Musee de la Contrefacon
Musee de la Contrefacon
3
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Monday
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Friday
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
About
The counterfeiting museum presents a didactic overview of all the activity sectors - art, luxury goods, tobacco, cars, perfumes,... - wich are prey to this bane. All authentic articles, with a few rare exceptions, are placed on a parallel with their imitations to enable visitors to better distinguish the differences between the real item and the imitation.
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Address
Neighborhood: 16th Arr. - Passy
How to get there
- Ave Foch • 2 min walk
- Ave Foch • 2 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
3.0
59 reviews
Excellent
6
Very good
17
Average
21
Poor
8
Terrible
7
George P
Glyfada, Greece114 contributions
Nov 2021
It's one of the funniest museums that I have visited. I don't remember anything like it. It's worth a visit.
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MiaGlobetrotter
Paris, France1,055 contributions
Jan 2015 • Solo
The Musée de la Contréfaçon (Museum of Counterfeiting) was inaugurated in 1951 by the l’Union des Fabricants (UNIFAB), Union of Manufacturers, which is a French association that was created in 1872 to protect commercial creations and intellectual property, under the Presidency of Gaston-Louis Vuitton (Yes, of that famous brand). Since it’s founding, UNIFAB’s Presidency has been held by many prestigious names of well-known brands such as J.J. Guerlain, J.R. Chandon-Moët, and today by Christian Peugeot. The museum started out only as a place for professionals and it wasn’t actually until 1972 that it was opened to the public.
The museum is installed in a large “hôtel particulier,” a private mansion, that was built around 1900 and ironically is a copy of another private mansion from the 17th century that was in the Marais district of Paris, but which no longer stands today due to the reconstruction of Paris during the Haussmann period. There are even numerous aspects that resemble the Palais de l’Élysée. What copycats! Another irony is that the location of the museum is on a street called “la faisanderie,” which in English means pheasantry, a place where pheasants are reared or kept, but it also has reference in French literature of an association with crooks and thieves. Thus, the museum probably couldn’t be more appropriately located. There have even been a few movies filmed here.
It is amazing the wide variety of products that counterfeiters will fake. There are the obvious lucrative markets such as art, luxury clothing, accessories, shoes and beauty products, tobacco, and electronics. Then there are some categories that one wouldn’t think would interest counterfeiters such as household products and simple items such as Bic pens. The most frightening products being counterfeited include food, drink, medication, and toys, which could be extremely dangerous due to the complete lack of testing and regulations. Basically all and any products are open to counterfeiting it seems. Most of it, up to 80%, comes from China and Southeast Asia, but also from the Mediterranean (Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey) and parts of Europe (Spain, Portugal and Italy). Some of the fakes are so obvious and you could spot them a mile away. However, some are so good that you could easily be fooled. I certainly was on some of the self-testing, trying to discern the real product from the fake one.
In spite of its small size and outdated displays, this is a unique and interesting museum. You will definitely learn something if you take the time to read the numerous explanations. It really made me aware of the importance of intellectual property and the fight that goes into protecting it. It also made me think of how one needs to be really careful purchasing in outdoor markets and online. I will certainly inspect things much more closely. It something seems to be too good of a deal then one should be suspicious, unless you are dealing with a reputable company or person. I also left with a greater appreciation of the ingenuity and creativity that brands put into their packaging.
Beware, the museum has limited hours, currently only from 14h00 – 17h30, and is closed on Mondays. It is a short walk from the Porte Dauphine station on metro line 2. Take the Avenue Bugeaud exit. The entry is very discreet, in a residential neighborhood, and you need to ring the bell to be let in. There are handouts in French and English. Toilet facilities are also available right as you walk in the door. It only takes about 20 – 40 minutes to visit depending on fast you want to go through and if you want to read everything. I do think the price, 6 Euros, is too high for what it is especially given the vast number of fabulous museums in Paris. It is a great topic with huge potential because counterfeiting is becoming more and more of a serious problem and therefore this museum is more relevant today than it was even 5 years ago. Apparently counterfeiting is a real side economy that constitutes up to 10% of the world’s commerce. However, the museum seriously needs a "relifting". An update and modernization of the exhibits plus expansion is needed and then more communication to the public museum would be warranted. I have known about the museum for many years but many of my French friends and co-workers didn’t even know it existed. I also would have appreciated being able to see more of the mansion itself because the museum is held in so few of the rooms, although I understand that the building also serves as UNIFAB’s headquarters.
