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.
The transformation of a workshop into a national museum
Following Eugene Delacroix’s death, his workshop experienced a series of transformations under various tenants. A critical point came when one tenant proposed converting the historical site into a garage, threatening the preservation of its invaluable artistic heritage. This alarming development prompted Maurice Denis and Paul Signac, two renowned painters and fervent admirers of Delacroix, to establish the “Friends of Eugene Delacroix”. Their mission was to safeguard the painter’s legacy, leading to a broad-based movement dedicated to preserving Delacroix’s former residence.
The effort to save Delacroix’s home faced significant financial hurdles, with the organization grappling with mounting debts. The possibility of selling the collection was considered; however, to maintain the artistic integrity of Delacroix’s works, the group decided to sell both the artworks and the property to the French government in 1954. This crucial decision ensured the preservation and led to substantial state-funded renovations.
The transformed space was officially established as a museum, initially featuring Delacroix’s paintings. Over time, the collection grew to include his sketches, letters, photographs, and autographs from prominent figures in his circle, such as Charles Baudelaire and George Sand. The museum’s opening greatly enhanced the narrative of French art, aligning it with prestigious institutions like the Louvre Museum. It hosts various events and exhibitions, offering free admission to make Delacroix’s profound legacy accessible to the public. This approach has allowed countless visitors to connect with the historical and cultural significance of one of France’s iconic painters.
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.
