Musée d’Ennery
In Paris’s 16th arrondissement, the Musée d’Ennery is a museum of East Asian art housed in the Hôtel d’Ennery, a mansion designed to display its collection. The collection was assembled by Clémence d’Ennery from the 1850s onward and includes Japanese netsuke and lacquerware, Chinese bronzes, Korean ceramics and other objects. The museum preserves period display cases and handwritten catalogs.
For updates, consult the official Musée Guimet website and Wikipedia.
History
Clémence d’Ennery (1823–1898) began collecting East Asian art in the mid-19th century. In 1875, she commissioned architect Pierre-Joseph Olive to design a residence on avenue Foch: Villa Desgranges, later known as the Hôtel d’Ennery. The building was designed for both domestic life and public display. Clémence married playwright Adolphe d’Ennery in 1881, but the collection remained her personal achievement.
Later expansions by architect Lemaire added galleries and a grand baroque hall to accommodate the growing collection. The mansion combines neo-classical and baroque elements with Belle Époque interiors, and includes custom-built vitrines by Gabriel Viardot (POP Culture Gouv).
The d’Ennerys hosted salons at the mansion, attended by figures including the Goncourt brothers and Georges Clemenceau. The collection exemplified the Japonisme movement that spread through France in the late 19th century (paris-tourism.com; parisdiarybylaure.com).
After Clémence’s death, the property and collection entered state ownership; they are also described as having been bequeathed to the French state after the d’Ennerys’ deaths. The Musée d’Ennery opened by 1908 as an annex of the Musée Guimet. The mansion and collection are protected monuments within the Musée Guimet network and are maintained by the Ministry of Culture (guimet.fr; POP Culture Gouv).
Preservation work includes careful lighting management, non-intrusive pest and environmental controls, and structural repairs designed not to alter the original architecture. Modern climate-control systems are not installed, which creates challenges for regulating temperature and humidity. Restoration relies on state and private sponsorship (guimet.fr).
Collection highlights
The collection is described as containing more than 7,000 artifacts; a separate summary estimates it at ~8,000 Asian art objects.
- Netsuke More than 2,500 miniature Japanese carved toggles, many signed by master artists, are displayed in custom cases by Gabriel Viardot.
- Lacquerware and porcelains Japanese, Chinese and Korean pieces show a range of techniques and cross-cultural motifs.
- Bronzes, ivories and scholar’s items The collection includes Buddhist statuary, scholar’s desk objects and rare jades.
- Nō masks and sculptures Japanese theater masks and spiritual figurines are among the highlights.
- Historic displays Clémence’s handwritten inventories and 19th-century exhibition furniture remain on display, creating a “cabinet of curiosities.”
Practical visiting information
Hours and reservations
Visits are by advance reservation and guided tour only. Tours are scheduled for:
- Friday 14:00 and 16:30
- Saturday 10:00, 11:30, 14:30 and 16:00
The museum is closed Sunday–Thursday, on public holidays and during special maintenance periods. Check the official website for current schedules.
Tickets and tours
Admission is free, in keeping with Clémence d’Ennery’s legacy, but advance reservation is required through the Musée Guimet ticketing platform. Tours are in French. Groups are capped at about 20 people (≤20) to protect the interiors.
Accessibility
The historic building has stairs and narrow passages, and no modern lifts; access is therefore limited. Contact the museum in advance about assistance or accommodations.
Location and transport
Address: 59 avenue Foch, 75016 Paris, France.
- Metro Line 2 (Victor Hugo or Porte Dauphine); Line 1 (Argentine).
- RER Line C (Avenue Foch station).
- Bus Multiple routes; see RATP.
Visitor tips
- Reserve early: places are limited, with high demand after the recent reopening.
- Tours are in French; consider a translation app if needed.
- Expect stairs and warm rooms in summer; dress comfortably.
- Non-flash photography is allowed. Tripods and large bags are not permitted.
- The official site provides Official virtual tours and images.
Nearby places
- Musée Guimet The main Asian art museum, accessible by metro.
- Hôtel d’Heidelbach Another branch of the Musée Guimet.
- Bois de Boulogne A historic park for walks and picnics.
- Palais de Tokyo and Arc de Triomphe are also listed among nearby attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the Musée d’Ennery’s visiting hours?
A: Guided tours are held on Fridays at 14:00 and 16:30, and Saturdays at 10:00, 11:30, 14:30 and 16:00. Visits are by reservation only.
Q: How much does admission cost?
A: Admission is free, but advance reservation is required.
Q: How do I book a visit?
A: Use the official ticketing platform.
Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Accessibility is limited. Contact the museum ahead of time for assistance.
Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Non-flash photography is permitted; tripods and large bags are not.
