Audio GuideMusée des Arts Décoratifs
Musée des Arts décoratifs
Imposing museum with ornate ceramics, crystal and fine furniture, from Middle ages to present day.
Welcome to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, an exceptional museum housed in the historic Pavillon de Marsan at the Louvre Palace on Rue de Rivoli. Founded in nineteen hundred five by members of the Union des Arts Décoratifs, this museum has served as a journey into the evolution of French design and decorative arts from the thirteenth century to modern times.
Inside, you will find an impressive collection of nearly one million objects that include French furniture, elegant tableware, intricately woven carpets, fine porcelain from a renowned national manufacturer, and stunning glass art created by celebrated designers such as René Lalique and Émile Gallé. Key exhibitions feature works and design movements like Art Nouveau, Art Déco, and modern design, with contributions from innovators like Eileen Gray and Charlotte Perriand.
Among its remarkable displays are period rooms that tell fascinating stories. These include a dining room fashioned by the graphic artist Eugène Grasset, a gold cabinet from the mid-eighteenth century, and even a unique ceiling once owned by Jeanne Baptiste d’Albert de Luynes. A landmark exhibition in nineteen sixty-six famously introduced the term Art Déco, marking a significant moment in design history.
After a major renovation from the mid-nineties to two thousand six, the museum now benefits from modern collaborations, including a partnership with the Loewe Foundation. This makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the rich legacy of French decorative arts and design.