Musée Jacquemart-André, a hidden gem

Tucked away in the bustling streets of the 8th arrondissement, the Musée Jacquemart-André houses one of the largest private art collections in Paris. With rich, deep colors and moody lighting, stepping into this intimate museum transports its viewers back into the 19th century. 

Greeted by marble lions protecting the entrance, you enter directly into the foyer of the museum and are immediately struck with an ambiance that feels warm and elegant—and with so little people there, it feels like the museum is solely for you. This private home that once belonged to Édouard André and his wife and famous artist Nélie Jacquemart houses their own personal collection of art that they each handpicked over their world travels. 

While the museum houses many breathtaking pieces of art, the miniature chateau is a work of art in and of itself. With filigreed walls and muralled ceilings, stepping inside feels as though you have found a hidden Versailles in the heart of Paris—and the best part: there is hardly anyone around to take away from the romantic and intimate atmosphere of just you and the artwork. 

While André built this house with his wife’s artistic talents in mind, Nélie did not paint or draw for a long time. When they both took a trip to Italy many years after their marriage, they developed a love for Italian art—not just paintings, but sculptures and many bimbelots, or knick-knacks, which can be found in the upper level of the home up the spiral staircase and through the draped room.

While André built this house with his wife’s artistic talents in mind, Nélie did not paint or draw for a long time. When they both took a trip to Italy many years after their marriage, they developed a love for Italian art—not just paintings, but sculptures and many bimbelots, or knick-knacks, which can be found in the upper level of the home up the spiral staircase and through the draped room.
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In these rooms of Italian renaissance œuvres d’art, you can find works from the famous Italian artists such as Alessandro Botticelli and Francesco Guardi. Other parts of the museum house famous French art from rococo artists like Jean-Honoré Fragonard and François Boucher. While these remain in the museum’s personal collection, there is also a seasonal exhibit that changes year by year. 

In her will, Nélie Jacquemart requested that her home be turned into an art exhibit that all were welcome to see and to preserve the quality of their 19th century home. So, along with the incredible works of art house here, there is also their private bedchambers and art studios that were kept with their original furnishing over time. Full of rich color and glimmering fabrics, the residential part of the house represents an era of glamour and luxury that has stood the test of time. 

Information : 
The Musée Jacquemart-André is open until August 1, 2023, when it will be closed until September 1, 2024, for restorations.
​Their exhibit of Giovanni Bellini will be on display until July 17th, 2023. Book your tickets here on their website and enjoy a few hours of your day exploring this less traveled museum.