- History and visit the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
- Art Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Decorative Arts
- Shuttle from Museum of Decorative Arts to Paris airports
History and Visit of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris, located at 107 rue de Rivoli, is an integral part of the private association UCAD or Central Union of Decorative Arts. Unique in France, it stands alongside the Museum of Fashion and Textiles and the Publicity Museum to represent the field of decorative arts. The ensemble includes Camondo, Ateliers du Carrousel, the Library of Decorative Arts, and the Museum Nissim de Camondo. The Marsan wing of the Louvre Palace was modified by architect Gaston Redon for the museum’s opening on May 29, 1905. Under the Grand Louvre project and the final installation of the Museum of Fashion and Textiles, it underwent a complete renovation in 1996. In 1999, the Museum of Advertising, designed by Jean Nouvel, joined the group. Directors Marie-Claude Beaud (1996-1999) and Beatrice Solomon (since 2000) have contributed to its development.
The museum’s collection, numbering 150,000 objects, displays only 6,000 to the public. These historical collections are classified into five departments: Middle Ages Renaissance, seventeenth and eighteenth century, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modern-Contemporary. Collections cover decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, including contemporary design. Thematic departments include graphic art, jewelry, toys, wallpaper, and glasses. Numerous donations and legacies form the bulk of its collections, reflecting collectors’ tastes across periods. Notable works include those of sculptor Emmanuel Collin and French artist Jean Dubuffet’s donation of 21 paintings, seven sculptures, and 132 drawings in 1967, marking the diversity of his work.
Art Collections and Exhibitions at the Museum of Decorative Arts
The Museum of Decorative Arts houses an extensive range of paintings by various artists such as Alessandro Magnasco, Hubert Robert, Charles de La Fosse, Jan van Kessel, Paul Gauguin, Giandomenico Tiepolo, Jean Dupas, and Bernardo Bellotto. These collections span from the thirteenth to the twentieth century, showcasing a diverse array of artistic styles and periods. The museum also boasts a remarkable collection of about 1,200 pieces of jewelry out of 4,000, covering periods from antiquity to modern times. Jewelry made from precious, semi-precious, and raw materials are displayed, highlighting creations by Lucien Gaillard, Georges Fouquet, and the Vever house, representing the Art Nouveau period. Jewelers from the Place Vendome, such as Cartier and Boucheron, also have their Art Deco creations showcased.
An intriguing gallery of toys contains over 12,000 toys and games, thanks to donations from enthusiasts, collectors, and industrial toy workshops. Incorporated in 1905, this collection includes toys and games dating from the nineteenth century to the present, offering a nostalgic journey through the history of play and entertainment. The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris not only preserves historical artifacts but also serves as a living testament to the evolution of art and design, making it a key destination for enthusiasts of culture and history.
Shuttle from Museum of Decorative Arts to Paris Airports
Visit the Museum of Decorative Arts, centrally located in Paris and easily accessible from major airports. Only 22.3 km from Orly and 32.9 km from Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport, our shuttle service offers a direct, comfortable ride. For those traveling from Beauvais, 88.2 km away, the journey is smooth and scenic, ensuring a hassle-free visit. Navigating from CDG can be complex, with varied experiences ranging from the convenience of taxis to the challenges of public transport. Our service provides a reliable alternative, blending cost-effectiveness with the comfort of a private vehicle, ideal for those carrying luggage or in need of a relaxed start to their Paris adventure.