History of the National Museum Eugene Delacroix in Paris
The Eugène-Delacroix National Museum is a historic monument located in Paris, in the 6th arrondissement, rue de Furstenberg. Its inauguration took place in 1971. The museum houses a collection of paintings, art objects from all over the world, particularly Africa, as well as autographs of famous personalities. Between 2006 and 2010, the number of visitors increased considerably, demonstrating its attractiveness. The current manager is Dominique de Font-Réaulx. Although the museum is independent, it is managed by the administration of the Louvre Museum.
The famous painter Eugène Delacroix once occupied these places, which served as both his home and his workshop. He moved there on December 28, 1857 and lived there for more than 7 years, until his death on August 13, 1863. Already suffering when he left the Notre-Dame de Lorette district, Delacroix wanted to get closer to the Saint-Sulpice Church , of which he was responsible for the interior decoration. During his stay, the first floor served as a bedroom, living room, dining room and library, while the workshop was located on the ground floor. He also sometimes used his garden as a work space.
After the death of Eugène Delacroix, many tenants took over his former home. A project to transform the workshop into a garage threatened the destruction of the original infrastructure. It was then that Maurice Denis and Paul Signac, two painters and admirers of Delacroix, initiated a conservation campaign, forming the organization “Friends of Eugène Delacroix”. This group grew quickly, bringing together other supporters eager to preserve the painter’s legacy.
Faced with financial difficulties and accumulating debts, the organization considered selling the art collections. However, anxious to preserve the authenticity of the works, they chose to propose them to the French government. In 1954, the State acquired the building and the collections, undertaking a major renovation before transforming the place into a museum. Initially devoted to Delacroix’s paintings, the museum was later enriched with sketches, letters, photographs and autographs of famous contemporaries of the artist, such as Baudelaire, Riesener, Gautier, and Sand.
The inauguration of the Musée National Eugène-Delacroix marked an important turning point in the history of French painting. The activities and exhibitions are organized there with the same care as those of the Louvre Museum, and entry is kept free, affirming the desire for this place to remain a historical and cultural resource accessible to all. Thus, the public can continue to discover and admire the works of Eugène Delacroix, an emblematic figure of French painting.
Preservation and Impact of the National Museum Eugene Delacroix
Following Eugene Delacroix’s death, the premises saw a succession of tenants, with one eventually planning to convert the historical workshop into a garage, risking the destruction of the invaluable infrastructure. This prompted Maurice Denis and Paul Signac, two painters and ardent admirers of Delacroix, to form the “Friends of Eugene Delacroix” in an effort to preserve the painter’s legacy. Their initiative garnered support, transforming into a robust movement dedicated to saving Delacroix’s former home.
Faced with mounting debts and the need for financial support, the organization contemplated selling the collection. However, to maintain the integrity of Delacroix’s works, they opted to sell the artworks and the property to the French government in 1954, ensuring its preservation. This acquisition by the state paved the way for a comprehensive renovation, culminating in the museum’s establishment. Initially housing Delacroix’s paintings, the collection later expanded to include his sketches, letters, photographs, and autographs of luminaries like Baudelaire and Sand who were part of Delacroix’s circle. The museum’s opening significantly enriched the narrative of French painting, hosting events and exhibitions akin to those at the Louvre Museum, with free admission to keep Delacroix’s spirit accessible to the public, allowing generations to admire the legacy of a French painting icon.
Shared Taxi Transfer to the National Museum Eugene Delacroix in Paris
For a convenient journey, reach out to our team to reserve a shared taxi for your visit to the National Eugene Delacroix Museum. Perfectly situated 16.6 km away from Orly Airport, the museum is also accessible from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport at a distance of 34.1 km via a luxurious taxi, and 89.3 km from Beauvais Airport. This service ensures that whether you’re arriving from near or far, you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free transfer to this iconic Parisian landmark.
