The Arts Décoratifs were created in Paris in 1864, following the many World's Fairs that left their lasting mark on the capital: 1855, 1867, 1878, 1889 (which saw the Eiffel Tower appear on the Parisian landscape), 1900...
In 1864, the Arts Décoratifs association (under the law of 1901) decided to build up a collection of industrially-produced fine art objects: the collection was soon established on 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 include over 6,000 pieces, 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, as well as 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 to the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre (lines 7 and 1), Pyramides (lines 14 and 7) or Tuileries (line 1) stations. In all cases, please note that entrance is via the Carrousel du Louvre garden, for all visitors.
A day in the 18th century: explore a mansion with the Musée des Arts Déco exhibition.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris invites us to visit an 18th-century mansion through the immersive exhibition "A Day in the 18th Century." Open from February 18 to July 5, 2026. [Read more]
A hundred years of Art Deco at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, anniversary exhibition from 1925 to 2025 in pictures
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris is celebrating the centenary of Art Deco with an exceptional exhibition from October 22, 2025, to April 26, 2026: '1925-2025. One Hundred Years of Art Deco'. Nearly 1,000 works showcasing the timeless elegance of this style, accompanied by a spectacular reconstruction of the Orient Express, await you. Let us take you on a journey of discovery. [Read more]
What to do with children at the Musée des Arts Décos Family visits and activities
Fancy a trip to the museum with the whole family? Then head for Paris' Musée des Arts Décoratifs, with its rich collections to discover on guided tours or creative workshops. [Read more]
Paul Poiret, la mode est une fête: the fascinating exhibition on the couturier and perfumer at MAD
A figure of 20th-century haute couture, a liberator of women's bodies: come and meet Paul Poiret, the great couturier and designer. From June 25, 2025 to January 11, 2026, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs presents the exhibition "Paul Poiret, la mode est une fête." [Read more]
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
Museum of Decorative Arts
107 Rue de Rivoli
75001 Paris 1
Prices
Tarif réduit: €10
Plein tarif: €14
Official website
madparis.fr
