Absolutely stunning, unforgettable museum on the history of musical instruments (strings, winds, brass, keyboards, electronics - all of them!). When in Paris, GO THERE!
This may well be the most comprehensive museum on musical instruments history on the entire planet. Certainly, I have never even heard of anything that compares to THIS place. Absolutely a MUST-SEE if you're at all interested in classical/acoustic music. Its exhibit stretches from middle-age viola da gambas to mid-20th century electronic instruments (like the ondes martenot, or the Moog synthesizer). The individual samples are superbly preserved and presented. Tons and tons of instruments, some of them quite bizarre. See my photos!
The Musée de la Musique is just a stone's throw from the Métro (Porte de Pantin , Line No.5), and it's part of the larger Cité de la Musique, which also offers live concerts and many other exhibitions.
Once you're done with the museum (expect to spend 2-3 hours there), there's a nice selection of local bistros and pubs just across the street, where until 8 p.m. you might get a "happy hour" beer at just € 5 per 500ml. Yes, that's what they call a happy hour in Paris.
Highly recommended, and it doesn't get crowded. Consider it a hidden gem, even if it's not quite so hidden after all. read more