The Musée Jacquemart-André offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Parisian aristocratic life during the 19th century. This former private mansion, now a fine arts museum, is managed by the Institut de France.
A visit here immerses you in a luxurious setting that once belonged to art collectors Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, whose passion for Italian and French art is evident in every room.
A Mansion Transformed into a Museum
The museum began as the private residence of Édouard André, an heir to one of the largest fortunes of the Second Empire, and his wife, Nélie Jacquemart, a talented painter. Constructed between 1869 and 1875, the mansion was designed for extravagant receptions and adorned with the finest works of art.
After Édouard’s death in 1894, Nélie completed their shared vision of transforming the mansion into a museum. In 1912, she left the entire collection to the Institut de France, ensuring its preservation and public access. The museum officially opened its doors in 1913.
Italian Art and Beyond
The Jacquemart-André Collection is renowned for its extensive Italian paintings, which Nélie meticulously curated. Highlights include works by Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Bellini, and Andrea Mantegna. Visitors can explore the Museum of Italian Art, housed within the mansion’s former private apartments, offering a closer look at the couple’s passion for Renaissance masterpieces.
Beyond Italian art, the museum showcases an impressive array of French, Dutch, Flemish, and English paintings, as well as sculptures, antique furniture, and objets d’art. Each room of the mansion has been preserved in its original state, allowing visitors to step into the world of Parisian high society, surrounded by treasures acquired during the couple’s lifetime.
Opulent Interiors and Grandeur
The interiors of the museum are a marvel in themselves. The grand salons—designed for hosting lavish events—feature stunning frescoes, grand staircases, and luxurious decor. The Winter Garden, with its majestic Tiepolo fresco, is a highlight, blending natural light and ornate details into a tranquil setting. The mansion’s elegant layout, with its sweeping staircases and sculpted lions, adds to the experience of walking through a bygone era of luxury.
Cinematic History
The museum’s opulent setting has also served as the backdrop for numerous films. Memorable scenes from movies like La Traversée de Paris (1956), Gigi (1958), and La Porteuse de pain (1963) were filmed in this historic mansion, bringing an additional layer of cinematic magic to its halls.