Step into a Symbolist Masterpiece
Walk through the heavy doors at 14, rue de la Rochefoucauld and leave the modern bustle of Paris behind. This is not just a gallery; it is the preserved residence and former studio of the painter Gustave Moreau. You are entering his personal world, where the architecture reflects his creative process. The ground floor overlooks a private garden, while the first floor retains its original domestic atmosphere as a family apartment, complete with a dining room, bedroom, and an office-library.
Navigate the Artist's Private Collection
Explore the vast output of Moreau’s imagination across three floors of varying scale. You can view his extensive collection of drawings and sketches dedicated to Italian masters in the ground floor rooms, or move to the upper levels where the space opens into a large studio-room on the second floor and two larger gallery spaces on the third floor. The collection is immense:
- Approximately 1,200 paintings, many of which are evocative sketches or unfinished works.
- Thousands of drawings kept in cabinets with pivoting shutters, organized by wholesale inventory numbers.
- A curated selection of major works including The Apparition, Jupiter and Semele, Chimera, and The Return of the Argonauts.
Experience the Atmosphere of the Studio
To make the most of your visit, allow yourself enough time to move between the intimate upstairs apartment and the expansive studio space. The contrast between his private living quarters and his professional workspace offers a complete view of how he lived and worked. Because the museum is open daily except for Tuesdays, plan your visit accordingly to ensure you can wander through both the grander paintings and the thousands of smaller works stored in the cabinets.
Beyond the Gallery Walls
After exploring Moreau's legacy, you can continue your journey through the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Nearby locations include the Bibliothèque-Musée de l'Opéra and Espace Dali.
Plan your visit to the rue de la Rochefoucauld today to experience one of Paris's most intimate artist residences.