Cling: Comics Talk Cash
- Monnaie de Paris, Paris
10 Apr - 6 Sep 2026
From€12.00
An exploration of the intricate, often turbulent relationship between sequential art and global finance.
Exhibition at Monnaie de Paris
Discover the current major exhibition showing at Monnaie de Paris in 2026.
Standing as a sentinel of French history on the Left Bank of the Seine, the Monnaie de Paris (the Paris Mint) is a remarkable institution founded in 864 AD by Charles the Bald. As the oldest continuously operating mint in the world and one of the most ancient companies still in existence, it carries a profound historical weight. While its primary industrial production moved to Pessac in 1973, the Parisian headquarters remains the beating heart of France’s numismatic heritage, continuing to produce official medals, state decorations like the Légion d’honneur, and exquisite collector coins in its historic workshops.
The building itself is a masterpiece of French Neoclassicism, designed by architect Jacques-Denis Antoine and completed in 1775. Its grand facade, which stretches along the Quai de Conti opposite the Louvre, is characterized by its rigorous symmetry and elegant arched windows. Inside, visitors are greeted by the Cour d’Honneur, a transition point between the stately administrative wings and the functional factory areas. Notable artistic features include the Grand Staircase, a theatrical display of 18th-century royal architecture, and the allegorical sculptures by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle that adorn the exterior, symbolizing themes of commerce and wealth.
The atmosphere at the 11 Conti Museum is a unique blend of a refined cultural palace and a living, breathing factory. It is the last active industrial site in the center of Paris, and the sensory experience is unmatched; visitors can often smell the heated metal and hear the rhythmic clatter of tools. Through clever glass partitions, you can observe master engravers and founders at work, bridging the gap between centuries-old craftsmanship and modern technology. The interactive exhibits allow you to touch materials and even test minting techniques, making the complex worlds of economics and metallurgy feel tangible and accessible.
Beyond its technical functions, the Monnaie de Paris has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Its prestigious Salons frequently host cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions, creating a fascinating dialogue between the institution's ancient roots and modern creativity. The site is also home to the three-Michelin-starred Guy Savoy Restaurant, offering one of the world's finest gastronomic experiences within its historic walls. Whether you are there to admire the rare gold treasures in the Numiscope, watch a molten metal casting, or simply stroll through its monumental courtyards, the venue offers a profound immersion into the "art of the strike."
Highlights
- The Musée du 11 Conti offers an interactive journey through the history of French coinage and metalwork from antiquity to the present day.
- The manufacturing workshops allow visitors to watch master engravers and craftsmen create medals and official decorations through large glass windows.
- The Foundry features regular demonstrations where you can witness the preparation and casting of art cast iron.
- The Grand Salon Dupré is a magnificent 18th-century space that hosts world-class contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.
- The neoclassical architecture of the building includes five sumptuous courtyards and the historic Hôtel de Conti, originally designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart.
- The museum boutique is housed in the original foundry and offers exclusive collector's coins, official decorations, and artisan jewelry.
Must-Dos
- Strike your own medal using a manual screw press to experience the physical effort required in traditional coin production.
- Peer through the magnifying glasses provided in the display cases to observe the microscopic details and hidden symbols on ancient numismatic treasures.
- Touch the raw metal ingots and textured dies at the sensory stations to understand the transformation from industrial material to fine art.
- Step out onto the Quai de Conti at sunset to photograph the building's grand facade as its stone arches reflect in the waters of the Seine.
- Listen for the rhythmic clanging of metal coming from the active production areas to feel the heartbeat of the world's oldest continuously operating mint.
- Climb the grand staircase to admire the play of natural light on the ornate masonry and sculpted reliefs that decorate the interior transition spaces.
Guidelines
- All visitors must undergo a security screening and mandatory bag checks at the museum entrance.
- Large bags and luggage exceeding standard carry-on dimensions are strictly prohibited inside the galleries.
- Casual photography for personal use is permitted provided that the camera flash is turned off at all times.
- The use of professional equipment such as tripods, selfie sticks, and monopods is not allowed without prior authorization.
- Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes or vapes are prohibited within all indoor public spaces.
- Only service animals that are individually trained to assist persons with disabilities are permitted on the premises.
- Visitors must maintain a safe distance from the artwork and avoid touching any exhibits or display cases.
Tips
- Book your skip-the-line tickets online in advance to bypass the ticket office queue and head straight to the security check.
- Plan your visit for Tuesday through Friday to enjoy a much quieter experience compared to the busier weekend crowds.
- Arrive at the entrance on 11 Quai de Conti at least 15 to 30 minutes before your scheduled time slot to account for mandatory security screening.
- Visit during the late afternoon after 4:00 PM when most large tour groups have departed for the day.
- Explore the Musée du 11 Conti to see master engravers practicing their craft in the metalwork workshops.
- Take a moment to admire the grand architecture from the Quai de Conti before entering to appreciate the building's historical role as the world's oldest mint.
Why Visit
Visiting the Monnaie de Paris offers a rare privilege: the chance to enter the only active factory remaining in the historic heart of the capital. While most Parisian landmarks are frozen in time, this neoclassical palace hums with the energy of master artisans who continue to forge France’s most prestigious honors. By peering through the workshop windows, you witness a seamless bridge between ancestral techniques and contemporary vision, making it a destination where fine art is literally hammered into existence before your eyes.
To walk through the Musée du 11 Conti is to engage in a visceral, sensory immersion that transcends the traditional museum experience. You don't just look at history; you feel the rhythmic vibration of the industrial presses and catch the distinct, metallic scent of the foundry in the air. The emotional weight of the "art of the strike" becomes tangible when you touch raw ingots or watch molten metal transform into delicate sculpture, offering a profound connection to the physical labor and exquisite craftsmanship that has defined French excellence for over a millennium.The Monnaie de Paris is a peerless cultural treasure where the glamour of a royal palace meets the raw power of a living forge, offering an unforgettable encounter with the very soul of French craft.
