Museum
Le Marais
At the age of 30, Victor Hugo moved into his 280m² apartment at the Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée in Place des Vosges with his family. Over 16 years, he penned renowned works like "Ruy Blas" and much of "Les Misérables." Originally named Place Royale, Place des Vosges stands as Paris' oldest planned square, nestled in the Marais district, bridging the 3rd and 4th arrondissements. Surrounding the square are numerous galleries and cafes, including Carette, inviting visitors to pause and admire its timeless beauty.
About Victor Hugo
Victor-Marie Hugo, known as the "Ocean Man," born February 26, 1802, and died May 22, 1885, was a prominent French Romantic writer and politician. Over a literary career spanning more than six decades, he explored various genres and forms. Renowned for masterpieces like "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame" (1831) and the beloved "Les Misérables" (1862), later adapted into a musical in 1980, Hugo also left an indelible mark with his poetry collections like "Les Contemplations" and "La Légende des siècles." Hugo later had to leave Paris, after openly declaring Napoleon a traitor to France, and so he was forced to move to Brussels.
The Museum
In 1901, in honor of Victor Hugo's upcoming centenary, Paul Meurice, a french novelist, playwright and dear friend to Hugo, proposed the creation of a "Maison de Victor Hugo" to the City of Paris, with the poet's family's support. They decided to base it at the Hôtel de Rohan Guéménée, where Hugo lived from 1832 to 1848, and the museum was able to open to the public on June 30, 1903. Meurice's dedication led him to donate his collection and acquire Juliette Drouet’s, once a french actress and mistress to Hugo, funding renovations and commissioning artworks. The family Today, visitors can explore the well preserved Parisian apartment, staying true to Meurice's vision of honouring Hugo's multifaceted legacy.
My Experience
Myself and a dear friend, decided to visit the museum on a Tuesday morning. At the entrance we did a quick security check and found ourselves climbing the stairs to the apartments. The walls along the stairs were lined with aged newspapers, works of art and busts of all things relating to Victor Hugo
From the living quarters to the dining spaces and bedrooms, the former apartment transformed into a museum offers a captivating journey into the world of the esteemed author. Alongside Victor Hugo's manuscripts, paintings, and drawings, the collection showcases family mementos like photographs, furniture, and artistic tributes to his legacy. Temporary exhibits delve into various facets of the writer's life and work
One of my favourite pieces to see was a Émile Bayard's word Cosette Balayant (L'Alouette) made for Les Miserables in 1879. This is most recognizable as they usually use it as the image on book covers and on posters for the musical productions. I have always known this image, but to see the original in person was a wonderful experience.
Cafe Mulot
Nestled in the museum's courtyard, Café Mulot offers a charming ambiance with options to sit beneath the leafy trees at the centre of the quad or within the sheltered walkway, where the cafe's bar is situated. After exploring the museum and absorbing so much history and wonder, it's nice to take a pause for coffee or pastry amidst the serene surroundings.
How to get there & Fees
Entrance fee is completely free and no reservation is necessary. However, for any temporary exhibitions a ticket will need to be purchased. If you are interested in purchasing the Paris Pass, all temporary exhibitions are included in it.
We were able to walk there from our stay by the Louvre, but here are some modes of transportation that can help you arrive at the museum.
Metro Lines: 1, 5 or 8 to Bastille Station, Line 1 to Saint-Paul Station, or Line 8 to Chemin Vert Station
Bus: Number 20, 29, 65, 69 or 96
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