At the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, the Musée de la Marine traces 400 years of French naval history through ship models, paintings, navigation equipment and historic vessels. Look for the Océan, a 19th-century sailing ship represented with its 120 cannons, ornate figureheads and models dating from the 18th to the 20th century. Exhibits also cover frigates, steamers and battleships, with interactive displays for a more hands-on visit. Use the audio guide to get more context as you move through the galleries.
Four centuries of French naval history
The Musée de la Marine covers France’s relationship with the sea and the navy it built. Its collection has at its core material assembled by Henri Louis Duhamel du Monceau in 1748. The museum was founded in 1827 and is now housed in the Palais de Chaillot.
The displays bring together paintings, navigation equipment, ship models and maritime objects. Together, they trace the changing forms of French naval power, from frigates and battleships to steamers. Interactive displays add another way to explore the collection.
Ships, models and figureheads
One of the collection’s standout subjects is the Océan, a 19th-century sailing vessel equipped with 120 cannons. Ship models span the 18th to the 20th century, offering a closer look at the vessels represented across the galleries.
The figureheads are another focus. Some take the form of serene-faced angels; others show leaping seahorses. The collection also includes preserved battleships associated with the reign of Louis XV and a royal barge connected with Napoleon II’s inauguration as emperor.
Plan your visit
The museum is at 17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, inside the Palais de Chaillot. An audio guide can help explain the objects and their place in French naval history. Weekdays are a useful choice if you want a quieter visit.
Temporary exhibitions add a changing element to the galleries, so check what is showing before your visit. There is also a restaurant on site, with views of the Eiffel Tower.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is the Musée de la Marine in Paris?
It is at 17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, in the Palais de Chaillot.
What can you see at the Musée de la Marine?
The collection includes ship models, maritime paintings, navigation equipment, historic vessels and figureheads. Exhibits cover French frigates, steamers and battleships.
Is there an audio guide?
Yes. An audio guide is available to help explain the exhibits.
When is a quieter time to visit?
Weekdays tend to be less crowded than other nearby museums.