The museum is installed in a large “hôtel particulier,” a private mansion, that was built around 1900 and ironically is a copy of another private mansion from the 17th century that was in the Marais district of Paris, but which no longer stands today due to the reconstruction of Paris during the Haussmann period. There are even numerous aspects that resemble the Palais de l’Élysée. What copycats! Another irony is that the location of the museum is on a street called “la faisanderie,” which in English means pheasantry, a place where pheasants are reared or kept, but it also has reference in French literature of an association with crooks and thieves. Thus, the museum probably couldn’t be more appropriately located. There have even been a few movies filmed here.
It is amazing the wide variety of products that counterfeiters will fake. There are the obvious lucrative markets such as art, luxury clothing, accessories, shoes and beauty products, tobacco, and electronics. Then there are some categories that one wouldn’t think would interest counterfeiters such as household products and simple items such as Bic pens. The most frightening products being counterfeited include food, drink, medication, and toys, which could be extremely dangerous due to the complete lack of testing and regulations. Basically all and any products are open to counterfeiting it seems. Most of it, up to 80%, comes from China and Southeast Asia, but also from the Mediterranean (Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey) and parts of Europe (Spain, Portugal and Italy). Some of the fakes are so obvious and you could spot them a mile away. However, some are so good that you could easily be fooled. I certainly was on some of the self-testing, trying to discern the real product from the fake one.
In spite of its small size and outdated displays, this is a unique and interesting museum. You will definitely learn something if you take the time to read the numerous explanations. It really made me aware of the importance of intellectual property and the fight that goes into protecting it. It also made me think of how one needs to be really careful purchasing in outdoor markets and online. I will certainly inspect things much more closely. It something seems to be too good of a deal then one should be suspicious, unless you are dealing with a reputable company or person. I also left with a greater appreciation of the ingenuity and creativity that brands put into their packaging.
Beware, the museum has limited hours, currently only from 14h00 – 17h30, and is closed on Mondays. It is a short walk from the Porte Dauphine station on metro line 2. Take the Avenue Bugeaud exit. The entry is very discreet, in a residential neighborhood, and you need to ring the bell to be let in. There are handouts in French and English. Toilet facilities are also available right as you walk in the door. It only takes about 20 – 40 minutes to visit depending on fast you want to go through and if you want to read everything. I do think the price, 6 Euros, is too high for what it is especially given the vast number of fabulous museums in Paris. It is a great topic with huge potential because counterfeiting is becoming more and more of a serious problem and therefore this museum is more relevant today than it was even 5 years ago. Apparently counterfeiting is a real side economy that constitutes up to 10% of the world’s commerce. However, the museum seriously needs a "relifting". An update and modernization of the exhibits plus expansion is needed and then more communication to the public museum would be warranted. I have known about the museum for many years but many of my French friends and co-workers didn’t even know it existed. I also would have appreciated being able to see more of the mansion itself because the museum is held in so few of the rooms, although I understand that the building also serves as UNIFAB’s headquarters.
Written January 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jochen B
Bern, Switzerland60 contributions
Mar 2020
Everyone has heard of counterfeit money, paintings and maybe Rolex watches... but baby strollers, cheap pens and microphones?
The Museum of Counterfeiting (Musé de la Contrefacon, MDLC) shows the breadth and impact of this often overlooked topics. It turns out that basically everything from food for medication, car parts to liquor is faked - with more more less drastic economic consequences for the original manufacturer consumer and safety risk for the buyer.
The museum shows a wide variety of products covering art, food, medication, industry, and fashion. There are also guided tours available that highlight the background and impact of counterfeit products in a very good way.
Now a few caveats: Don't expect a Louvre-type museum. In a city with no shortage of museums, exhibitions and places worthy of your precious tourist time, the MLDC is certainly not the fanciest one. The MDLC covers approx. 200 m2 in 3 rooms, so it'll take you only 30-60 min to cover it on your own (1-2 hours with guide). This topic and museum would be worth a bigger venue, given the importance of the topic.
So if you're interested, put this in the middle of your To-do list, e. g. for a rainy day or when the Louvre is closed for one or the other reason (as it is currently).
The Museum of Counterfeiting (Musé de la Contrefacon, MDLC) shows the breadth and impact of this often overlooked topics. It turns out that basically everything from food for medication, car parts to liquor is faked - with more more less drastic economic consequences for the original manufacturer consumer and safety risk for the buyer.
The museum shows a wide variety of products covering art, food, medication, industry, and fashion. There are also guided tours available that highlight the background and impact of counterfeit products in a very good way.
