National prison museum, Prison museum in Fontainebleau, France.
Description
The National Prison Museum occupies a former detention facility with a radial design where multiple floors held individual cells arranged for oversight. The building contains thousands of documents, photographs, and objects that document more than 200 years of French penal practice.
History
The building was constructed in the 19th century as a modern detention facility and operated as a working prison for many decades. It experienced German occupation during World War II before eventually becoming a museum dedicated to penal history.
Culture
The museum reflects how French society organized punishment and detention across different eras, with displays showing daily life through objects inmates created and used. Visitors encounter personal crafts and everyday items that reveal what confinement meant for those held there.
Practical
Access requires advance booking since the building is open only for guided tours with scheduled reservations. Contact the local tourism office to arrange a visit and confirm current opening conditions.
Did you know?
The building features a distinctive radial design that allowed guards to observe all areas from a central vantage point. This architectural system represented an innovative approach to prison management that was considered modern for its time.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Fontainebleau).
Saint-Louis Church in Fontainebleau
482 m
Building of the Savings Bank of Fontainebleau
592 m
Villa Lavaurs
475 m
Chapel of the Carmel of Fontainebleau
406 m
Protestant temple of Fontainebleau
390 m
Town hall of Fontainebleau
581 m
Musée napoléonien d'art et d'histoire militaires
470 m
Bâtiment de la Mission
478 m
Building of the Bank of France of Fontainebleau
126 m
Courthouse of Fontainebleau
67 m
Hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs
336 m
Ancienne maison d'arrêt (Fontainebleau)
19 m
Office de tourisme du pays de Fontainebleau
482 m
Monument to Decamps
627 m
Bouchers Street
589 m
Fontainebleau hospital
438 m
Grave of Fernande Decruck
626 m
Monument to Sadi Carnot
623 m
Sylvain Colinet's villa
596 m
Patton Square
521 m
Esquillan Market Hall
466 m
Mission Courtyard
492 m
Building of the Four Secretaries
502 m
St Joseph's Chapel of Fontainebleau
182 m
Plaque commémorative de la résidence de Ranavalona III
507 m
Joséphine Garden Square
486 m
Carmel of Fontainebleau
408 m
Market hall of Fontainebleau
422 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes