Mission & Vision

Les Catacombes de Paris, or the Paris Catacombs, represent the largest underground ossuary in the world, offering an extraordinary glimpse into the past. This extensive network of tunnels houses the remains of millions of people, arranged in intricate formations. As an eerie, powerful monument, the Catacombs connect the present with centuries of history, where the stories of the Parisian people continue to inspire and haunt visitors from all walks of life.

The Paris Catacombs’ unique history is a testament to the city’s resilience during a time of major upheaval. At the end of the 18th century, Paris faced severe public health issues as its cemeteries became overcrowded, and infrastructural concerns threatened their structural integrity. This led to the decision to transfer the remains of millions from several cemeteries—including the largest, the Saints-Innocents, which had been used for nearly 10 centuries. Between 1785 and 1787, the bones from Saints-Innocents were moved by night to avoid public outcry. This marked the beginning of a monumental, years-long effort that would see bones from various parochial cemeteries added, even during the tumultuous periods of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. By 1814, the remains from cemeteries like Saint-Eustache, Saint-Nicolas-des-Champs, and the Bernardins Convent had also been transferred.

Over the span of several decades, nearly 6 million skeletons were moved into what was once a labyrinth of ancient quarries, located about 80 feet (24 meters) underground. This process continued through Paris’ Haussmannian renovations in the mid-19th century, ensuring that the catacombs would evolve alongside the city’s development. Today, the ossuary covers about 11,840 square feet (11,000 square meters), offering a poignant, physical link to Paris’ historical challenges and its perseverance. The Catacombs have been open to the public since 1809, becoming an immediate success with both French and international visitors. A visit to the Catacombs covers just under a mile of tunnels, where visitors descend 130 steps to access the underground maze and climb 112 steps back to the surface, tracing the path of Parisian history through a truly unique lens.

Nearly 250 years after its founding, the Paris Catacombs are at a critical juncture. The site faces severe structural and environmental challenges that threaten its survival. Rapid action is essential to preserve this iconic landmark.

A new electrical system is urgently needed to replace outdated lighting that is causing serious damage to the delicate ossuary, contributing to the deterioration of the bone galleries. Damp environment and foot traffic has caused floor degradation, which will have serious impacts on the accessibility of the site. Improving airflow and security installations is equally important regarding the considerable number of visitors.

Without swift restoration, this fragile historic site risks further deterioration, endangering its future and affecting the ability of generations of visitors to experience this unique place.

Actions Led

Each year, the Paris Catacombs welcome 600,000 visitors from all over the world to embark on a one-of-a-kind journey into the depths of Paris’s history.  Artists, historians, and tourists alike are drawn to this poignant heritage site, which serves as both a memorial and a creative source for many. Ensuring that the Catacombs remain accessible to the public is a key priority. With 85% of its visitors coming from abroad, including a significant number from the United States, the Catacombs hold immense international significance.

As part of Paris Musées, which oversees 14 historic museums and heritage sites across the city, the Paris Catacombs are dedicated to the preservation of this fragile and irreplaceable landmark. Extensive efforts are underway to protect the delicate bone galleries from further degradation, with urgent restoration projects focused on stabilizing the environment and infrastructure. The commitment extends beyond basic preservation; the Catacombs aim to offer visitors a profound, educational experience. Through innovative artistic and educational initiatives, the site engages the public with its rich history, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between Paris’s past and its future.

Explore the site through video through this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QCQwSssuf8!

Projects That U.S. Donors Can Support

U.S. donors can play a crucial role in supporting the Paris Catacombs. Donations will help ensure that the Catacombs continue to serve as a powerful space for education, creativity, and remembrance. 

Key areas where support is needed include:

• To renovate and maintain the historic site. Critical efforts to restore and maintain the Catacombs’ delicate structure.
• To develop and expand the number of visitors through a reinforced educational policy and a greater attention to visitor comfort and cultural mediation. These efforts will contribute to redefining visitor’s experiences through modernized displays and will allow spaces for cultural programs.
• To contribute to democratization of access to culture.

By making a tax-deductible donation to the Paris Catacombs through Friends of Fondation de France, you can help preserve this unique historical site for future generations to explore and learn from, ensuring that its legacy continues to inspire artists, historians, and visitors from around the world.

Photo: Gautier Deblonde / Paris Musées