Le Musée des Arts Forains is a stunning collection of beautiful old amusement park rides and other carnival-related attractions, housed in one of the most absolutely magical spaces I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit.

When a friend of mine first told me about the Musée, I’d imagined a large, bland warehouse space displaying all of these pieces. Boy was I in for a shock! The space is colorful, ornately decorated, and exquisitely lit; it’s a place I would totally love to live in.

I’d also been told at the time that the Musée des Arts Forains was closed to the public and could only be visited by appointment; presumably for journalists, private events, and the like. But then around November a couple years ago I learned that the Musée would be open to the public throughout the month of December! This was a huge deal, and I visited as soon as I could. The next year I hoped they’d open up again for December, and they did, so I visited a second time. The pictures on this page are from my two visits, in 2009 and 2010. The Musée is open to the plubic once again this December (2011), and I hope they continue this tradition forever.

The range of dates that the Musée is open changes from year to year, so be sure to check their website for exact dates and times.
My favorite exhibit: “La Course de Garçons de Café” — “The Race of Café Waiters,” featuring Parisian café waiters delivering wine!

53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012, Phone: 01 43 40 16 22, Métro: Cour Saint-Émilion

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