Consider what stories these cards could tell. Here at the Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer, playing cards are more than just simple pastimes. The Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer is a unique museum dedicated to the art and history of playing cards. It is the only French museum of its kind.
The Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer is located in Issy-les-Moulineaux. You can find it at 16 rue Auguste-Gervais. The museum is easily accessible by M\u00e9tro line 12. The Mairie d’Issy station is just 200 meters away. Several bus lines also stop nearby. These include lines 123, 126, 169, 189, 190, 289, 290, 323, and Tuvim. If you prefer the RER, take line C to Issy or Val-de-Seine. Tram line T2 also serves the Val-de-Seine stop.
The Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer was established in 1986. It was based on the collections of Louis Chardonneret and Robert Thissen. Since 1997, it has been located in the former Ch\u00e2teau d’Issy. This ch\u00e2teau belonged to the Princes of Conti. The Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer boasts approximately 9,000 objects. These include nearly 6,500 playing cards. There are also 980 etchings, drawings, and posters. Over 1,000 objects related to card games are also present.
The Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer is open Wednesdays through Sundays. From Wednesday to Friday, its hours are 11 AM to 5 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 2 PM to 6 PM. Note that the Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer closes in the summer. This closure occurs from August 12th to September 1st. The museum is also closed on public holidays.
Inside the Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer, discover rare and precious cards. One series showcases the famous game of Seven Families. Another collection features cards from the French Revolution. During the Reign of Terror, royalty symbols were removed from playing cards. Phrygian caps replaced crowns. The museum currently houses over 11,000 ensembles.
The Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer also hosts temporary exhibitions. In 2019, the museum hosted Mus\u00e9omix. This is an experimental event where mediation projects are created. As of 2023, the museum’s collection includes 26,000 works and objects.
Don’t miss the Galerie d’histoire de la ville. It is located in the entry pavilion of the former ch\u00e2teau. The Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer also offers various activities. These include magic shows and escape games. The Mus\u00e9e de la Carte \u00e0 Jouer is not just a museum. It is a journey through art, history, and the playful spirit of humanity.