National Museum of the Middle Ages Paris, France

Collections of the National Museum of the Middle Ages Written October 27, 2011 by Holly Hayes

The museum's collections are vast and a must-see for medieval art lovers. The following numbering of rooms is used in the museum's visitor guides. The list of exhibits in each room is not comprehensive but gives an indication of the most prominent and characteristic artworks. Rooms 1-6 (ground floor) and 17-23 (first floor) are housed in the 15th-century Hôtel de Cluny. The rest are in 19th- and 20th-century rooms. See the official website for a view full text »

History of the National Museum of the Middle Ages Written October 27, 2011 by Holly Hayes

The Musée National du Moyen Age (National Museum of the Middle Ages) is housed in the Hôtel de Cluny, one of only two remaining medieval homes in Paris (the other is the Hôtel de Sens in the Marais). The building was founded by the rich and powerful 15th-century abbot of Cluny Abbey, Jacques d'Amboise, who constructed his mansion over the ruins of a Roman bath.

In addition to abbots, the Hôtel de Cluny hosted other notable residents, including Mary Tudor, widow of Louis XII, beginning in 1515... view full text »