The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the must-see Parisian museum dedicated to design and fashion

The Arts Décoratifs were founded in Paris in 1864, following the many World Fairs that left their lasting mark on the capital: 1855, 1867, 1878, 1889 (which saw the Eiffel Tower appear on the Parisian landscape), 1900...

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So, as early as 1864, the Arts Décoratifs association (under the 1901 law) decided to build up a collection of industrially-produced fine art objects: the collection soon moved to the Place des Vosges, under the impetus of industrialists Amédée Couder, Jules Klagmann and Ernest Guichard (according to Wikipedia). In 1865, the Arts Décoratifs, then known as the Union centrale des arts décoratifs (UCAD), organized their first exhibition, before setting up a museum and library adjoining the museum. It wasn't until 1898 that the Arts Décoratifs moved into theMarsan pavilion andwing of the Musée du Louvre. Les Arts Décoratifs now has three sites in Paris: themotherhouse on rue de Rivoli, the Musée Nissim de Camondo on rue de Monceau, and theÉcole Camondo on boulevard Raspail.

The museum's permanent collections boast over 6,000 pieces, ranging from jewelry to designer furniture, fashion, graphic design... Take a journey through the ages, from the Middle Ages to the present day, via the Renaissance, the famous Art Deco periods, modern and contemporary art, through objects representative of the art of living.

For families, the site offers a wide range of activities for children: guided tours, storytelling, creative workshops... To explain the museum's collections to the youngest visitors. Each ticket includes admission to all current exhibitions and to the permanent collections: full price €14, reduced price €10, with free admission for the under-26s and jobseekers.

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is open every day except Monday, from 11am to 6pm, with a nocturne until 9pm on Thursdays. The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility, and further details are available on the museum' s website.

To get to the museum on rue de Rivoli, take the metro and get off at Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (lines 7 and 1), Pyramides (lines 14 and 7) or Tuileries (line 1). In all cases, please note that entrance is via the Carrousel du Louvre garden, for all visitors.

Nuit des Musées 2024 at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD Paris): discover the collections
In Paris, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD Paris) is taking part in the 20th Nuit des Musées, this Saturday, May 18, 2024. The perfect opportunity to (re)discover its magnificent collection, as well as the ultra-cool temporary exhibition of the moment! [Read more]

The birth of department stores, a double exhibition at the heart of these mythical Parisian landmarks
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Cité de l'Architecture take us to the heart of the legendary addresses of Parisian art de vivre with "The Birth of Department Stores", a two-part exhibition. Visit the MAD from April 10 to October 13, 2024, then from October 16, 2024 to March 16, 2025, to discover the history of these temples to fashion right up to the present day. [Read more]

Fashion, design and jewelry: the exhibition for fashion lovers at the Musée des Arts Déco
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs pays tribute to couturiers and designers, and unveils several masterpieces from its collections, in a never-before-seen exhibition. From April 3 to November 10, 2024, come and admire Parcours mode, design, bijoux. [Read more]

Henry Cros, Sculpteur et Dessinateur exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, photos
Henry Cros, 1840-1907 exhibition: discover the work of the visionary sculptor, ceramist, glassmaker and draughtsman at the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris, from March 6 to May 26, 2024. An unprecedented plunge into 19th-century art. From wax modelling to the invention of pâte de verre sculpture, we plunge into the artist's evolution through time, discovering works never before shown. [Read more]

Mon ours en peluche, the adorable family exhibition at the Musée des Arts décoratifs
Every child has had a teddy bear! This timeless toy is the subject of an exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, from December 4, 2024 to June 22, 2025, which is both family-friendly and nostalgic, for young and old alike! [Read more]

Retrospective of fashion designer Iris Van Herpen at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs
Iris Van Herpen will be the next fashion designer to be honored by the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, in a retrospective exhibition from November 29, 2023 to April 28, 2024. Between fashion, technology and "meta-morphism", the installation promises to be exceptional! [Read more]