discover the cuisine of the Middle Ages through card games, colors, smells, and fabric printing workshops. This children-focused workshop will allow them to create a collective meal table menu as a family.
Dates:
What: Play
A play that is filled with music, costumes, dance, and drama through a comedic take on the world of princes and princesses. Join the audience at Conciergerie to witness this medieval, burlesque, and anti-waste thriller produced by the Compagnie la petite main.
Date: January 6 (4 PM)
What: Workshop
A workshop for children and parents to discover the mysterious world of the Middle Ages and relive how and in what people slept, what they did at night, and what their dreams and nightmares were like. The workshop also delves into different sleep habits and rhythms, chimeras, and medieval imagination.
The Conciergerie has scheduled several workshops, narrated shows, and plays as part of the 'Tales and Stories' operation.
No, the tickets to the museum include access to the permanent and temporary exhibitions at the Conciergerie.
You will need to book tickets to the Conciergerie in advance if you want to view the exhibitions being held there.
While the exact date of the first exhibition is not known, the Conciergerie has hosted several exhibitions since it opened to the public in 1914.
Some of the most prominent exhibitions held at the museum in the past include Marie-Antoinette, Saint Louis, and El Anatsui’s ‘In Search of Freedom’.
The Conciergerie is famous for being a high-ranking prison during the French Revolution and a frightening antechamber for the guillotine. Its most famous prisoner was Marie-Antoinette, the last queen of France who was imprisoned, tried and sentenced here.
Yes, you will need to book tickets to the Conciergerie in advance if you want to view the events being held there.
While there is no fixed number of events held annually, the museum does host events throughout the year.