Library of the National Institute of History of Art

Paris has many museums and special collections, but few are as intriguing as the Cabinet des Médailles. This remarkable collection is part of the Bibliothèque nationale de France and is located within the Richelieu site. It holds a unique place in French history, tracing its origins back to the royal collections of the 16th century.

The Treasures Inside

The Cabinet des Médailles houses an impressive range of artifacts. Visitors can find coins, antique gems, and medals from different periods, as well as rare jewelry, cameos, and ancient objects. Many of these items once belonged to kings and queens of France, and some date all the way back to ancient Greece, Rome, and the Middle East. The collection also features pieces from the Renaissance and the Enlightenment.

Atmosphere and Setting

The gallery itself feels like a step back in time. With its historic woodwork and elegant display cases, the space gives a sense of what royal cabinets of curiosity may have looked like centuries ago. The cabinets are carefully arranged so visitors can admire both the beauty and the history of each object.

Visiting Information

The Cabinet des Médailles is open to the public and welcomes visitors interested in history, art, and numismatics. Guided tours are sometimes available and provide more detailed stories about individual items in the collection. The Richelieu site is centrally located in Paris, making it easy to reach by public transport or on foot from nearby attractions.