The Musée de Montmartre in Paris: discover a historical and artistic treasure trove

The Musée de Montmartre, located at 8-14 rue Cortot in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, is a must-see in the French capital. Founded in 1960 and classified as a Musée de France in 2003, it attracts a considerable number of tourists, with 111,885 visitors in 2019. Nestled in one of Paris's most picturesque and artistic districts, the museum is housed in historic buildings that have been home to famous artists such as Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Suzanne Valadon (whose studio is open to visitors within the museum). It is a living testimony to the artistic and cultural effervescence of Montmartre.

• To be read
• Montmartre: the best exhibitions to see in this Paris neighborhood
• Café Renoir, the superb hidden terrace of the Montmartre Museum
• Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals

The Musée de Montmartre has its roots in three centuries-old buildings, notably theHôtel Demarne and theMaison du Bel Air. These premises, acquired in 1680 by the 17th-century French actor Rosimond, have been home to many renowned artists and writers. In 1876, Renoir painted his famous works La Balançoire and Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette. These historic buildings reflect not only the architecture of the period, but also the bohemian spirit that has characterized Montmartre for centuries.

The museum's collections, owned by the Le Vieux Montmartre association founded in 1886, include paintings, photographs, posters and manuscripts illustrating the history of the district. Highlights include Steinlen's Le Cabaret du Chat Noir, Bruant au Mirliton and works by Toulouse-Lautrec illustrating Le Divan Japonais and Le Moulin Rouge. The museum also exhibits Maurice Utrillo's La Place Pigalle, Suzanne Valadon's L'Autoportrait and Henri Rivière's Théâtre d'ombres. These works captivate not only for their artistic beauty, but also for their ability to tell the living story of Montmartre.

A true window on the soul of Paris, a place where history and art meet. A visit to the Musée de Montmartre reveals not only works of art, but also the spirit of a bygone era that continues to inspire and fascinate. Shall we take a little trip to Montmartre, friends?

Circus, a breeding ground for modern art: a vibrant exhibition at the Montmartre Museum
The circus has long captivated and inspired many artists. The Montmartre Museum presents a selection of 20th‑century works tied to this vibrant world, in the exhibition "The Circus, a Factory of Modern Art," on view from October 16, 2026 to February 14, 2027. [Read more]

Montmartre Museum's vegetable garden workshops: learn how to grow your own garden in the city
The Renoir gardens at the Musée Montmartre, just a stone's throw from the Sacré-Coeur in the 18th arrondissement, are one of summer's must-see spots. Now you can learn how to grow your own vegetable garden in these exceptional gardens. [Read more]

Hidden in the heart of Montmartre, this garden re-creates the settings from iconic paintings.
Just steps from Place du Tertre, the Renoir Gardens at the Musée de Montmartre offer a secret enclave with a view of the vines, while echoing the settings of famous paintings such as The Swing or The Ball at the Moulin de la Galette. [Read more]

Adya & Otto van Rees: The Exhibition Showcasing Two Little-Known Artists at the Montmartre Museum
The Montmartre Museum is hosting a comprehensive retrospective dedicated to the duo Adya and Otto van Rees, two influential figures of European avant-garde whose work remains relatively underrecognized. The exhibition runs from March 20 to September 13, 2026. [Read more]

Café Renoir, the superb hidden terrace of the Montmartre Museum
Café Renoir, hidden away in the garden of the Musée de Montmartre, awaits you for an exotic break in its glass roof, or in its lush garden in summer. Just a stone's throw from the Sacré Coeur, come and take a bucolic, gourmet break in this hidden, confidential terrace-tea room, offering both sweet and savory dishes. [Read more]

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