Musée Cernuschi: the free museum, the jewel of Asian arts in Paris

The Musée Cernuschi is the museum of Asian arts in Paris, tracing the history of Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese peoples since Neolithic times. The collection includes works acquired by the city, including 5,000 bequeathed by Henri Cernuschi in the 19th century. The museum's centerpiece is a large bronze Buddha, which dominates the immense, high-ceilinged hall housing the permanent collections.

To visit the Musée Cernuschi is to plunge into the story of a passionate collector, Henri Cernuschi, who bequeathed to the city of Paris his private mansion and the art treasures he acquired on his worldwide travels. Dating from 1896, this mansion became one of the oldest museums in Paris, offering an exceptional panorama of ancient Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean art.

As the tour unfolds, you'll marvel at the museum's masterpieces. From the famous 3,000-year-old bronze Tigress toHenri Cernuschi 's majestic statue at the entrance to the museum, each work bears witness to an era and a civilization. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the great Buddha of Japan, so imposing that it had to be cut into nine parts for shipping. And don't miss the treasures hidden in the Buddha's base: precious jade objects that the janitor will be delighted to reveal to you.

Not to be missed:

The Megura Buddha: this 4.40-metre giant is enthroned at the heart of a luminous hall, welcoming visitors for over a century.
A variety of works: among the 900 exhibits, discover jade ceremonial objects dating back to 3000 BC, detailed bronzes from the Shang era and ceramics recounting daily life in ancient China.

Plus points :

Free admission to permanent collections for all! In addition, under-18s have free access to temporary exhibitions.
Enjoy a pleasant stroll in nearby Parc Monceau before or after your visit.

And don't forget the museum's rich cultural program, particularly suited to children and families, for a complete immersive experience.

Practical information:

Address: 7 avenue Vélasquez, 75008 Paris 8ème.
Opening hours : Open from 10am to 6pm. Closed on Mondays. Exceptional closures on January 1, May 1 and December 25. Last admission at 5.30pm.

In short, a visit to the Musée Cernuschi offers a unique cultural experience in the heart of Paris. Don't wait any longer and let yourself be transported through the ages and civilizations of the Far East. An invitation to travel that you won't regret.

To discover:

For the 2026 Nuit des Musées, K-pop, art and street food at the Cernuschi Museum
The Cernuschi Museum — Paris City Museum of Asian Arts — swings open its doors this Saturday, May 23, 2026, for a free late-night opening organized for the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums. Here's the program! [Read more]