Police headquarters museum (Paris 5th arrondissement)

The Préfecture de Police museum retraces the great events of French history (conspiracies, arrests...) and its famous characters, the robberies and criminal cases that made the headlines, as well as developments in criminology and daily life in the capital.

It also introduces visitors to investigative techniques and advances in police equipment. The tour is punctuated by archive documents, objects (weapons, uniforms), exhibits and testimonials.

From January 1, 2026, the rate will be €30 (including guide, headphones and admission ticket).

For the record, our €25 rate had remained unchanged for over 10 years. In the meantime, and particularly since the Covid epidemic in 2020, museums have significantly increased their rates, taking advantage of the strong demand.

If you don't want to be reminded of this invitation, please decline it (see blue box).

Located in the Hôtel de Police in the 5th arrondissement, the museum traces the history of the Paris police from the 17th century to the present day. This museum of nearly two thousand exhibits was created in 1909 by Prefect Louis Lépine. Despite the fire that ravaged the Prefecture's offices during the Commune in 1871, the documents and exhibits on display offer a complete panorama of the Prefecture's activities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Manuscripts, prints, portraits and posters trace the history of the Paris police force. Until the 20th century, posters were the main means of informing Parisians about police regulations.

GARDEL Bertrand / hemis.fr / hemis.fr / Hemis via AFP