The building was designed by architect Albert Laprade for the 1931 Paris Colonial Exhibition.
The facade features a massive bas-relief by Alfred Janniot depicting resources from former French colonies.
The interior contains an original 1930s-style grand salon that remains largely intact.
The museum was officially established by decree in 2004, though the building has existed for nearly a century.
The site includes the remains of an aquarium that dates back to the original 1931 exhibition.
The Musée national de l'histoire de l'immigration is housed within the Palais de la Porte Dorée, a landmark of 1930s Art Deco architecture. The museum documents the history of immigration to France from the 19th century to the present day. Its permanent exhibition, 'Repères,' uses personal narratives, archival documents, and contemporary art to analyze the socio-political impact of migration. The building itself was originally constructed for the 1931 Paris Colonial Exhibition. The museum shares its space with the Tropical Aquarium, which preserves historical colonial-era displays. The collection emphasizes the diversity of origins and the integration processes within the French Republic. The site serves as both a historical research center and a platform for contemporary cultural debates. It is located on the edge of the Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement.
The main facade with its intricate 1931 Art Deco bas-relief.
Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Bois de Vincennes park.
Check the official website for temporary exhibition themes as they often highlight under-represented minority perspectives.
Visit the aquarium on the ground floor if you are interested in the history of the 1931 Colonial Exhibition architecture.
Do not mistake the building for a standard historical gallery; it is highly focused on modern social science and human geography.
Closed on Mondays.
