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Musée Des Arts Décoratifs

Musée des Arts Décoratifs Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and In-Depth Visitor Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Located in the artistic heart of Paris, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) is a world-class institution dedicated to the applied and decorative arts. Housed in the historic Pavillon de Marsan, the northwestern wing of the Palais du Louvre, and overlooking the Tuileries Garden, the museum presents an unparalleled journey through centuries of French and international design, craftsmanship, and innovation (75.agendaculturel.fr; paristopten.com). This guide provides comprehensive information on the museum’s history, collections, practical visiting tips, ticketing, accessibility, and upcoming exhibitions to help you plan a memorable experience.

Origins and Founding Vision
Establishment and Early Development
Expansion of Collections
Architectural and Curatorial Highlights
Visiting Information
Major Collection Areas and Must-See Highlights
Temporary Exhibitions and Special Events
Renovation and Modernization
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Visitor Tips
References and Further Reading

Origins and Founding Vision

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs traces its roots to the mid-19th century, an era of growing appreciation for the applied arts in France. In 1864, the Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs (UCAD) was established by collectors and art enthusiasts with a mission to preserve, promote, and elevate the status of decorative arts—which historically had been eclipsed by the fine arts (75.agendaculturel.fr). The movement paralleled France’s industrial transformation and was fueled by the Expositions Universelles (World’s Fairs), which showcased groundbreaking artistic and industrial achievements (encyclopedia.design).

Establishment and Early Development

The museum found its permanent home in 1905 in the Pavillon de Marsan, at 107 rue de Rivoli. Architect Gaston Redon designed the space to reflect both functional needs and the grandeur befitting its mission (wikipedia). Located adjacent to the Louvre and facing the Tuileries Garden, the site places MAD at the core of Paris’s cultural landscape (paristopten.com).

From its inception, the museum’s collection developed through acquisitions, donations, and commissions, with a focus on 18th-century French decorative arts—masterpieces by Boulle, Sèvres, Aubusson, and Riesener—and expanded to include reconstructed period rooms illustrating domestic life from the Middle Ages to the present (apollo-magazine.com; parispass.com).

Expansion of Collections

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, MAD’s collections grew to encompass over 1.4 million objects (artsandculture.google.com). The holdings represent a broad spectrum: furniture, glass, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, toys, wallpaper, graphic arts, and advertising, with notable strengths in Art Nouveau and Art Deco (artnouveau-net.eu). The institution’s identity evolved as well: in 2004, UCAD became Les Arts Décoratifs, and in 2016, the acronym MAD (Mode, Arts, Design) was adopted to emphasize its commitment to fashion and design (encyclopedia.design).

Architectural and Curatorial Highlights

MAD’s setting in the Pavillon de Marsan, an architectural gem, is complemented by elegantly curated galleries. Visitors encounter objects displayed within period rooms and thematic arrangements, contextualizing their artistic and historical significance (apollo-magazine.com). Highlights include 18th-century oak-paneled salons, 1920s Art Deco rooms like those designed for Jeanne Lanvin, and immersive period interiors (paristopten.com). The museum’s library, educational facilities, and dynamic program of exhibitions and workshops foster public engagement (artsandculture.google.com; paristopten.com).

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

Open Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Late opening on Thursdays until 9:00 PM
Closed Mondays and certain holidays
Always check the official website for updates.

Tickets and Admission

Standard admission: €14
Reduced admission: €10 (students, under 26, jobseekers)
Free entry: Under 26 (EU residents), jobseekers
Special exhibitions (e.g., “1925-2025. One Hundred Years of Art Deco”) may require a separate ticket (often €15). Combined tickets are often available (Come to Paris).
Online purchase is highly recommended to avoid queues (official ticketing portal).

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms.
Wheelchairs are available upon request.
Service animals permitted.
Staff assistance is available; contact ahead for tailored support.

Guided Tours and Workshops

Regular guided tours in French and English (advance booking advised).
Creative workshops and activities for children, families, and adults.
Check the official website for schedules and booking.

Amenities and Nearby Attractions

Café and Loulou restaurant with views over the Tuileries Garden.
Gift shop with books, jewelry, and design objects.
Cloakroom and free lockers.
Located near the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and Place Vendôme.
Easily accessible via Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre metro station (lines 1 and 7) and several bus lines (Come to Paris).

Major Collection Areas and Must-See Highlights

Medieval and Renaissance Arts

Gothic reliquaries, illuminated manuscripts, Renaissance cabinets, rare ceramics, and metalwork.

17th and 18th Century French Decorative Arts

Louis XIV, XV, and XVI furniture by Boulle and Riesener.
Period rooms reconstructing aristocratic Parisian interiors.
Sèvres and Meissen porcelain, Gobelins and Beauvais tapestries.

19th Century, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco

Empire, Restoration, and Romantic-era furnishings.
Art Nouveau objects by Guimard, Gallé, and Lalique.
Art Deco collections (temporarily closed for renovation until 2026, but highlights may be included in special exhibitions) (ticketing information).

20th and 21st-Century Design

Works by Charlotte Perriand, Philippe Starck, and the Bouroullec brothers.

Jewelry Gallery

Over 1,200 pieces from antiquity to the present, including Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Lalique (Jewelry Gallery details).

Toy Gallery

Over 12,000 toys and games from the 19th century onward.

Textiles and Fashion

More than 150,000 textiles and garments, from medieval tapestries to haute couture.
Rotating displays and fashion exhibitions (main fashion exhibitions often at the Musée de la Mode et du Textile).

Temporary Exhibitions and Special Events

“1925–2025. One Hundred Years of Art Deco” (Oct 21, 2025 – Mar 29, 2026): Centenary celebration with original Art Deco masterpieces and contemporary reinterpretations (Come to Paris; sortiraparis.com).
“Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, Designer” (Mar 5 – Jun 8, 2025): Focus on a master of Art Deco.
“Bamboo. From Motif to Object” (Jun 4 – Sep 28, 2025): Exploration of bamboo in art and design.
“My Teddy Bear” (Dec 4, 2024 – Jun 22, 2025): A family-friendly exhibition on the history and symbolism of teddy bears.

Special events, workshops, and guided tours are offered throughout the year, including major fashion events like the Grand Bal de la Mode (July 6, 2025), directed by Sofia Coppola (sortiraparis.com).

Renovation and Modernization

A major renovation from 1996 to 2006 modernized the museum’s infrastructure, expanded exhibition spaces, and preserved thousands of works. This €35 million refurbishment brought the museum up to contemporary standards (wikipedia), ensuring a world-class visitor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Musée des Arts Décoratifs visiting hours?
A: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM; late opening on Thursdays until 9:00 PM; closed Mondays.

Q: Can I buy Musée des Arts Décoratifs tickets online?
A: Yes, online booking is highly recommended (official ticketing portal).

Q: Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, full accessibility with elevators, ramps, and adapted restrooms.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Guided tours in French and English are available; advance booking is advised.

Q: Is photography allowed inside?
A: Non-flash photography is allowed in most areas; restrictions may apply in temporary exhibitions.

Q: Are there family-friendly areas?
A: Yes, the Toy Gallery is ideal for families and children.

Q: Can I re-enter the museum with the same ticket?
A: No, each ticket allows single entry only.

Conclusion and Visitor Tips

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is an essential Parisian destination for anyone interested in design, history, or the art of living. Its exceptional collections, thoughtfully curated exhibitions, and welcoming amenities make it ideal for all audiences. To maximize your visit: