Audio GuideMusée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
Engaging museum displaying the arts and civilizations of Africa, Asia, Oceania & the Americas.
Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac welcomes visitors to a world of global art and cultural history. Located in Paris's seventh arrondissement along the Seine, a short stroll from the Eiffel Tower, the museum opened in two thousand six and was renamed in two thousand sixteen to honor former President Jacques Chirac. This institution celebrates indigenous arts and cultures from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
Designed by Jean Nouvel, the building boasts a modern, bridge-like structure supported by columns and pilotis. Inside, a gently sloping ramp guides guests through vibrant exhibitions presenting textiles, sculptures, masks, and musical instruments from non-Western societies. Multimedia installations enrich this journey, presenting both permanent collections and dynamic temporary shows.
The museum complex extends beyond its main building. One secondary site features a striking vertical green wall by Patrick Blanc, while another offers a landscaped garden designed by Gilles Clément with peaceful paths and innovative light displays. Visitors can also enjoy a rooftop restaurant, Les Ombres, with panoramic Paris views that include the Eiffel Tower and Trocadéro, as well as an on-site theater hosting concerts and film screenings.
This unique blend of contemporary architecture and ancient cultural treasures sparks discussions about indigenous cultural heritage and ethical stewardship, making it an enriching experience for international travelers.