JEMA 2026: Connect with Heritage Restorers at Zadkine Museum

Hidden away in the 6th arrondissement of Paris is a lesser-known museum that art lovers will want to discover. The Zadkine Museum is located in the former home of the renowned sculptor Ossip Zadkine and his wife, painter Valentine Prax. Today, the apartment and former studio host a collection of sculptures, drawings, paintings, and photographs that offer insight into the life and work of this talented artistic couple.

The Zadkine Museum plays an active role in the cultural life of the neighborhood, hosting a variety of exhibitions and taking part in major events on the Parisian cultural calendar. In April, it’s the European Days of Craftsmanship that invite us, once again, to step through the doors of this museum full of surprises.

• To be read
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France, April 27 to May 3, 2026.
• Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals

The Journées des Métiers d'Art (or JEMA) take place annually in the spring, highlighting the world of craftsmanship. These highly specialized trades play a vital role in preserving both France's tangible and intangible heritage: artisans practicing these skills uphold important traditional techniques that are integral to architecture, fashion, interior design, gardens, and more.

What crafts are employed at Musée Zadkine to bring the museum and its artworks to life? Find out during special events on April 8, 10, and 11, 2026. Don’t miss your chance—book your tickets now!

Upcoming JEMA 2026 programming at the Zadkine Museum:

• Meeting – Secrets of Lacquer
  Wednesday, April 8 – 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM
  Join Anne Jacquin, heritage restorer and expert in lacquered objects and furniture. She will discuss her craft and the ancient techniques of lacquering, illustrating her talk with works and pieces featured in the Zadkine Art Deco exhibition.
  Duration: 30 min
  Free with registration for visitors with an exhibition ticket (full price: €11; reduced: €9)
  
  
• Interactive Demonstration – Wood Carving
  Friday, April 10 – 3:00 PM
  Saturday, April 11 – 2:30 PM and 4:00 PM
  With François Gilles, decorative sculptor. In celebration of Zadkine's fascination with decorative arts and the Art Deco movement, the museum invites the public to a series of sessions with sculptor François Gilles. He will highlight the various technical aspects of Zadkine's work, offering a fresh perspective. To showcase the richness of the sculptor's craft, Gilles will demonstrate wood carving techniques and provide contextual insights into the methods used.
  Duration: 1 hour
  Free with registration for visitors with an exhibition ticket (full price: €11; reduced: €9)

The Days of Artisanal Crafts continue: explore our curated list of must-attend events in Paris and across Île-de-France.

Artisan Careers Days 2026: The Schedule for the Cultural Event Across Paris and Île-de-France
The European Days of Crafts and Artistic Trades is a special week dedicated to celebrating artisans across France, taking place from April 7 to 12, 2026. During this period, workshop doors swing open to offer a rare glimpse into their masterful skills. Now in its 20th edition, this event in Paris and Île-de-France invites you to explore a world of unique craftsmanship. Here's what awaits you. [Read more]