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.
Night of Museums 2026 at the Museum of Decorative Arts: a scavenger hunt through the permanent collections
In Paris, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD Paris) is taking part in the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums on May 23, 2026. Click here for the detailed program of this free nocturnal event! [Read more]
A Day in the 18th Century: An Immersive Exhibition in a Parisian Townhouse at MAD
The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris transports visitors back to the 18th century, offering an immersive experience through the exhibition "A Day in the 18th Century." Explore a French private mansion and step into the past from February 18th to July 5th, 2026. [Read more]
The language of the walls: China's stamped artworks displayed at the Museum of Decorative Arts
The Museum of Decorative Arts presents "The Language of Walls" from March 18 to June 28, 2026, an exhibition focused on the art of stamping. It brings together 19th-century Chinese pieces with contemporary imprints, all created directly on the stones of Notre-Dame de Paris during its restoration. [Read more]
Rafael Pavarotti Photographer: A Fashion Photography Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
Fashion photography takes over the Museum of Decorative Arts with an exhibition dedicated to Rafael Pavarotti. From September 23, 2026, to February 7, 2027, over 200 vibrant prints will showcase, for the first time in France, the career of the Brazilian photographer and engage in a dialogue with the museum's photographic collections. [Read more]
Look, 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum: A Retrospective Couture Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
At the Museum of Decorative Arts, the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Fashion is celebrated with "Look: 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum," a must-see fashion exhibition. Forty iconic ensembles take the runway in the nave's central space, surrounded by sketches, patterns, and embroidery, showcasing four decades of style and craftsmanship. [Read more]
Fashion in all its grandeur: Haute couture and tradition at the Thai court — an exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
Looking ahead, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is gearing up for a grand exhibition on royal fashion: “Majestic Fashion: Haute Couture and Tradition at the Thai Court,” set to run from May 13 to November 1, 2026. Over a hundred garments and accessories—designed by Queen Sirikit in collaboration with Thai historians and designers—offer a captivating glimpse into the evolution of royal elegance. This sartorial dialogue began with the legendary designer Pierre Balmain and continues today through the Balmain and Lesage houses. [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]
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