When to Visit
Early Morning Minting Solitude
Arriving right as the doors open at 11:00 on a Tuesday or Wednesday provides the most tranquil environment for exploring the Musée du 11 Conti. Since the institution is closed on Mondays, the first few hours of the work week typically see the lowest foot traffic, allowing you to engage with the interactive metalwork displays and historic coin collections without the interference of large tour groups. Selecting these mid-week morning slots ensures you can witness the master engravers at work through the workshop windows with unobstructed views.
Evening Radiance in the Stone Courtyards
The architecture of this 18th-century palace is best appreciated during the late afternoon when the sun begins to descend over the Seine. Planning your exit for around 17:00 allows you to catch the low-angled light as it hits the symmetrical stone facade and illuminates the grand central archway. On Wednesdays, the museum offers extended evening hours until 21:00, which is the ideal time to observe the play of shadows across the arched windows and enjoy the interior galleries under softer, artificial spotlighting that accentuates the texture of the rare numismatic specimens.
How to Visit
To get the most out of your visit to the Monnaie de Paris, you should set aside approximately 2 hours. This gives you enough breathing room to engage with the interactive exhibits without rushing through the historic halls. The main entrance is located at 11 Quai de Conti; once you pass the initial security screening, head straight for the Musée du 11 Conti ticket wing to start your journey.
Navigating the Metalwork Masterpieces
For a logical flow that captures both the history and the science of the site, I recommend following this curated path through the galleries:
- Start in the historical introductory rooms to understand the evolution of the 6th arrondissement site.
- Move into the raw materials section where you can actually touch ingots and learn about the alloys used in modern minting.
- Continue to the workshop overlook windows; this is the heart of the experience where you can see the staff executing precision engraving.
- Conclude your visit at the manual screw press to strike your own souvenir medal before exiting through the grand courtyards.
Practical Entrance Logistics
The museum is very accessible, but keep in mind that the neoclassical layout involves several large courtyards. If you have pre-booked tickets, you can often skip the primary box office line and go directly to the scanning point near the museum shop. Large bags are strictly prohibited, so travel light to ensure a swift passage through the mandatory security check at the arched gates.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The Monnaie de Paris welcomes visitors Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 18:00.
- The museum offers extended hours every Wednesday until 21:00.
- Please note that the institution remains closed on Mondays.
- Final admission is typically permitted up to 30 minutes before the scheduled closing time.
Special Days
The Monnaie de Paris is closed on public holidays including January 1, May 1, and December 25.
Bank of America cardholders can receive free general admission during the first full weekend of every month.
How to get there
Nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine in the 6th arrondissement, Monnaie de Paris stands as a neoclassical sentinel across from the Louvre, offering seamless accessibility for those wandering through the heart of historic Paris. Its central riverside location makes it easily reachable via an array of scenic and efficient public transport links.
- Metro: Line 7 to Pont Neuf or Lines 4 and 10 to Odéon.
- RER: Lines B and C to Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Lines A and B to Châtelet.
- Bus: Lines 24, 27, 58, 70, and 87 to the Quai des Grands Augustins or Pont Neuf stops.
- Batobus: The Saint-Germain-des-Prés stop provides a charming riverside approach just a short stroll from the venue.
Directions
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Monnaie de Paris
Yes, the Monnaie de Paris provides free lockers for visitors to store small bags and personal belongings. However, large suitcases and bulky items are not permitted inside the 11 Conti Museum or the art exhibitions due to security regulations at this historic French history site.
The Monnaie de Paris is fully accessible to visitors with reduced mobility and those with strollers. Elevators and ramps are integrated into the Neoclassical architecture to ensure everyone can explore the coin museum, the metalwork workshops, and the temporary art exhibitions comfortably.
The most iconic photo location is the grand facade facing the Quai de Conti, especially at sunset. Inside, the 'Grand Staircase' and the 'Cour d’Honneur' provide stunning examples of 18th-century French Neoclassicism, while the glass partitions looking into the active metalwork factory offer a unique 'industrial-chic' backdrop.
While the main industrial production is off-site, you can observe master engravers and artisans through glass windows in the 11 Conti Museum. These workshops at the Monnaie de Paris continue to produce medals and the 'Légion d’honneur', offering a rare look at the numismatics craft that has defined the institution since 864 AD.
Yes, the Monnaie de Paris offers various discounted ticket types, including reduced rates for students under 26 and free entry for minors. Family passes are also available, providing an affordable way to explore the interactive numismatics displays and learn about French history together.
No, the three-Michelin-starred Guy Savoy Restaurant requires a separate reservation and is independent of the 11 Conti Museum admission. However, both are housed within the same historic building on the Quai de Conti, allowing you to pair a gourmet meal with a visit to the world's oldest mint.
A typical visit to the 11 Conti Museum and the permanent numismatics collections takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you plan to visit the rotating contemporary art exhibitions or enjoy the view from the Quai de Conti, we recommend allocating at least 3 hours to fully experience this sentinel of French history.
Yes, the Monnaie de Paris offers guided tours in English and French that provide deeper insights into the history of metalwork and the building's role in French history. We recommend booking these in advance online, especially during peak travel seasons in Paris.
Absolutely, the Monnaie de Paris features a specialized boutique where you can purchase official collector coins, state decorations, and medals struck in their own workshops. It is the perfect place to find a unique souvenir of numismatics and the 'art of the strike'.
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