Maison de Victor Hugo, Paris

Dedicated to the memory of one of France’s most celebrated 19th-century writers, Maison de Victor Hugo hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions, providing you with an insight into the life and work of Victor Hugo. 

A visit to Hugo's former apartment in the Place Royale in Paris' 4th arrondissement,  is a must if you're interested in French literature or history.

Hugo lived in this building, L’Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée, from 1832 to 1848,  welcoming  to it,  some extremely distinguished guests, like Dumas, Gautier and Lamartine. A Louis XIII style construction,  commissioned by Isaac Arnauld, the building itself is one of the most beautiful in the Place Royale, which is itself, one of the most beautiful squares in  Paris

Inside, the shiny wooden floors, heavy red curtains and red damask walls give a womb-like quality to Victor Hugo’s home; appropriate for the place where such literary legacies as Marie Tudor, Ruy Blas, Les Burgraves, Les Chants du crépuscule, Les Voix intérieures and, of course, great parts of Les Misérables, were conceived.

The novel Les Misérables, popularised by the hit stage show, was largely written in this house. Floor-length windows shed light on an astonishing range of memorabilia. Many of Hugo’s goods were appropriated and dispersed after his exile, but over the course of time, and with the efforts of his friends, the goods were re-acquired.

Paul Meurice’s acquisitions, in particular, have enabled this recreation of Hugo’s apartment. These objects and the rest of the permanent exhibitions explore Hugo’s life before, during and after his exile to Guernsey. The apartment underwent several structural changes between 1848 and 1903 when it became a museum at the request of Paul Meurice.

The first floor hosts temporary exhibitions and a display of Hugo’s sketches. The library is accessible by appointment. Talks, tours, and workshops take place regularly, with many engaging topics on Hugo’s life and passions.

Audio guides are available in six languages. A video version of the guide in French sign language is also available. Sign-language tours are available, and a hearing loop has been installed.

A guidebook in large characters and in braille and a list of Hugo’s works that can be touched are available for visually-impaired visitors. The museum is wheelchair-friendly.

© Paris Tourist Office - Photographe : Agnès Moreau
© Paris Tourist Office - Photographe : Agnès Moreau
© Paris Tourist Office - Photographe : Agnès Moreau
© Paris Tourist Office - Photographe : Agnès Moreau

Opening Hours

Monday:
10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday:
10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday:
10:00 - 18:00
Thursday:
10:00 - 18:00
Friday:
10:00 - 18:00
Saturday:
10:00 - 18:00
Sunday:
10:00 - 18:00
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