Majestically located at 2 Place de la Concorde in Paris’s 8th arrondissement, the Hôtel de la Marine is a shining jewel of French heritage. Designed by Ange‑Jacques Gabriel from 1757 to 1774 to house the royal furniture repository, it opened in 1777 as one of the first public museums dedicated to decorative arts.

During the Revolution, the building narrowly escaped destruction, though the Crown’s jewels and weapons were stolen during the turbulent years of 1789 and 1792. In 1789 it became the Ministry of the Navy, a role it held until 2015. During World War II, it even served as the German Kriegsmarine headquarters .

Taken over by the Centre des monuments nationaux, the palace underwent full restoration from 2017 to 2021 (costing ~€135M) to revive its 18ᵉ-century splendor, showcasing original furnishings sourced from Versailles, the Louvre, and Mobilier national.

Visitors discover three distinct sections: the Intendant’s Apartments, lavishly decorated with parquet, boiseries, tapestries, gilt, and period furniture; the grand Reception Salons and the loggia overlooking Place de la Concorde; and the separate Al Thani Collection, featuring ancient treasures.

Visits are guided by "Le Confident", a 3D audio headset in which an actor playing an 18ᵉ-century intendant narrates the tour, making the experience both lively and immersive.

The atmosphere is elegant, refined, and almost theatrical. The site draws art lovers, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and cultural tourists seeking immersive experiences. Families, students, and tourists benefit from free admission for under-18s, EU residents aged 18–25, job seekers, disabled visitors, and periodic events like historic balls and family tours .

Practical info: open daily 10:30 am–7 pm (Fridays until 9:30 pm), closed Jan 1, May 1, Dec 25. Access via Concorde metro station (lines 1,8,12), Madeleine (14), and buses 42,45,52,72,73,84, N11, N24; Vélib nearby. Facilities include free toilets, cloakroom, baby stroller storage, wheelchair loans, free wifi, bookstore-shop, café and restaurant accessible without entry ticket .

Fun facts: site of the 1792 Crown Jewelry heist; Victor Schoelcher’s 1848 abolition of slavery speech; naval ministry base in WWII.