Musée national de l'histoire de l'immigration

At the Palais de la Porte Dorée in eastern Paris, the Musée national de l'histoire de l'immigration traces the history of immigration to France through personal stories, photographs, film, everyday objects and art. Its permanent exhibition follows more than 200 years of history, with accounts that bring social change into focus. Temporary exhibitions have covered subjects including climate change and the Olympics, sometimes using interactive displays. The palace itself is also worth looking around; its main hall is free to enter. A music room provides a quiet place to pause.

Stories and objects in the permanent exhibition

The permanent exhibition follows immigration to France over more than 200 years, from the early 19th century to the present. It uses personal accounts alongside photographs, film and ordinary belongings, including suitcases, accordions and sewing machines. The objects and images connect broad historical changes with the experiences of people who moved to France.

Artworks add another perspective, addressing the challenges immigrants faced as they made lives in French society. The displays cover a long period, so visitors can follow how the story changes over time rather than focusing on a single migration or era.

Temporary exhibitions and a place to pause

Temporary exhibitions add subjects beyond the permanent collection. Past shows have explored climate change and migration, as well as the history of the Olympics. Some have used interactive displays and included material in several languages. Check the museum website before your visit to see what is currently on show.

A music room offers a break partway through the visit, with playlists to listen to. The Palais de la Porte Dorée is part of the experience too: visitors can enter its main hall without buying a museum ticket.