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National Museum for the History of Immigration

Inside the Palais de la Porte Dorée, the National Museum of the History of Immigration explores migration stories in France, in eastern Paris.

National Museum for the History of Immigration

In pictures

  • National Museum for the History of Immigration in Paris — museum, view 1
  • National Museum for the History of Immigration in Paris — museum, view 2
  • National Museum for the History of Immigration in Paris — museum, view 3
  • National Museum for the History of Immigration in Paris — museum, view 4
  • National Museum for the History of Immigration in Paris — museum, view 5
  • National Museum for the History of Immigration in Paris — museum, view 6

About

The National Museum of the History of Immigration is housed inside the Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. It combines a landmark building with a clear social and historical focus. The visit explains how migration has shaped France over time. The displays bring together personal stories, documents, photographs and objects. The approach is accessible, even if you know little about the subject beforehand. This immigration museum in Paris works well for a visit of around 90 minutes to two hours. Allow more time if a temporary exhibition interests you. The palace itself also deserves a few quiet minutes before or after the galleries. It is easy to reach from eastern Paris. It pairs well with a walk in the Bois de Vincennes. For a calmer experience, aim for the morning or early afternoon. In warmer months, combine the museum with time outdoors nearby. Before leaving, check current opening times, admission conditions and the Palais de la Porte Dorée program.

The Concierge's Tip

Go in the morning for a quieter visit, and leave a little time to look at the palace itself. Two hours is a comfortable baseline. In mild weather, follow with a walk in the Bois de Vincennes. If you prefer an indoor alternative, focus on the museum and any temporary exhibition instead. Always check current opening times, admission rules and the day’s program before you set out.

Ask the Concierge

Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.

Ask the Concierge

Frequently asked questions

How long should I allow for the National Museum of the History of Immigration?
Most visitors should allow around 90 minutes to two hours. Add extra time if a temporary exhibition catches your interest or if you want to spend time looking at the palace itself. The museum is easy to enjoy at a steady pace. If your schedule is tight, focus on the main route first.
Is the Immigration Museum free on the first Sunday of the month?
Free-admission policies can change depending on the date, the program and the exhibitions on view. The safest approach is to check the museum’s official information shortly before your visit. The same applies to occasional free-entry offers. It is worth confirming the exact conditions for that day.
Is entry to the Palais de la Porte Dorée free?
Access may vary depending on which spaces you plan to visit and what is on the program that day. Some areas or events can follow different admission rules. To avoid confusion, check the official information on the day of your visit. That will clarify what is freely accessible and what requires a ticket.
What are the ticket prices for the Immigration Museum?
Ticket prices may vary depending on the exhibitions, the period and the visitor category. It is best to consult the official ticketing page before you go. You will also find any free-entry conditions and reduced rates there. This is especially useful if you are visiting as a family or in a small group.
Are there senior discounts at the National Museum of the History of Immigration?
Senior discounts depend on the pricing rules in effect at the time of your visit. They may also vary according to the exhibition and the supporting documents required. Check the official conditions before you leave. That will tell you clearly whether a reduced rate applies to your situation.
What is the permanent exhibition at the Immigration Museum?
The museum’s core route is devoted to the history of immigration in France. It brings together individual stories, documents and objects to explain a major social and historical subject. The exact presentation can evolve over time. For the current layout and themes, check the museum’s official overview.
What events are held at the Palais de la Porte Dorée?
The program may include temporary exhibitions, talks, guided visits and cultural events connected to the site’s themes. It changes regularly throughout the year. Before you go, check the official Palais de la Porte Dorée calendar. That is the best way to shape your visit around what is happening that day.