Musée Cognacq-Jay

About the museum

The museum grew out of the 18th-century art collection assembled by Ernest Cognacq and his wife Marie-Louise Jay, founders of the La Samaritaine department store. From 1925, Cognacq showed part of his works in an annex of the Samaritaine de Luxe on Boulevard des Capucines. He died in 1928, and the City of Paris carried the project through: the museum opened on June 4, 1929, with period interiors recreated in 18th-century style across three floors.

The Samaritaine de Luxe closed in 1981 and the building was sold in 1983. The City then chose the Hôtel Donon, a 16th-century mansion in the Marais near the Musée Carnavalet. Restored from 1986 to 1989, it received the collections in 1990.

The museum presents French decorative arts of the 18th century in rooms with panelled walls and in thematic galleries. The top floor is reserved for temporary exhibitions. The museum is described as a collector’s museum and bears the “Musée de France” label.

Highlights

• Canaletto’s “Le Grand Canal, vu du pont du Rialto” (around 1725)
• Le retour de chasse de Diane
• Panelled salons of the Hôtel Donon
• Reconstructed 18th-century interiors
• French-style garden of the mansion

Permanent exhibitions

• Les collections du XVIIIe siècle – French decorative arts presented in panelled rooms and thematic galleries of the Hôtel Donon.
• Les chefs-d’œuvre du musée – A selection of major works from the collection, including Canaletto’s “Le Grand Canal, vu du pont du Rialto”.

Founded

1929

Operated by

Paris Musées (Ville de Paris)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Access to the permanent collections is free, except during temporary exhibitions; the single ticket then also gives access to the permanent collections. Free admission also for job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, holders of the Paris Musées card (with priority access) and several other categories. Online booking is strongly recommended for temporary exhibitions and not possible for the permanent collections.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. The MyParisJeTaime Handicap website provides additional information.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Activities for children and families are listed in the events calendar; details and age ranges are on the “Enfants et familles” page of the website.

Getting there & parking

Vélib’ stations: Vieille du Temple–Francs Bourgeois (4013) and Saint Gilles–Turenne (3002). The museum lists no car park.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi throughout the museum via the Paris Wi-Fi network. Bookshop with books on the 18th century and themed souvenirs, open until 15 minutes before closing. A temporary café, “Au bonheur du jour”, in 2026.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies: not available

Large attic (50 seated or 80 standing), paved courtyard and French-style garden (50 seated or 100 standing each), panelled first-floor salons depending on the period. Cocktails, dinners, breakfasts, launches and corporate seminars; private parties for individuals are not accepted. Hire available on Mondays and Tuesday to Sunday before 10:00 or after 18:00.

Plan your visit