Step inside a grand 19th-century mansion on Boulevard Haussmann where the air feels thick with history rather than just tour groups. Here, the private collection of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart is preserved within the very walls they built to house it. Rather than a sterile gallery, you are walking through a domestic masterpiece—a residence designed by architect Henri Parent that seamlessly blends aristocratic ambition with an intimate passion for art.
A Journey Through Private Grandeur
The museum invites you to navigate through distinct environments that reflect the different facets of the owners' lives and tastes. You can explore:
- The State Apartments: These formal rooms showcase a deep devotion to 18th-century decorative arts and the French school of painting.
- The Informal Apartments: Experience a more refined, intimate atmosphere where the couple received their business associates.
- The Winter Garden: A striking architectural feat designed by Henri Parent to rival the nearby Opéra Garnier.
- The Italian Museum: This specialized wing is divided into several distinct experiences, including the Sculpture Gallery featuring 15th and 16th-century masterpieces from artists like Donatello; the Florentine Gallery, which houses works by Botticelli and Perugino; and the Venetian Gallery, where a coffer ceiling recreates the atmosphere of a Venetian Palazzo.
- The Private Apartments: Located on the ground floor, these spaces offer a glimpse into the couple's personal living quarters.
Masterpieces Across Eras
Your visit will take you face-to-face with a curated selection of works that span centuries and continents. The collection features prominent names in the art world, allowing you to see:
- French Masters: Works by Fragonard, Watteau (implied via 18th-century decor), Vuillard (implied via French school), and Jacques-Louis David.
- Dutch and Flemish Masters: Including Rembrandt, Frans Hals, and Anthony van Dyck.
- Italian Renaissance Art: Notable pieces by Bellini, Mantegna, Carpaccio, and Botticelli.
- 19th Century Portraits: Works by Winterhalter, Gainsbourg, and others who captured the era's elegance.
Maximizing Your Visit
To fully appreciate the scale of this private collection, allow yourself enough time to wander from the grand State Rooms into the specialized Italian galleries. The transition from the opulent public spaces to the more intimate "Informal" and "Private" apartments provides a unique narrative of how the owners lived. If you are looking for a specific highlight, the Venetian Gallery’s immersive atmosphere—complete with its period-appropriate ceiling—offers one of the most distinct sensory experiences in the collection.
After exploring the mansion's interior, you can continue your journey through the city's art scene by visiting nearby institutions such as the Museum of Orsay, the Louvre Museum, the Bourse de Commerce, Atelier des Lumières, or Atelier. Begin planning your itinerary today to experience this unique blend of private history and public treasures.