According to some sacred law, Paris will always be the world’s capital of the painting and art. The shadows of artists and writers who create the unique atmosphere of the French capital as well as the feeling that the city prepares you for a new surprise and discovery walk along the streets in a noiseless step.
Today the streets of the city of love are covered in the snow and outside verandas are closed because of the freezing cold, so this is the perfect moment when the free time should be spent in the warmth surrounded by world-known masterpieces. So, on this winter period, I went to discover the unknown gems of my beloved city.
On short winter days, there is nothing better than to encircle yourself with art and beauty. In this article, I will share with you a selection of my favourite museums from the secret map of Paris, unknown to ordinary tourists, because truly Parisian checkpoints are free from crowds, and are scattered around the city in hidden gardens and luxurious manors.
Musée Jacquemart-André
If you are in love the Renaissance style (and even if not), then you will be interested in the museum of Jacquemart-André, based on the collection of Edouard André’s and Nélie Jacquemart’s family. The couple travelled half the world to gather a collection of outstanding works of art and wonderful interior items in their mansion of a unique architecture. The museum’s collection is one of the most significant in the world, and some experts estimate it to be the second most important after the collection of the Louvre.
The winter garden in marble walls, decorated with large wall mirrors, ancient sculptures and a monumental staircase that will leave you speechless. And after the visit, you can make a coffee break in the luxurious interiors of a wonderful cafe at the museum.
Address: 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008
Metro: Miromesnil or Saint-Philippe du Roule
Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 18:00
Full Rate: 13,5 EUR
Website: www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com
Musée Gustave Moreau
Every time I am visiting the Museum D’Orsay, I have an unforgettable art experience enjoying every inch of this magnificent building and its collection spread through its countless halls. I discovered the works of Gustave Moreau there, and I was shocked by the symbolism and flight of the imagination on his paintings. After searching some additional information about him on the internet, I found out about the existence of his very own museum installed in his family house in Paris.
Under the faded roofs of the 9th arrondissement there is the Gustave Moreau house-museum – a loft in the style of the 19th century that has retained all the magic of its original atmosphere, where you can find a selection of his best works. The apartments are located on the first floor. The second and third floors were transformed into huge studios, containing hundreds of paintings and watercolours.
You can spend hours watching Moreau’s huge canvases without even knowing their history, his colours and lines are so fascinating. Among the treasures of the house, I will also highlight an amazingly beautiful spiral staircase, interesting personal objects that could only be found in that decade, and amazing interiors.
Address: 14, rue de La Rochefoucauld, 75009
Metro: Trinite, Saint-Georges or Pigalle
Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 17:15 except Tuesdays
Full rate: 5 EUR
Website: www.musee-moreau.fr
Musée Nissim de Camondo
In the romantic shadows of the Park Monceau, there are hidden endlessly luxurious mansions of the former Parisian bourgeoisie. For example, in the Museum of Nissim de Camondo, you will find treasures of the fine art and furniture and, oh God, what a dreamy interior!
In addition to the ceremonial halls showcasing luxury items, other parts and rooms are also open to the public. You can see servants rooms understand how they lived, how they were preparing meals on a huge stove, how lunches and dinners were served on the table of the mansion.
Address: 63, Rue de Monceau, 75008
Metro: Monceau or Villiers
Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 17:30, except Mondays and Tuesdays
Full rate: 9 EUR (audioguide included)
Website: www.lesartsdecoratifs.fr/francais/nissim-de-camondo/
Musée Bourdelle
Have you ever visited a sculptor? The pupil of Rodin, Emil Antoine Burdel also has his own house museum, which is in not inferior to the museum of the master. A huge garden, filled with elegant body curves, grandiose exhibition rooms and an old wooden studio, where almost nothing has changed. Here you can easily imagine a sculptor modelling a marble, with a carving hammer in his hand.
Address: 6, place des Vosges, 750015
Metro: Saint-Paul, Chemin-Vert or Bastille
Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 18:00, except Mondays
Full rate: free
Website: http://www.bourdelle.paris.fr/fr
Maison de Victor Hugo
If you love the works of Victor Hugo, then by visiting this museum, you can learn more about the life and work of the writer. The museum’s collection contains both personal items of the writer, as well as copies of the first editions of his works, numerous sculptures and paintings, and illustrations of contemporaries for his novels.
And after visiting the museum, be sure to walk around the Place des Vosges to fully experience the sophistication of this place and understand why Victor Hugo immediately fell in love with the area and the desired to settle in these houses.
Address: 6, place des Vosges, 75003
Metro: Saint-Paul, Chemin-Vert or Bastille
Opening hours: every day from 10:00 to 18:00, except Mondays
Full rate: free
Website: http://www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr/
