Eugéne Lepoittevin painting of Van Dyck receiving a drawing lesson from his mother around 1843

Fondation Custodia

Fondation Custodia Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Paris Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Fondation Custodia Paris

Fondation Custodia is one of Paris’s most esteemed and quietly compelling art venues, offering visitors intimate access to a stellar collection of Old Master drawings, prints, manuscripts, and artists’ letters. Housed within the refined 18th-century Hôtel Turgot in the 7th arrondissement, this cultural treasure was established in 1947 by Dutch collector Frits Lugt and his wife, Jacoba Lugt-Klever. Through their scholarly dedication and discerning taste, the Lugts created an exceptional private collection, particularly strong in Dutch, Flemish, Italian, and French works from the Renaissance through the Dutch Golden Age (Fondation Custodia; CODART).

Set apart from the city’s bustling tourist hotspots, Fondation Custodia offers a contemplative environment for art lovers, scholars, and curious visitors. The foundation is committed not only to preserving and displaying its treasures but also to advancing art historical research through fellowships, publications, and exhibitions, fostering an ongoing dialogue between the art of the past and present (Paris Update; Fundraiso).

This guide provides all the essential information—visiting hours, ticketing, guided tours, accessibility, and nearby attractions—to help you plan a rewarding visit. Whether you’re interested in masterpieces by Rembrandt and Rubens or wish to immerse yourself in the history of collecting, Fondation Custodia is a singular destination for exploring Paris’s rich cultural heritage (Fondation Custodia Official Website).

Rijksmuseum exhibition display featuring portraits and art pieces

Discover Fondation Custodia: A Must-Visit Paris Art Destination
Origins and Historical Development of Fondation Custodia
The Frits Lugt Collection: Scope and Highlights
Visiting Fondation Custodia: Practical Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit: Summary and Essential Tips
References and Further Reading

Discover Fondation Custodia: A Must-Visit Paris Art Destination

Fondation Custodia is renowned for its unparalleled collection of Old Master drawings, prints, and manuscripts. Nestled in the refined Hôtel Turgot, this hidden gem offers art enthusiasts and scholars a unique opportunity to explore works by Dutch, Flemish, Italian, and French masters. If you are planning to tour Paris’s historical sites or seeking a more intimate cultural experience, Fondation Custodia promises a rich blend of artistic heritage, scholarly resources, and thoughtfully curated exhibitions.

Origins and Historical Development of Fondation Custodia

The Vision of Frits Lugt and Jacoba Lugt-Klever

The foundation’s story begins with Frits Lugt (1884–1970) and Jacoba (To) Lugt-Klever (1888–1969), whose shared passion for art and collecting was evident from an early age. Lugt’s lifelong fascination with art began in childhood—by age eight, he had already catalogued his personal “museum.” As an adult, he became a renowned connoisseur, cataloguer, and expert, working for leading institutions such as the Louvre, and building one of the world’s most significant private collections with a focus on Dutch and Flemish art (Paris Update; CODART).

The Lugts’ collecting was motivated by scholarly rigor and a deep love for art, blending connoisseurship, feeling, and a commitment to preserving Europe’s artistic legacy (Fondation Custodia).

Establishment of the Foundation

During World War II, while living in the United States, the Lugts were inspired by American models of art philanthropy and resolved to secure the future of their collection. In 1947, they established Fondation Custodia. After original plans for a Dutch center fell through, they relocated to France, acquiring the Hôtel Turgot at 121 rue de Lille as the foundation’s headquarters (Fondation Custodia).

The foundation’s mission is to serve the field of art history by making its collection accessible for study and public enjoyment.

Institutional Significance and Recognition

Fondation Custodia quickly became a vital center for works on paper, advancing research, publications, and exhibitions. Both Frits and Jacoba Lugt-Klever received the Gold Museum Medal by Royal Decree—the first married couple so honored. Frits Lugt was also awarded the Silver Carnation and Utrecht University Gold Medal for his contributions to art history (Fondation Custodia).

The collection is overseen by a Dutch board of experts and a dedicated director, ensuring its preservation and scholarly engagement.

The Frits Lugt Collection: Scope and Highlights

Overview and Composition

The Frits Lugt Collection is internationally recognized as one of the most comprehensive private collections of Old Master drawings and prints. Its strengths include Dutch and Flemish art from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as Italian, French, and German works, paintings, portrait miniatures, artists’ letters, manuscripts, Indian miniatures, and select objects (CODART; Fondation Custodia Collection Online).

As of 2025, the online catalogue features nearly 2,000 drawings, with digitization efforts ongoing (Fondation Custodia Collection Online).

Masterpieces and Notable Artists

Highlights include:

Sixteenth-century Masters: Jan Gossaert, Lucas van Leyden, Pieter Bruegel, Hendrick Goltzius, and Jacques de Gheyn (CODART).
Rembrandt and His Circle: Over 20 Rembrandt drawings, with significant works by Adriaen van Ostade, Rubens, and Van Dyck.
Dutch Golden Age Paintings: Works by Jan Davidsz. de Heem, Pieter Saenredam, and Jacob Vrel.
Artists’ Letters and Manuscripts: Unique correspondence offering insights into creative processes (Fondation Custodia).

A Living, Evolving Collection

Fondation Custodia operates as a “study collection,” accessible by appointment in a private, contemplative atmosphere (Fondation Custodia). The foundation actively acquires new works, publishes scholarly catalogues, and organizes exhibitions in Paris and abroad, such as recent shows on Italian figure studies and contemporary printmaking (Paris Update).

Research, Education, and Outreach

Fondation Custodia supports young scholars through fellowships like the Jacoba Lugt-Klever Fellowship at the RKD in The Hague, and the Frits and To Lugt Study Fund for works on paper and collecting history (Fondation Custodia). The foundation produces essential catalogues raisonnés and exhibition catalogues, such as “Rembrandt and his circle: drawings in the Frits Lugt collection” (2010) (CODART).

The Hôtel Turgot: A Historic Setting

The Hôtel Turgot, an elegant 18th-century mansion on Paris’s Left Bank, provides an intimate, atmospheric backdrop for the collection. Its period salons and galleries heighten the visitor experience, creating continuity between historic art and the foundation’s modern mission (Paris Update).

Visiting Fondation Custodia: Practical Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Address: 121 rue de Lille, 75007 Paris
Metro: Assemblée Nationale station (Line 12)
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays and select holidays.
Tickets: Entry is often free for temporary exhibitions, but some events may have fees; check the official website for the latest details. Guided tours (in French) are free but require advance reservation via [email protected].

Accessibility and Visitor Services

While Fondation Custodia is located in a historic building, efforts are made to accommodate visitors with reduced mobility. Contact the foundation in advance for specific accessibility information. Guided tours are typically in French; inquire about English-language options when booking.

Facilities include a cloakroom, restrooms, and a small bookshop with exhibition catalogues and art books. Photography policies vary by exhibition—ask staff upon arrival.

Nearby Attractions and Travel Tips

Fondation Custodia is ideally situated near other Parisian highlights such as the Musée d’Orsay, Rodin Museum, and the Seine River. It’s easily accessible by metro (Assemblée Nationale, Line 12; Invalides, Lines 8 and 13; RER C), bus, or on foot from central Left Bank sites.

To avoid crowds, plan your visit on weekday afternoons. Guided tours and study room appointments should be booked in advance.

Special Events and Exhibitions

The foundation hosts several themed temporary exhibitions annually, often featuring newly researched works or loans from major institutions. Check the exhibitions page for current and upcoming shows. Lectures, workshops, and family programs are also regularly offered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Fondation Custodia’s opening hours?
A: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM; closed Mondays and public holidays. Confirm on the official website for seasonal changes.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Most exhibitions are free. For special events or paid exhibitions, tickets can be purchased onsite. Guided tours require advance booking.

Q: Is Fondation Custodia wheelchair accessible?
A: Some areas are accessible, but the historic nature of the building means there may be limitations. Contact the foundation prior to your visit for details.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, free guided tours (in French) are offered by reservation. Contact [email protected].

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Photography policies vary; ask staff before taking pictures.

Q: Is there a café or restaurant on site?
A: No, but there are many cafés and restaurants nearby.

Q: Can children visit?
A: Yes, all are welcome. Some exhibitions are best suited to adults and older children due to the fragile nature of the works.

Plan Your Visit: Summary and Essential Tips

Fondation Custodia is a serene haven for lovers of European art history, combining a world-class private collection with a commitment to scholarly research and public engagement. Its specialization in works on paper, carefully curated exhibitions, and educational resources make it a unique alternative to larger Parisian museums. Located close to the Musée d’Orsay and the Seine, it’s ideal for those seeking a peaceful, enriching cultural experience in Paris.