Does the Paris Museum Pass Include the Musée de la Musique (Philharmonie de Paris)?
Yes — the Musée de la Musique at the Philharmonie de Paris is included in the Paris Museum Pass. This wonderful music museum at La Villette holds one of the world’s finest instrument collections. Note that concerts and some temporary exhibitions are separate. Here’s what to expect and how to plan a visit.
The short answer
The Musée de la Musique, part of the Philharmonie de Paris at the Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, is covered by the pass. Your pass admits you to its permanent collection of instruments and music history — a delight for music lovers and a lovely surprise on the pass.
What you’ll see
The collection gathers thousands of instruments and objects spanning centuries and continents, from ornate harpsichords and rare violins to a recreated Stradivari workshop and the history of Western music. Many visits include an audio component so you can hear the instruments, bringing the galleries vividly to life.
Concerts and temporary shows are separate
While the museum’s permanent collection is on the pass, concerts at the Philharmonie and some major temporary music exhibitions are ticketed separately — consistent with the pass excluding performances and temporary shows. Check what’s on if you’d like to add a concert as a separate, memorable evening.
Great for families and music lovers
The museum is engaging for all ages, with beautiful instruments, listening stations and sometimes live demonstrations. Combined with the surrounding park and the nearby, pass-included Cité des Sciences, it makes a rewarding day at La Villette — cultural, hands-on and easy on the budget with the pass.
Opening and location
The Musée de la Musique is generally open Tuesday to Sunday (typically closed Mondays), with hours varying, so check ahead. Reach it by Metro to Porte de Pantin in the 19th arrondissement, at the Parc de la Villette — the same cultural quarter as the Cité des Sciences.
A La Villette day
La Villette is a cultural hub where much is on the pass: the Music Museum and the Cité des Sciences are both included, with the large park linking them. You can spend a varied day here — music, science and the outdoors — a refreshing change from the central art museums, mostly covered by your pass.
Why it’s a great pass pick
Often overlooked by first-timers, the Musée de la Musique is a superb, lower-key use of the pass. For anyone who loves music or beautiful craftsmanship, it’s a memorable visit that costs nothing extra — and pairs naturally with the science museum next door for a full day out.
Tips for your visit
- Just scan your pass for the permanent collection.
- Pay separately for concerts or temporary shows.
- Avoid Mondays (typically closed).
- Allow 1.5–2 hours for the collection.
- Pair it with the Cité des Sciences nearby.
Listen as you look
Part of what makes the Musée de la Musique special is that you do not just see the instruments — the visit is designed so you can hear many of them too, through an audio companion and occasional live demonstrations in the galleries. It turns a museum of objects into a museum of sound, which is why music lovers, and curious children, find it so engaging and well worth the easy detour to La Villette.
Buy your Paris Museum Pass for the Music Museum
To explore one of the world’s great instrument collections without a separate ticket, buy your Paris Museum Pass online in advance and book free slots where required. Secure your pass and add the Musée de la Musique to your La Villette day.
Frequently asked questions
Does the pass include the Musée de la Musique?
Yes — its permanent collection is covered.
Are concerts included?
No — concerts and some temporary shows are ticketed separately.
What will I see?
Thousands of instruments and the history of Western music.
Where is it?
At the Philharmonie de Paris, Parc de la Villette, 19th arrondissement.
When is it closed?
Typically Mondays — check current hours.
What’s nearby on the pass?
The Cité des Sciences, in the same park.