Now a few caveats: Don't expect a Louvre-type museum. In a city with no shortage of museums, exhibitions and places worthy of your precious tourist time, the MLDC is certainly not the fanciest one. The MDLC covers approx. 200 m2 in 3 rooms, so it'll take you only 30-60 min to cover it on your own (1-2 hours with guide). This topic and museum would be worth a bigger venue, given the importance of the topic.
So if you're interested, put this in the middle of your To-do list, e. g. for a rainy day or when the Louvre is closed for one or the other reason (as it is currently).
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TravelBunch
Kirkland, WA121 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
The entrance fee is $13Euro giving you access to a 700 square foot museum crammed with old shoes, old handbags, old software and unremarkable items crammed into a hot, tight space. I saw a better display at the Geneva airport free. There is unquestionable value in protecting Intellectual Property, of all kinds - but this type of display is boring and needs to be infused with new life, possibly by the Association UNIFAB and the companies interested in increasing public awareness of the negative impact of counterfeit products to consumers and commerce. This place is ripe for an infusion of new items, ideas, displays and content. We were in and out in 15 min.
Written July 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom L
Berkeley, CA36 contributions
Feb 2018 • Solo
At the end of a Paris Metro line, in a leafy quarter for embassies, there is a mansion dedicated to fashion and industrial chicanery. This project to expose pirated products began in the 19th century and the museum has been led by Frenchmen whose storied family names were sullied by counterfeiters: Messrs. Vuitton, Guerlain, Chandon-Moët, and Peugeot, for example. Who wouldn't want to see a Christian Louboutin shoe (or copy) placed on a mirror so that you can see what you got for your thousand bucks? Yes, this is a specialized taste and the displays are not extensive by French museum standards. But everything is well done. I went on the first Sunday of a month, when many Paris museums are free and mobbed. Contrefaçon is the real thing as a refuge.
Written February 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rene_Jakobs
The Hague, The Netherlands31 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
This small museum is dedicated to counterfeit. Founded by the French Union of Manufacturers, it gives an overview and lots of interesting examples of counterfeit, and a small exhibition of innovation in packings. Being a customs officer, I got free entrance. The museum is rather small, just three rooms, but interesting enough for a visit. From my perspective, it would have been nice to see a bit more about the enforcement side of the fight against counterfeit.
Written December 23, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lojotur
Buenos Aires44 contributions
Jun 2011 • Business
This private museum in a beautiful residential quartier of Paris is worht a visit if you are interested in Intellectual Property or industrial safety issues. It is owned by the UNIFAB, Union des Fabricants and it is very well dispalyed and explained
Written April 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antonis K
Athens, Greece210 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We were very disappointed because the ideas of the museum
is very clever but the excibits were vey poor!
is very clever but the excibits were vey poor!
Written August 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurel M
Calgary, Canada833 contributions
May 2018
This museum is so unique. Authentic items placed beside obvious fakes - clothes, handbags, shoes, toys, Bic pens. Makes you wonder why the counterfeiters even bother. Fake Tabasco sauce? Why? So much fun to go through this small museum. Lots of laughs. They are only open 2:00 - 5:30 and I believe they are closed on Sundays. You have to ring the outside bell to be let in. Definitely worth the 6 Euros admission.
Written May 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marshall P
New York City, NY369 contributions
Jul 2017 • Friends
I personally liked this museum, but must stay Impartial Marshall, those that I made accompany me seemed to enjoy it less. I have always been interested in fakes, and counterfeiting, and if this is something that interest you, it delivers both common and uncommon knock offs.
its small and not far away from the Eiffel Tower, so on it random joy on a rainy day. It also discounts Student ID.
its small and not far away from the Eiffel Tower, so on it random joy on a rainy day. It also discounts Student ID.
Written April 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingMusee de la Contrefacon - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Musee de la Contrefacon
- Hotels near Musee de la Contrefacon:
- (0.13 mi) Saint James Paris
- (0.34 mi) Hotel Residence Foch
- (0.30 mi) Melia Paris Champs Elysees
- (0.47 mi) Plaza Tour Eiffel
- (0.43 mi) Le Metropolitan, Paris Tour Eiffel, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Restaurants near Musee de la Contrefacon:
- (0.08 mi) Il Cottage
- (0.08 mi) Brasserie de la Porte Dauphine
- (0.11 mi) En Faim
- (0.13 mi) Bellefeuille
- (0.16 mi) Le Zinc du 16
Musee de la Contrefacon Information
Excellent Reviews | 6 |
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Very Good Reviews | 17 |
Musee de la Contrefacon Photos | 58 |