Hôtel de Retz, Private mansion in Le Marais, Paris, France

Hôtel de Retz is a private mansion in the Rue Charlot with a monumental entrance gate and internal courtyard typical of aristocratic Parisian homes. The building now functions as an exhibition space presenting contemporary art and design throughout the year.

Built between 1613 and 1632 for Daniel Martin de Mauroy, treasurer of the Duke of Guise, it was first called Hôtel d'Elbeuf; only the carriage gate survives from that building. In 1649 Pierre de Gondi de Retz, brother of the Cardinal, bought it and gave it the Retz name, receiving Madame de Sévigné there in 1651. It burned and was rebuilt in 1839.

The name comes from the Gondi family of the Dukes of Retz, who acquired the house in 1649; Pierre de Gondi de Retz, brother of the Cardinal, received Madame de Sévigné here in 1651. The carriage gate on Rue Charlot is the only surviving element of the 1613–1632 Hôtel d'Elbeuf. Since 1994 the Passage de Retz has hosted temporary exhibitions.

The entrance at 9 rue Charlot is the only surviving element of the 1613–1632 building: a pale stone arch with a curved pediment carved "HOTEL de RETZ" and a deep teal double door. The Passage de Retz exhibition space of 750 m2, designed by Sylvain Dubuisson, opened in 1994 inside the building; access depends on the current exhibition, so check before coming.

Nestor Roqueplan, who became editor of Le Figaro and director of major Paris theaters, was born here in 1804. His later success in French cultural institutions gives the mansion an unexpected connection to the city's artistic life.