Located in a private mansion, the Jacquemart-André Museum might be less popular than the other Parisian museums, but its fascinating art collection and magical ambiance render it well worth a visit.
Located in a private mansion, the Jacquemart-André Museum might be less popular than the other Parisian museums, but its fascinating art collection and magical ambiance render it well worth a visit.
When one thinks of Paris museums, usually three art and culture giants come to mind: The Louvre, the Orsay Museum, and Centre Pompidou. All three house collections so rich that it is possible to visit each museum multiple times and never get bored. Yet Paris also harbours captivating lesser-known treasures that are well worth a visit such as the Jacquemart-André Museum.
Located in a private eighth-arrondissement mansion, the Jacquemart-André Museum belonged to art collecting couple, Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart. The enchanting oasis stands in the middle of the bustling Boulevard Haussmann, among the the frenetic animation of the Champs Élysées and the tranquillity of Parc Mon. Here are three reasons you should visit this cradle of culture and elegance.
1. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a true nineteenth-century Parisian home
The Jacquemart-André Museum has a superb permanent art collection but its bewitching beauty is what will enchant you first and foremost. The magnificent nineteenth-century mansion evokes that era of constant artistic emulation. When wandering the fascinating house museum, it is easy to imagine the grand rooms coming to life during the soirees of evenings past that were attended by Parisian high society. Stroll across the illuminated winter garden and take the majestic staircase and think of the many receptions and sumptuous parties that enlivened the the Jacquemart-André home. While there, sit for tea and pastries in the former dining room.
2. Admire Italian Renaissance art treasures in the heart of Paris
Edouard and Nélie shared a passion for Italian Renaissance art and often travelled to the country, expanding their private collection with each trip. The entire house is decorated with artworks, each one more fascinating than the other. The Jacquemart-André’s created a veritable Italian art museum on the first floor of their home that was open to their friends and art lovers, that was divided into three rooms: The Florentine room, the Venetian room and the sculpture room. The arrangement of the works testifies to Nélie’s good taste. Indeed, Nélie has furnished the museum according to the criteria of a decorator rather than a curator, which makes the visit particularly pleasant and natural. Admire Italian Renaissance masterpieces such as Botticelli’s Virgin and Child, or Paolo Uccello’s Saint Georges Beating the Dragon in the Florentine room, or paintings of Carpaccio or Bellini in the Venetian room.
3. Admire temporary exhibitions
In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibits are displayed constantly at the museum showcasing works from collectors just as passionate as Jacquemart-André’s as well as exhibits dedicated to great masters or eminent international art movements. After an exhibition dedicated to Rembrandt and one dedicated to the Alicia Koplowitz Collection, the Jacquemart-André Museum is currently hosting The Hansen’s Secret Garden, an exhibit that perfectly complements the spirit of the private mansion’s collection and the museum’s magical ambiance as a whole. The Ordrupgaard collection belongs to Wilhelm and Henny Hansen, great art lovers who participated in the diffusion of French painting in Denmark. The exhibit runs from 15 September to 22 January 2018, and features 40 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings from Denmark that have never before been shown in France.