Musée Français de la Carte à Jouer, Playing card museum in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
The French Playing Card Museum in Issy-les-Moulineaux occupies two linked buildings: a historic pavilion housing local artifacts and a contemporary structure for card collections. The displays feature thousands of cards representing different styles, origins, and manufacturing eras spanning many centuries.
The collection began in 1930 with a donation to the city of Issy-les-Moulineaux, and the museum was created in 1981. It moved in December 1997 into new premises designed by architect Philippe Jean, next to the entrance pavilion of the former Château d'Issy, residence of the Princes of Conti. In 1999 it won the European Museum of the Year Award.
The collection grew from a 1930 donation to the town and includes French regional portraits, Revolutionary-era decks and the modern French portrait, alongside German, Italian, Spanish and Asian cards. The museum also holds a contemporary art biennial and magic workshops.
The museum is at 16, rue Auguste Gervais in Issy-les-Moulineaux, near Mairie d'Issy station, the southern terminus of Métro Line 12. It opens Wednesdays through Sundays and charges an admission fee. The documentation centre is accessible by appointment. A renovation of the building and displays began in 2023, so some areas may be affected.
The museum's collection began in 1930 with a donation to the town of Issy-les-Moulineaux, and Louis Chardonneret (1849–1935) was among its founding collectors. In 1999 the institution received the European Museum of the Year Award. Its documentation centre, open by appointment, also covers aviation, since Issy-les-Moulineaux is regarded as the cradle of French aviation.
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