- History and visit to the Cité de la Musique in Paris
- Discovery of the spaces of the Cité de la Musique
- Transfer to the Cité de la Musique in Paris
History and visit to the Cité de la Musique in Paris
La Cité de la Musique, located in the dynamic La Villette district in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, is a prominent concert venue renowned for its programming of classical and modern music. It hosts performances by major orchestras, notably the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra and the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. The structure houses a concert hall, a museum dedicated to music as well as several exhibition spaces. Exploring the City of Music is an enriching experience, immersing visitors in a fascinating cultural universe.
Initiative of the François Mitterrand era, the Cité de la Musique, inaugurated in 1995, aims to explore music in all its forms. Designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc as a ‘little town’ of music, it offers a space where music lovers and professionals can listen, play, learn and discover musical history. This unique place encourages circulation between its different spaces, from the Place de la Fontaine aux Lions to the musical street, allowing visitors to move freely and discover the various aspects of music.
Within the Cité, visitors can admire a vast collection of remarkable musical instruments, including 19th-century French pianos that belonged to Chopin and Liszt, as well as an astonishing collection of guitars, ranging from Spanish models classics to modern electric guitars. La Cité also offers an exploration of the evolution of music, from the birth of opera to contemporary musical trends, through captivating films. Guided tours and audio guides are available to enrich the visitor experience, every day except Monday.
Discovery of the spaces of the Cité de la Musique
La Cité de la Musique, a true artistic hub, has a concert hall specially designed for a diverse range of musical performances. With a capacity of more than a thousand spectators, its high-ceiling architecture ensures high-quality acoustics. The stage, adjustable according to the needs of the musicians, can be adapted to different musical genres, with the possibility of removing the seats for greater flexibility. The amphitheater, designed for intimate concerts, mainly welcomes a young audience with its 250 seats, and is often the venue for recitals and small performances.
A notable asset of the Cité de la Musique is its media library, which provides musicians and music lovers with thousands of resources such as concert recordings and films. The media library enriches the visitor experience by being accessible every day, except Mondays.
The site also houses the Music Museum, inaugurated on January 18, 1997. Spanning 2,500 m² and spread over five levels, the museum invites you on a fascinating journey through time, from the beginning of the 17th century to the end of the 19th century, through a collection of a thousand instruments. This exploration ends with an exploration of global musical traditions. More than just a museum, the Music Museum is dedicated to musical life, showcasing each instrument in its historical and cultural context. It offers visitors the unique opportunity to see the instruments, listen to the sounds they produce and understand the contexts in which they are used.
Transfer to the Cité de la Musique in Paris
Experience the ease of reaching the Cité de la Musique with our tailored shuttle services, conveniently connecting all major Parisian airports. Located 22.6 km from Orly, 25.6 km from Roissy Charles de Gaulle, and 87.4 km from Beauvais, our shuttles offer comfort and efficiency, whether you choose a private car or a shared ride. Avoid the high costs and variability of taxis and the complexity of public transport. With our reliable transfer options, enjoy a smooth, stress-free arrival to delve into Paris’s musical heart at the Cité de la Musique, ensuring a pleasant start to your cultural exploration in Paris.