Monnaie de Paris, Mint in Paris, France
The Monnaie de Paris is a large building complex along the Seine River that produces French currency and commemorative medals. The site combines production areas with exhibition spaces that document the history and craft of coin manufacturing.
Founded on 25 June 864 by the Edict of Pîtres under Charles the Bald, the Monnaie de Paris is the oldest French institution still in operation. In 1770 it gained a central seat, the hôtel de la Monnaie built 1771-1775 by architect Denis Antoine on the quai Conti. The laws of 31 July and 20 November 1879 made coin production a state monopoly under the Administration des Monnaies et Médailles, and in 2007 the institution became a public establishment with legal personality.
The museum, reopened in 2017, displays 2,000 pieces from reserves of 170,000 objects, including rare medals and coins and ingots recovered from a shipwreck. The Monnaie de Paris also makes art castings and jewellery under its own brand, and since 2012 has held the Entreprise du patrimoine vivant label.
The building sits directly on the Seine and is easily reached on foot, with visitor access to exhibition areas. You can purchase original minted coins and limited edition medals from the shop while learning about production methods.
The 2017 renovation made 80% of the 1.2 hectares of buildings open to the public. A 1950s basketball court that sat under the roof of one wing was demolished to restore the symmetry of the site, and 2,000 objects from reserves of 170,000 were shown for the first time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,654 contributors worldwide.
