The Musée Jacquemart-André is a 19th-century private mansion located on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris, housing Italian Renaissance works and masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Botticelli, and Tiepolo in the former home of art collector Édouard André and his wife Nélie Jacquemart.
The Musée Jacquemart-André is located at 158 Boulevard Haussmann in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. The building is a private mansion built in the late 19th century by art collector Édouard André and his wife, painter and art historian Nélie Jacquemart. Both dedicated their lives to collecting art. The rooms you explore today were originally their home. Works by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Fragonard, and Tiepolo are displayed alongside Italian Renaissance pieces and 18th-century decorative arts.
The tour begins at the grand staircase and proceeds through elegant salons. Some rooms are arranged like private apartments, while others have been transformed into art galleries. A detail frequently mentioned by visitors is the option for a theatrical guided tour on certain visiting days, where four actors portray Madame André's life through a humorous storyline. Those who have tried this tour say visiting the museum a second time with a standard tour changes their perspective. There is also a word of caution: on some days, the couple's private apartments may be closed, and this is not always clearly stated at the entrance. It is a good idea to ask about the current situation before purchasing tickets.
The tea room in the courtyard is the natural end point of the visit. Sitting with coffee and pastries in this venue decorated with Trojan War-themed tapestries is a detail praised by visitors. Weather permitting, it is also possible to have lunch in the courtyard.
Guide's Note
Although the Musée Jacquemart-André is not among Paris's most visited museums, the vast majority of visitors describe it as one of the city's finest cultural stops. Housed inside a historic mansion, the museum elevates the experience beyond a simple art tour into a rich discovery of architecture and interior design. The combination of private apartments and the permanent collection adds distinct depth to the venue.
Alongside the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions also attract attention; a recent exhibition on Spanish Baroque art was particularly highlighted by multiple visitors. The on-site Nélie Café is highly recommended as a pleasant stop before or after your visit.
However, you may want to keep a few points raised by previous visitors in mind:
- Scope of the collection: One visitor noted that the number of artworks felt limited compared to the ticket price; those expecting a large museum should adjust their expectations for a smaller-scale venue.
- Reliance on audio guides: Explanations of the artworks are predominantly provided through the audio guide, with very limited information available without one.
- Noise levels: During group tours, noise levels inside the museum can sometimes become distracting, which may affect the overall quality of the visit.
When to Visit
The museum is open every day except Mondays. Visiting on a weekday morning gives you the advantage of quieter halls and better availability for theatrical tours. The theatrical guided tour takes place on specific days and times; advance booking is essential if you wish to choose this option. Skip-the-line tickets are also available and are recommended during peak season.
How to Get There
You can reach the museum by taking the metro to Saint-Augustin or Havre-Caumartin stations and walking from there. Lines 3, 7, 9, and 12 stop close to the museum. For those traveling by bus, lines 22, 28, 43, 52, 54, 80, 83, 84, and 93 pass directly in front of the building. Located on Boulevard Haussmann, it is also within walking distance of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores.
How Much Time to Spend
A standard visit takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours; the collection is mansion-scaled rather than vast. If you choose the theatrical guided tour, add an extra 45 minutes for the performance. Some visitors mention that after seeing the play, they walked through the exhibition a second time with a fresh perspective. In that case, the total duration can extend to 2 to 2.5 hours.
Suggested Tour Route
After entering, head up the grand staircase to reach the painting galleries. The Italian Renaissance hall and 18th-century decorative art rooms follow one another. Artworks by Rembrandt and Botticelli are located in the upper-floor salons. An audio guide (available in several languages) helps you easily follow the order of the works. Wrapping up your tour at the courtyard tea room makes for a natural conclusion.
Things to Keep in Mind
A common topic in visitor reviews is that the couple's private apartments are closed on certain days, and this isn't always clearly announced at the ticket desk. Since you pay full price, it is reasonable to ask about this in advance. Additionally, the museum is not included in the Paris Museum Pass; even if you have a pass, you must purchase a separate admission ticket.
Tea Room and Courtyard
The tea room located in the museum courtyard is decorated with tapestries themed around the Trojan War. It offers coffee and pastries, with visitors often praising the quality of the desserts. If the weather is nice, sitting in the courtyard for lunch is also a great option and a wonderful spot to relax after your visit.
Best Photo Spots
The grand staircase and the fresco adorning its ceiling offer the strongest setting for interior photography. The gold-framed paintings in the Renaissance room also make for great shots when lighting conditions are favorable. The courtyard is a popular spot for photographing the mansion's exterior facade.
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