In Issy-les-Moulineaux, a venue entirely dedicated to playing cards has been attracting curious visitors for over forty years. Unique in France, the French Museum of Playing Cards houses more than 11,000 decks from all corners of the world, some dating back several centuries.
A journey through five centuries of history
Behind the poker, belote, and tarot cards we all know lies a history far richer than we might imagine. The exhibition traces its origins back to the earliest European card games, then shows how playing cards have evolved over the centuries, both in terms of their manufacture and their illustrations.
We thus move from French playing cards of the Ancien Régime to Japanese, Indian, or Chinese decks, whose shapes and symbols sometimes bear no resemblance to those we are familiar with. Some are hand-painted; others depict a historical event or pay tribute to a notable figure. We also explore printing techniques, the trades involved in their production, and the place they have held in popular culture for several hundred years.
In this unique museum, the rooms bathed in soft lighting showcase the collections without making visitors feel like they’re sitting in a history class. Even those who aren’t particularly interested in card games are easily captivated by the exhibits, which are often surprising in their size or decoration.
The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, as well as workshops on magic, card games, and escape games. A gallery dedicated to the history of Issy-les-Moulineaux rounds out the visit in the Conti Pavilion, the last remaining part of the former castle of the Princes of Conti.
Easily accessible by metro from Paris, the museum offers a unique way to spend an afternoon, whether you’re a history buff, a game enthusiast, or simply looking for a different kind of outing than the major Parisian museums.
📍Location: French Playing Card Museum – 16 Rue Auguste Gervais, Issy-les-Moulineaux