Is it Worth Visiting the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris ?

If you are in search of art in all its forms or of a day-long cultural getaway, then head to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs of Paris to immerse yourself in the world of design and art that is this cultural center.

 

Our opinion

We like:

• The breathtaking ‘Period Rooms’
• The Nave, the true heart of the institution
• The lively, playful, and instructive dramatized visits
• The temporary exhibitions
• The different activities which are attractive for children

We don’t like as much:

• The geographical format of the place, which is spread over three sites in order to visit the entire Museum.

 

What even is the Musée des Arts Décoratifs?

 

Originally

This museum used to be called the Central Union of Decorative Arts (UCAD) and then Les Arts Décoratifs.

The Musée des Arts Décoratif is now a privately owned organization. It was created in Paris more than 150 years ago, around the time of the creation of the Universal Exhibitions run by collectors, industrialists and craftsmen concerned about the quality of everyday objects.

The MAD is a conservatory of the craftsmen’s and artists’ genius.

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs promotes the recognition of the Decorative Arts, the enhancement of the status of craftsmen and workers, the integration of living art within museums, the enhancement of women’s creation and the development of design.

 

Concept

The collection of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) is one of the largest in the world, with exhibits ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. The MAD offers an unparalleled panorama of the history of furniture, glass, ceramics, gold smithery, jewelry, design, textiles and fashion, graphics and advertising.

The presentation of items in “Period Rooms” is one of the characteristics of the Museum that bears authentic witness to the social and daily life of past centuries.

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs does not only manage museums but also the École Camondo (architecture), a Library (more than 200,000 volumes), the Ateliers du Carrousel (fine arts workshops and animations) for example.

 

The Site Rivoli manages:

• The Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Here, you can find art collections dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. Between 5 and 8 temporary exhibitions are regularly organized by the MAD, that is why everyone can find something they are looking for. Go to this page to discover them. Conferences, symposiums, study days, concerts, workshops… and many other activities are also organized regularly.

• The Library

Founded in 1864, it presents numerous collections in the fields of decorative arts and art. The very famous Maciet collection is also there and is mostly available for consultation. Today, the MAD Library has approximately 200,000 printed volumes as well as institutional and private archival records.

• The Museum Documentation Centre

The Museum offers researchers, academics, historians, art critics and creators a documentation center (only by appointment). It offers a combined catalog with the Library of almost 300,000 reference books, some of which are available digitally on the documentary portal (in French).

• Les Ateliers du Carrousel

For more than sixty years, fifty teachers have been transmitting the original purpose of the Workshops: “To awaken the creative faculties of each individual in contact with materials, objects and works”. Les Ateliers du Carrousel invites you to discover certain artistic practices. The current Ateliers du Carrousel now welcome nearly 1,900 students each year in 120 different classes.

• The Photo Library

It displays the richness of the museums and helps participate in the influence of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. A large part of it is dedicated to the exhibitions organized by the museum, from 1972 to today.

• The 107 Rivoli Boutique

This store offers a selection of oftenly exclusive objects, specifically chosen in connection with the temporary exhibitions. The displays overlooking the rue de Rivoli are constantly renewed and set up by major people from the world of design. All the specialties of decorative arts are of course presented.

• Loulou, the restaurant

With a unique location in the heart of the Palais du Louvre, the restaurant led by chef Benoit Dargère has turned to a simple, inspiring cuisine that is to be shared with people. Loulou was conceived and designed by Joseph Dirand as a unique world combining design and tradition. The restaurant is open from noon to 2am and offers various options for everyone throughout the day: lunch, tearoom, dinner, bar and even an “Aperitivo” menu from 3pm to 6.30pm.

 

The Site Monceau manages:

• The Musée Nissim de Camondo

Between 1 and 2 temporary exhibitions are permanently organized by the Musée Nissim de Camondo so that everyone can find what they are looking for. See here for the program.

• The Carrousel Workshops

Following the same principle as the Rivoli Site, the Musical Ride Workshops are taught there.

• The Camondo, the restaurant

Chef Alexis le Tadic, only 25 years old in this year 2021, guarantees a structured and refined menu. The Camondo opens a back door to the Musée Nissim de Camondo to which its terrace gives direct access to a winter garden hidden behind a porte-cochère. For the desserts, Le Camondo has handed over the reins to World’s Best Pastry Chef, Christophe Michalak. It is open from noon to midnight, Tuesday to Saturday and Sunday during the day. Average price à la carte : 45 € (excluding drinks) Lunch formula :

• Starter-dish / main dish / dessert : 30 €.
• Starter-main difsh-dessert : 38 €.

 

The Site Raspail manages:

• The École Camondo

It is a privately owned college created in 1944 and accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research. It provides 5years long training for designers in interior architecture and design.

• Les Ateliers du Carrousel

On the same principle as with the Site Rivoli, the Ateliers du Carrousel are taught here.

 

How to visit the Musée des Arts Décoratifs?

Access

The MAD is present at three sites in Paris: rue de Rivoli (75001), rue de Monceau (75008) and boulevard Raspail (75014).

