A cabinet of curiosities is a place where rare, original, bizarre and precious objects are collected. It’s a bit like the ancestor of today’s museums and galleries. While it’s pretty easy to replicate one at home, we especially like to visit Paris’s antique shops to admire their hidden treasures. Here are the most beautiful cabinets of curiosities in Paris to find your future wonder to display!
Deyrolle, one of Paris’s best-known cabinets of curios
This Parisian institution is both a natural history museum and a truly unique shop, well worth a visit. Open since 1831, Deyrolle is known for its expertise in taxidermy, and its fairy and colorful world. Nature lovers flock here to admire its impressive collection of carefully preserved animals, insects, and shells. Of course, if your heart so desires, you can also purchase the items in the store. A great address for those who love beautiful things!
Curiositas, the cabinet of curiosities nestled in the heart of Montmartre
This very beautiful cabinet of curiosities nestled in Montmartre offers ancient medical objects, antique books, shells, stunning sculptures…. You’re bound to find something to enrich your own collection.
📍7 rue Ravignan 75018 Paris
L’Objet qui parle, one of the smallest cabinets of curiosities in Paris
In this tiny boutique, you’ll find objects that have stood the test of time. Dolls, toys,jewelry boxes from the 50s, 60s… But also religious objects, small poetic statuettes… In short, a joyful hodgepodge in which you’re sure to find your next nugget!
📍86 rue des martyrs 75018 Paris
Librairie Alain Brieux, the bookshop specializing in antiquarian books in Paris
This very pretty bookshop collects rare books, scientific and educational prints, as well as old medical objects. Frozen in an ancient time, the store will instantly charm you with its woodwork and slightly old-fashioned decor. One thing’s for sure, you’re bound to find a unique item here, such is the care and heart with which the selection is chosen.
📍48 rue Jacob 75006 Paris
Cabinet des curieux, a joyful capharnaüm
In this boutique nestled in the joli passage verdeau, you’ll discover stunning sculptures from around the world. Fans of antique crockery, as well as paintings and precious objects, will find nuggets among the superb selection chosen by Thierry Ruby, the founder of the premises.
📍12 Passage Verdeau 75009 Paris
Les puces de Saint-Ouen, the perfect spot to find curious objects
At the Saint-Ouen flea market, you’ll find stands offering unique items, sure to delight fans of the genre. Dried flowers, shells, skulls, vanities, skeletons, butterflies…
📍18 rue Paul Bert 93400 Saint-Ouen