Musée d’Art et de Culture Soufis MTO

About the museum

The Musée d'Art et de Culture Soufis MTO opened on September 28, 2024, in Chatou in the Yvelines. It presents itself as the first museum in the world entirely dedicated to Sufism and its arts and cultures. It is run by an association and bears the name of the MTO Shahmaghsoudi school, whose students helped build the collections.

The museum occupies a 19th-century townhouse in the Second Empire style, on the banks of the Seine, facing the Île des Impressionnistes. The renovation kept the house's original features while creating contemporary spaces, and the project earned two LEED Silver certifications. The garden is laid out symmetrically in four parts, drawing on French and Persian traditions; at its centre is a large fountain shaped like an eight-pointed star.

The permanent collection brings together more than 300 objects from the Achaemenid period to the present day: sculptures, ceramics, carpets, textiles, calligraphy, ancient manuscripts and everyday objects charged with meaning. They come from donations, researchers and students of the school. Each year, an exhibition brings contemporary artists' works into dialogue with these pieces.

Highlights

• The first museum in the world devoted to Sufism
• More than 300 objects, from the Achaemenid period to the present day
• A dialogue between the historic collection and contemporary art
• Second Empire townhouse on the banks of the Seine
• Garden inspired by French and Persian design, free access by reservation

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente du MACS MTO – More than 300 objects relating to Sufism, from the Achaemenid period to the present day, including carpets, textiles, calligraphy and manuscripts.

Founded

2024

Operated by

Association Musée d'Art et de Culture Soufis MTO (association loi 1901)

Director

Éric Delpont (directeur par intérim)

Admission & discounts

Free admission also with an ICOM card or press card. Proof is required for all reduced rates. Online booking is strongly recommended; payment on site by card or cash (please have the exact amount). Access to the garden is free, by reservation, during the museum's opening hours.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The whole museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, with lifts and ramps. A drop-off point is available in front of the museum. For specific requests: accessibilite@macsmto.fr.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly

Free “Jeunes visiteurs” booklet at the entrance for a route designed for children. Regular workshops for children on contemporary art and Sufi culture. Storytelling family tour (45 minutes, from age 6) by reservation, on fixed dates. Strollers are allowed; lifts are available.

Getting there & parking

By car from Paris: A14 then A86, exit 35a towards Chatou. The museum recommends public transport from Paris. A drop-off point in front of the museum is available for visitors with reduced mobility.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check: not available

Snack bar in the museum shop. No cloakroom. All rooms are air-conditioned. Souvenir shop with books and objects related to Sufi art.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit