Musée de la Magie – Musée des Automates

Description

In the heart of Paris, the Musée de la Magie – Musée des Automates is a must-visit for anyone with a love of magic and mechanics. This hidden gem houses an impressive collection of automatons, from singing birds to life-sized performers, as well as a fascinating exhibition on the history of magic. The museum’s enchanting atmosphere is enhanced by the presence of resident magicians who perform daily shows, leaving visitors spellbound. As you wander through the museum, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to a world of wonder and mystery. This is a truly unique and unforgettable experience for any traveler in Paris.

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What’s Included

When you visit the Musée de la Magie, you are stepping into a world where history and illusion intertwine. This experience includes not only the world of prestidigitation but also a fascinating journey through automata history. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• Admission to the Musée de la Magie: Your entry grants you access to an extensive collection of magic artifacts and illusions. Expect to see optical illusions, rare artifacts, and get a hands-on experience with interactive games that challenge your sense of reality.

• Admission to the Musée des Automates: This is where mechanical wonders come to life. You’ll see over a hundred mechanical figures, ranging from tiny singing birds to life-sized figures, which represent the ingenuity and craftsmanship of artisans from the 19th and 20th centuries.

• Live Magic Show: A highlight of your visit will be the live magic show. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the wonder of magic right before your eyes, presented by skilled magicians who know how to leave an audience in awe.

• Boutique Access: After immersing yourself in the magical and mechanical, you’ll have the chance to visit the museum’s boutique. Here, you can browse through a collection of magic-related items, keepsakes, and even some of the simpler automates to take home a piece of the wonder.

Operating Days and Hours:

• Open Days: Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Hours: 2pm to 7pm, with extended availability during school half-term holidays.

Children under the age of 3 can enjoy free admission, making it an educational and entertaining visit for the entire family.

What to Expect

Upon your visit to the Musée de la Magie – Musée des Automates, you’ll uncover a trove of magical history and artifacts. You can expect to be intrigued by:

• Grand Illusions: Witness the grandeur of the illusions that have been a part of magic’s history.
• Close-Up Magic: Experience the intimacy of close-up prestidigitation that will leave you questioning reality.

Spectacles de Magie: Performances are a mainstay at this museum, giving you a chance to see live magic. Whether it’s a staged spectacle de magie de salon or more personal close-up performances, magicians will undoubtedly capture your attention.

Workshops: Participate in an atelier de magie where you can learn tricks and illusions first-hand from skilled magicians.

Historical Artifacts: The museum is steeped in history, from Houdini to David Copperfield. Discover the narratives that shaped the art of magic through the ages.

Optical Illusions and Mirrors: Explore rooms of optical illusions and miroirs déformants, challenging your perceptions and offering interactive fun.

Automata: A special section dedicated to the fascinating world of automata—mechanical wonders that predate modern robotics.

Collections: The museum boasts a plethora of items relating to the history of magic, like posters, props, and other memorabilia that tell the story of this secretive art form.

Essential Information:

• Hours: Open Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2 PM to 7 PM, and daily during certain school holidays.
• Pricing: Adults (15€), Children ages 3 to 12 (11€).
• Location: Nestled in the heart of Paris’ historically charged Le Marais district, providing the perfect context for an enchanting outing.

In preparation for your visit, be aware that language services may vary, so check in advance for availability in your preferred language. With its blend of interactive exhibits, performances, and historical insights, the Musée de la Magie – Musée des Automates is a delightful experience for both the young and the young at heart.

Additional Information

Location & Accessibility
Nestled in the charming Quartier du Marais, the Musée de la Magie – Musée des Automates can be found at 11, Rue Saint Paul, a street known for its unique heritage in central Paris. It’s easily accessible via public transport, specifically by alighting at the Saint-Paul metro station, which puts you just a stone’s throw away from a magical experience.

Visiting Hours
A perfect outing during vacances scolaires or on a leisurely weekend can include a trip to the museum. It’s typically open from 14:00 to 19:00, but make sure to verify the latest schedule before your visit as hours might vary.

Admission Fees
There’s a joint ticket option covering both sections of the museum:

• Adults: €15
• Children (under 12 years): €9

Activities for Children
The museum promises an enchanting experience for children. Besides exploring the fascinating automates, interactive games, and impressive illusions, special activities are tailored for the little ones. These include jeu de piste and workshops that are not only fun but also educational. Remember, if you’re planning a birthday celebration, this venue might just be the perfect spot for an unforgettable anniversaire.

For the Adults
You do not have to be a child to adore this place. Adults will appreciate the historical significance of the age-old magic art showcased in this 16th-century vaulted building. The authentic ambiance and rare collections will captivate those with a penchant for history and the mystical allure of magic.

Cancellation Policy

When planning your visit to the enchanting Musée de la Magie and Musée des Automates in Paris, it’s crucial to understand their cancellation policy to ensure a hassle-free experience. Should you need to cancel, it’s important to remember that the specifics of the policy might differ based on your booking method and the type of ticket you’ve purchased.

Advanced Purchases:
If you’ve secured your tickets in advance online, review the terms provided at the point of sale. Typically, online tickets for museums in Paris are non-refundable; however, they could be date-specific or flexibly used anytime within a certain period from the purchase date.

Groups and Workshops:
For group bookings or special workshops, such as the magic classes offered for children, you usually need to cancel well in advance—often at least several days before your scheduled outing—to avoid any cancellation fees.

On the Day:
Purchased on-site tickets for the Musée de la Magie – Musée des Automates are likely non-refundable. Yet, if an unforeseen event occurs, staff might show flexibility. Prompt communication with the museum is key.

Make sure to keep these points in mind for a smooth visit:

• Check your ticket type: Flexi tickets offer more leeway.
• Communicate early: Get in touch with the venue as soon as your plans change.
• Keep confirmation emails: Always have your booking details on hand for quick reference.

Remember, keeping abreast of the cancellation policy before your visit will save you from any magic tricks that could make your wallet disappear!

Reviews

When you step into the Musée de la Magie – Musée des Automates, you’re surrounded by an air of enchantment embraced by magic lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Visitors often express fascination with the exhibition of magic history. Here’s the gist of what they say:

• Avis: The consensus rings that this is a unique attraction, perfect for both adults and children. Guests especially appreciate the interactive elements that engage you throughout your visit.

• Affiches and Posters: Many find the collection of vintage posters a visual treat, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the golden age of magicians.

• Accessoires: Magic enthusiasts find the assortment of accessories—a behind-the-scenes look at the magicians’ toolkit—both captivating and educational.

• Livres: The museum’s array of books on magic history is widely acknowledged for its depth and variety, illuminating the evolution of magical arts.

• Vitrines: The curated displays in glass cases receive high marks for their meticulous arrangement, presenting a wonderful array of automata that tell stories from bygone eras.

Here is what you might expect according to visitor reviews:

Each piece in the museum is part of the grander narrative of magic and its intertwined history with Parisian culture, leaving you with an enriched perspective of the art form.