Explore Hôtel de la Marine in Paris

From its origins as the Royal Furniture Depository in 1767 to its modern-day transformation, Hôtel de la Marine in Paris is a must-visit on your next trip.

Plan your visit

Hôtel de la Marine is located at Place de la Concorde in Paris. It’s easy accessible by metro (Concorde) and walking distance from Musée du Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries. Restored to its former glory, opened to the public in 2021, you will step back in time to the 18th century splendor. When buying you ticket you are given an cordless audio guide, that is very well working, creating sounds that make you think you are in the house in its heyday. Actors are guiding you around the whole tour telling you about the rooms and guiding you where to go next. Hôtel de la Marine should be a absolute must on your next visit to Paris.

History

Built under the reign of Louis XV and designed by Ange Jacques Gabriel, this iconic palace once housed exquisite art collections and served as the headquarters for France’s Ministry for Naval Affairs during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution. Now, after extensive restoration work completed in 2021, Hôtel de la Marine invites visitors to explore its historic quarters, formal salons, and curated collections, offering a captivating glimpse into Parisian history and culture.

The Main Study

In the Intendant’s apartments at Hôtel de la Marine lies the main study. Originally designed in the 18th century, it underwent alterations in the 19th century under the supervision of Naval architect Charles François Mandar, when the room’s ceiling was modified, and painted silk panels were added to its walls.

Thierry de Ville d’Avray, envisioned a space that echoed the grandeur of royal chambers. The room boasts a remarkable black Portor marble fireplace, with gilt-and-silver-bronze details and featuring a finely chiseled figure of Apollo. The desk was once owned by Louis XV, restored by cabinetmaker Guillaume Benneman with a Guadeloupe walnut veneer surface. This desk bears an embossing apparatus displaying Ville d’Avray’s baronial coat of arms.

Three paintings that originally hung in the study have been returned to their intended place: Joseph Vernet’s Fishermen Pulling Up Their Net and François Desportes’ Dead Game, Fruit, Cat and Parrot, and A Woman Carrying a Bowl.

Madame Thierry Ville d’Avrary’s bedchamber

Madame Thierry de Ville d’Avrary’s bedchamber was re-furnished in 1787. Originally it had two mahogany dressers, one was acquired in 2021 and stands in its original place, the other one is at the Louvre.

The rug is one of ninety-three carpets ordered for Louis XIV for the Louvre Palace in 1671. On the nightstand is a fan given to Cécile Marguerite Lemoinr, Baronne de Ville d’Avrary as a wedding gift by Marie Antoinette.

Restoration

Between 2017 and 2021, a comprehensive restoration project led by the chief architect of Historical Monuments, Christophe Bottineau, alongside decorators Joseph Achkar and Michel Charrière, breathed new life into the historic Hôtel de la Marine. This ambitious undertaking encompassed both invisible infrastructure improvements and highly visible restoration efforts, including the facades, roofs, and courtyards. The first-floor apartments were refurbished and decorated, incorporating furniture sourced from the art market and museum storage spaces.

While preserving its historical charm, the restoration project also integrated contemporary elements to enhance visitor experience. Architect Hugh Dutton introduced a striking glass canopy over the Cour de l’Intendant, while the Moatti-Rivière Agency implemented ground lighting in the main courtyard. These modern interventions seamlessly blend with the architectural grandeur of the Hôtel de la Marine.

Accessibility and facilities

There are good toilets in the museum, lockers to store large bags. At the entrance to the museum there is a very nice book- and museum shop. There is also a restaurant and a café in the museum.