Musée de Cluny

The Musée de Cluny, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, is a renowned museum in Paris, France, located in the 5th arrondissement. It is a treasure trove of medieval art, housing a significant collection of artifacts from the Middle Ages, including the iconic 15th-century tapestry series, The Lady and the Unicorn. The museum is uniquely situated within a Roman-era thermal bath complex, the Thermes de Cluny, and the 15th-century Hôtel de Cluny, a former mansion of the Abbey of Cluny. The museum's history dates back to the late 15th century when the Cluny mansion was built to replace an earlier structure. Over the centuries, it has served various purposes, from a residence for nobility to an observatory. In 1832, it was bought by Alexandre Du Sommerard, an art collector who used it to display his collection of medieval and Renaissance objects. After his death, the French state purchased the collection and opened the building as a museum in 1843. The museum underwent a comprehensive renovation from 2011 to 2022, enhancing its display of medieval art collections. Visitors to the Musée de Cluny can explore a wide range of artifacts from the Gallo-Roman period to the 16th century, including pieces from Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic world of the Middle Ages. The museum's collections, its unique architecture, and its rich history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Middle Ages.