Built during the Second Empire (late 1800s), the mansion of wealthy art collector Edouard André and his artist wife Nélie Jacquemart houses their private collection, which is now owned by the Institut de France and managed by culturespaces.

Located just 400 meters from the Arc de Triomphe, the museum is easily accessible. It's also not far from the lovely Parc Monceau and the Musée Nissim de Camondo.

The house itself is gorgeous, and you can visit sumptuous rooms of the state apartments, the informal apartments, and the private apartments. Throughout the mansion the various collections of the owners are displayed—18th century French paintings, Italian sculptures, beautiful antique furnishings, and much more.

Located on the then-new Boulevard Haussmann, the mansion was designed by architect Henri Parent, one of the contendors for the design of the Opéra Garnier. Although he didn't achieve that goal, his work on the André house was hailed for its beautiful design.

The Winter Garden, with its potted plants and sculptures, was an innovation in its time, imported from England.

The museum comes with a bit of a romantic history as well. Edouard André was a collector of art and "bimbelots," or knick-knacks made of precious metals, jewelry, ceramics, and more. He also owned paintings by artists including Delacroix, Rembrandt, and others. Napoléon III asked André to help organize the Universal Exhibition of 1867, and to lend some of his works of art.

In 1872 André decided to have a portrait done. The artist, who came highly recommended, was a young woman named Nélie Jacquemart. They married in 1881 and began a marriage based upon their love of art. Over the years they traveled extensively, all over Europe and the Middle East. In their travels they continued to acquire works of art, which they brought back to their Paris mansion. These included not only paintings and sculpture, but also tapestries, ceiling paintings, and furnishings.

Their excellent taste and resources resulted in an incomparable private art collection, which fortunately is accessible to us today.

The museum also hosts special exhibitions; popular exhibitions may mean you'll have to wait in line to get in, so check first. It has a lovely café where you can enjoy a drink and a pastry or lunch.

Open every day.

Métro: Saint-Augustin, Miromesnil or Saint-Philippe du Roule
RER: Charles de Gaulle-Étoile
Bus: 22, 43, 52, 54, 28, 80, 83, 84, 93

Musée Jacquemart-André
158, Blvd Haussmann
75008 Paris, France
+33 (0)1 45 62 11 59

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