Site Rivoli: 107-111, rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

• By metro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre, Tuileries and Pyramides metro stations.
• By bus: number 21, 27, 39, 48, 68, 72, 81, 95
• Nearby parking lots: Carrousel du Louvre, rue des Pyramides

 

Site Monceau: 63, rue de Monceau, 75008 Paris, France

• By subway: Villiers, Monceau metro stations
• By bus: number 30, 94, 84
• Nearby parking lots: Place P. Goubaux, Malesherbes, Avenue de Villiers

 

Site Raspail: 266, boulevard Raspail, 75014 Paris, France

• By subway: Denfert-Rochereau and Raspail metro stations.
• By bus: number 68, 91
• Nearby parking lots: Edgar Quinet, Louis Robert, Denfert-Rochereau

 

When to visit the Museum?

Opening hours:

• Closed on Monday
• Tuesday to Sunday: 11am – 6pm
• Thursday: 11am – 9pm

Suggested opening hours:

• Wednesday: 11am – 2pm
• Thursday: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Saturday: 11am – 1pm
• Sunday: 11am – 2pm

 

Pick up your tickets for the Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Visits at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Musée Nissim de Camondo are free for visitors under 26 years of age and for PARIS MUSEUM PASS holders (upon presentation of the pass).

• MUSÉE DES ARTS DECORATIFS

Exhibitions + collections (audioguide included): 14 € / 10€ (reduced rate)

• MUSÉE NISSIM DE CAMONDO

Exhibitions + collections (audioguide included): 12 € / 9€ (reduced rate)

• JOINT TICKET

Musée des Arts Décoratifs + Musée Nissim de Camondo (audioguides included) Valid for 4 days: 20 € / 16€ (reduced rate) Look here to learn about the entrance fees to the MAD.   Please note: The reduced rate is reserved for people wishing to buy their ticket with vacation vouchers (purchase directly at the cash desk), culture or in the framework of partnerships upon presentation of a receipt.

 

Is a guided tour recommended?

There are many different options to visit the MAD, ranging from guided tours to theatrical tours that will delight even the most avid art and history lovers. Find out more here (website in French).

GUIDED AND THEATRICAL TOURS:

• 1h30
• 15 to 25 people maximum
• Price: 6€ to 22€.

We warmly recommend that you choose a theatrical tour -of which there are several- which is a very original, instructive and lively activity. They are certainly a little more expensive (22€) but the ticket includes the theatrical visit and the entrance ticket to the museum.

 

Is it possible to visit this Museum with children?

Following the example of American museums in 1951, the MAD created the first educational service in Paris to open up to young visitors a world previously reserved for grown-ups. Workshops and courses are also available for children from 4 to 14 years old. More information is available here.

 

WORKSHOPS: 4/6 years old, 7/10 years old, 11/14 years old:

• Duration: 2 hours
• Number of children: 15 children maximum
• Rate: 12 € / child

TRAINING 11/14 years-old:

• Duration: 5 sessions of 2h30 / Monday to Friday
• Number of employees: 12 people maximum
• Rate 90 € / person

It is also possible to do family workshops with children from 4 years old and up.

FAMILY WORKSHOP 4+:

• Duration: 2 hours
• Headcount: 20 people maximum
• Fee: 12 € per participant (take a ticket for each child and each adult present)

You can even organize your children’s birthday parties at the Museum of Decorative Arts! Two formulas are proposed to you, find out more here (website in French).

BIRTHDAY AT THE MUSEUM

• From 4 years old and older
• Wednesdays at 2:30 pm
• Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm
• On reservation

 

And for people with disabilities?

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is accessible to disabled visitors (civilians and war cripples) and their helpers. The visit is free for these people.

 

Top best spots around the Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Le Café Marly €€€€

Address: 93 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris You couldn’t find a more beautiful view of the Pyramid of the Louvre if you tried! t is world-famous; the Café Marly is located just under the Louvre arcades. It is the perfect mix between a chic Parisian brasserie and a literary café. Take a look at the menu here. If you’re thinking about both culture and luxury, you will be here in an iconic location.

Opening hours:

• Monday to Sunday
• from 8h to 2h

For more information about this restaurant, click here.

 

Les Antiquaires €€

Address: 13 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris Located just a stone’s throw away from the Musée d’Orsay, it is still in the cultural sphere, with this Parisian bistro-style restaurant. It is a place with a refined decor that will please even more so the antique lovers. Take a look at the menu here.

Opening hours:

• from Monday to Sunday
• from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

For more information about this restaurant, click here (website in French).

 

Bistrot Richelieu €€

Address: 45 rue de Richelieu, 75001 Paris This café-restaurant is in the first arrondissement of Paris, a few steps away from the Palais Royal and the Comédie Française. You will find good, homemade French cuisine cooked with fresh products. Take a look at the menu here.

Opening hours:

• from Monday to Saturday
• from 11am to 10pm

For more information about this restaurant, click here.

 

Naritake Ramen €

Address: 31 Rue des Petits Champs, 75001 Paris This restaurant offers delicious and generous ramen portions. The speciality here is the châshû ramen, i.e. pork ramens. To complement your ramen, you will have the choice between a soy sauce or a fermented soy paste broth as well as toppings such as eggs, pork, chives and even butter. Take a look at the menu here.

Opening hours:

• Sunday
• from 11:30 am to 6 pm

For more information about this restaurant, click here.