Paris, April 8 – The Catacombs of Paris, a unique and historic underground ossuary, officially reopened its doors to the public yesterday, April 8, 2026, after an extensive renovation period. The site, which houses the remains of millions of Parisians, has undergone significant modernization to enhance the visitor experience and ensure its long-term preservation.
An Enhanced Immersive Journey into Parisian History
The reopening introduces a completely redesigned scenography, offering visitors a more immersive and sensory experience. The aim is to provide a deeper understanding of the Catacombs’ complex history, which has been open to the public since the early 19th century.
Each visitor is now equipped with an individual audio guide, providing an immersive narration available in multiple languages. A notable feature is that the narrative is embodied by Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, a key historical figure in the creation of the Catacombs.
Visual enhancements complement the audio experience:
- Projections of historical images and archives
- Short historical films
- Educational and artistic installations
These elements transform the exploration of the 11,000 m² of galleries into a more vivid and accessible journey, nearly 20 meters underground.
Accessibility and New Exhibitions
Beyond the enhanced scenography, significant improvements have been made to accessibility for visitors with visual and hearing impairments, making the site more inclusive. The Catacombs will also host:
- Temporary exhibitions
- Contemporary art projects
- “Carte blanche” opportunities for creators
This evolution positions the site as a vibrant cultural space, extending beyond its historical dimension.
Essential Conservation Work for a Fragile Site
With nearly 600,000 visitors annually prior to its closure, the conservation of the Catacombs had become a priority. The renovation project, which began in 2023, focused on protecting this particularly sensitive archaeological and geological site.
Key improvements include:
- Optimized air quality through new ventilation systems
- Continuous monitoring of CO₂, temperature, and humidity levels
- Completely redesigned lighting to highlight the bone structures
- Enhanced safety measures (fire, communication, protection)
These upgrades ensure both the preservation of the ossuary and improved comfort for visitors. The Catacombs constitute the world’s largest underground ossuary, holding the remains of several million Parisians transferred between the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Practical Information for Visitors
The Catacombs of Paris are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:45 AM to 8:30 PM, with the last entry at 7:30 PM. The site is closed every Monday and on certain public holidays: January 1, May 1, and December 25.
It will be open on Ascension Thursdays, as well as on July 14, August 15, November 1, and November 11 (unless these dates fall on a Monday). The number of visitors is limited to 200 at any given time, and the average visit duration is approximately one hour. The one-way route spans 1.5 km, and the temperature inside remains a constant 14°C (57°F).
Source: jds.fr
