The Préfecture de Police museum

Nicolas' visits: "Musée de la Préfecture de police"
January 23, 2026 - 11:15 am (Paris 5th arrondissement)

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.

The history of the Paris police force can be traced through manuscripts, prints, portraits and posters. Until the 20th century, posters were the main means of informing Parisians about police regulations.

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