Musée Jacquemart-André

While not the largest or most famous museum in Paris, Musée Jacquemart-André delights those who plan ahead. This 19th-century mansion sits on Boulevard Haussmann, easy to reach but still overlooked by many travelers chasing bigger attractions. Lines can form, especially on weekends and holidays, but crowds tend to ebb during weekday mornings. Most visitors spend between 90 minutes and two hours inside, wandering through salons, a winter garden, and a spiral staircase that begs for one more look skyward. Advance reservation is recommended, especially during popular exhibitions, and families or solo travelers alike will find plenty of comforts amid the plush interiors.

• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings are quieter, especially in late spring or early autumn.
• How to get there: Metro lines 9 and 13 (Saint-Augustin, Miromesnil, Saint-Philippe du Roule stations) are less than 10 minutes’ walk; several buses run along Boulevard Haussmann; taxis or rideshares drop off close to the entrance.
• Accessibility: Wheelchairs available; elevators serve major galleries; baby strollers allowed but wide staircases may be tricky for some guests.
• Average visit duration: 1.5–2 hours for the main collection; additional 30–45 minutes if attending a temporary exhibition or lunch at the café.

Museum Jacquemart-André packs centuries of style and stories behind its doors. Once a private home, the former residence now unfolds as a series of grand rooms—each decorated with paintings, sculptures, and furniture collected by Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, two of France’s most passionate art lovers. Every turn uncovers new wonders: Venetian frescoes in the music room, a hidden chapel topped with stained glass, and a winter garden where palms stretch toward the ceiling. The famous spiral staircase curves like a marble ribbon, while gilded frames hold works from masters such as Rembrandt, Botticelli, and Fragonard. A quiet highlight emerges in the dining room, where afternoon tea arrives on delicate porcelain—sometimes with a slice of tart that rivals any in the city.

• Main collection rooms: The State Apartments, Venetian Gallery, and Italian rooms boast Renaissance, Dutch, and French art.
• Grand staircase: Striking marble and ironwork centerpiece, ideal for photos and a glimpse upward to painted ceilings.
• Winter garden: Lush atrium with tiled floor and soaring glass roof—an oasis even on grey days.
• Hidden chapel: Small and peaceful, with intricate woodwork and historic family mementos.
• On-site café: A favorite spot for locals and museum-goers, offering pastries, light lunches, and a view of the quiet courtyard.
• Photo-worthy corners: The elegant Blue Salon, the garden terrace, and window views of Boulevard Haussmann.
• History: Built in late 1800s, the mansion tells a love story between two serious collectors, reflected in every detail of the décor.