Musée Jacquemart-André

Overview

The Musée Jacquemart-André is a spectacular, fully preserved 19th-century private mansion. Located near the Champs-Élysées, it functions as a lavishly opulent time capsule, offering an incredibly intimate look at aristocratic Parisian life and a staggering private art collection.

Highlights

• The Winter Garden: A breathtaking, light-filled conservatory featuring an impossibly elegant, sweeping double marble staircase.
• The State Apartments: Flawlessly preserved, intensely lavish reception rooms designed exactly as they were when hosting grand society balls in the 1870s.
• The Italian Museum: An exceptional collection of Italian Renaissance masterpieces (including works by Botticelli and Donatello) housed in a dedicated upper floor.

History

Built in the 1870s by wealthy banking heir Édouard André and his portraitist wife Nélie Jacquemart. They devoted their massive fortune entirely to acquiring rare art from across Europe. Nélie bequeathed the magnificent mansion and the entire collection to the state upon her death, on the condition it remain exactly as they left it.

Visitor Tips

• The Café: Housed in the former dining room, featuring breathtaking Tiepolo ceiling frescoes. It is widely considered the most beautiful, romantic museum café in Paris.
• Audio Guard: The free audio guide is excellent, narrated as if you are a guest of the couple.
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.