Paris, France —It is a most festive and fun venue that sits on the edge of eastern Paris in the Bercy Village neighborhood surrounded by shops and gardens. The Pavillons de Bercy – Musée des Arts Forains are six beautifully appointed pavilions devoted to the funfair arts. Visitors can take in joyfully decorated carrousels and rides —many dating from the 19th century carnaval heydays. And at the end of the year things become even more festive with special shows, acrobats, dancers and even a hypnotist, along with games and events taking place during the Festival du Merveilleux days when the museum turns into a jovial fair for the entire family. This museum devoted to the carnival arts brings together the largest number of 19th century funfair or carnaval arts objects in France and possibly beyond.

The pavillions are located in metal structures with brick arches constructed in the 19th century to hold wine casks. This major piece of industrial architecture was designed by the architect Victor Baltard, a student of Gustave Eiffel. This magical spot has been listed as a historic monument since 1986 and offers a magical 19th festival journey into Paris. The venue was created by Jean Paul Favand and offers visitors he possibility to try out 19th and early 20th century rides and games. « Laughter and parties did not have a museum, yet so many are dedicated to wars. I created a world of dreams that could not have existed without the visitors who brought it to life, » explains the creator who is a collector of items in the performing and funfair arts as well as being an exhibition designer.

Funfair arts were born from a nomadic culture of traveling fairs and carnavals, handed down through the generations for over 150 years. Although their origins are probably much older, dating back to the Middle Ages. It offers a unique lifestyle. And these arts presented as Funfair culture have just been listed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage which aims to ensure better protection of important cultural heritage worldwide. It was presented by Belgium and France and was listed by UNESCO in December of 2024. Funfair culture is in and of itself a way of life with the community traveling around a set itinerary moving from town to town. A way of life that is still very much alive today in France and Belgium. 


The Pavillons de Bercy — Musée des Arts Forains welcomes over 300,000 visitors a year for evening events, guided tours and special openings like the Festival du Merveilleux which is on until January 5th, tickets are available online. Visits during the year are by appointment only. And you can also book the place for a private event. And what a place for a party! The museum also has a documentation center and a restoration section outfitted with cutting edge technologies. Musée des Arts Forains, 53, avenue des Terroirs de France 75012 Paris. Tel: + 33 (0)1 43 40 16 22. https://arts-forains.com/en

©Trish Valicenti for The Gourmet Gazette