Before I share my visit to the Cluny Museum, I will go back to the previous post. There was a problem with the connection to my post about the stunning Galerie Dior. Here is a link to it, definitely worth a look. La Galerie Dior
The Cluny Museum is the National Museum of the Middle Ages and it is fabulous! The building combines a Roman era thermae and the 15th century Parisian mansion of the Abbey of Cluny. We came upon it on our wanderings in the 5th arrondissment and were attracted by the exterior decorations on the building and vowed to return to see the interior.




The building has an interesting history. It is a rare example of medieval Paris architecture, rebuilt by Jacques d’Amboise to replace an earlier structure in 1485 – 1510. Later residents included Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII of England.
In December 1832, archeologist and art collector Alexander Du Sommerand bought the Hotel de Cluny and used it to display his large collection of medieval and Renaissance objects. Upon his death the collection was bought by the French state and opened as a museum in 1843.
It was closed for some time while improvements were made and reopened in May 2022. It contains around 23,000 artefacts dating from the Gallo-Roman period up to the 16th century. The collections contain pieces from Europe, the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic world of the Middle Ages.
Come for a walk through this fascinating museum, beginning with Ariadne and lion heads from 6th century Constantinople and Roman Empire.

Beautiful jewellery from the Frankish Kingdom, 6th – 7th centuries.

The Altar front of the Basel Cathedral from the first quarter of the 11th century. Stamped gold on an oak core.


Clothing and accessories from the Coptic civilisation in Egypt 5th – 10th centuries.

Treasure of Guarrazar from the 7th century kingdom.


A stunning room full of treasures.

Virgin and Child, polychromed wood from the end of the 12th century, Auvergne, made to be carried in procession.


Binding of a Gospel book from northern Italy, beginning of the 12th century.

Fragments of a wall decoration, Burgundy, 12th century.



Cloister capitals, northern Catalonia, 4th quarter of the 12th century.

Voyage dans Le Cristal.Crystal appears in many archaeological sites. Egyptian artist used rock crystal in luxury objects. The 2 rock crystal vases from 757-754 BC are exceptional examples. I love these pieces!



We entered a glass topped space filled with sculptures removed from Notre Dame.


Headless statues of apostles and saints from the southern facade of the transept of Notre Dame, 12th century.

7 heads of the Kings of Juda from the western facade, around 1220.


Queen from the northern side.

Adam from a niche above the door that led to the bishop’s palace, about 1260.

Moving on…stained glass windows from Sainte-Chapelle.


Seated virgin and child from the collegiate church of Notre-Dame de Poissy, 1310-1320.

Not sure who this is but he looks happy.

Teaching professor from a funerary monument, Bologna, about 1340.

Effigy of the wife of Jean does Martins, Chancellor of Provence, 1450-1460.

I love the hat!

Stained glass and some jaunty knights.



A candle holder from about 1480.

More stunning stained glass. Chess players 1450 – 1460.

Bagpipe player from around 1500. I think this one is delightful.

I have saved the best and most famous exhibit for last. The Tapesteries of the Lady and the Unicorn, a 6 piece tapestry cycle featuring the coat of arms of the Le Viste. It is a magnificent example of the millefleurs style, featuring a background strewn with floral motifs. Walking into the darkened room lined with these huge tapestries is amazing. You need to be there.
The six tapestries woven around 1500 represent the five senses against a detailed red background. The sixth sense, explained only by the inscription “A mon seul desir” (To my only desire” has enspired countless theories. It could be courtly love or a reference to free will.






The final photo is not mine, I somehow missed this one.
The Cluny Museum was a highlight of my Paris visit. I am very happy that we strolled by and followed the signs.
Cluny Museum
28 Rue du Sommerard, Paris
Open every day except Monday from 9.30 am to 6.15pm.
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