Musée des Arts décoratifs

About the museum

The museum belongs to the association MAD, known as Les Arts Décoratifs until 2018, founded in 1882 to promote in France the arts that combine beauty and utility. It occupies the Aile de Marsan of the Louvre Palace at 107 rue de Rivoli, and opened on May 29, 1905, after works directed by the architect Gaston Redon.

A major redevelopment linked to the Grand Louvre project began in 1996: the Musée de la Mode et du Textile moved in permanently, and the complex reopened in January 1997. In November 1999, the Musée de la Publicité, designed by Jean Nouvel, joined the site.

The collections comprise around 150,000 objects, of which some 6,000 are on display. The chronological route runs from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to modern and contemporary art, passing through the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. Thematic departments bring together graphic arts, jewellery, glass, toys, fashion and textiles, advertising and graphic design. The 1967 donation by Jean Dubuffet is also part of the holdings.

Highlights

• Art Nouveau jewellery by Lalique, Fouquet and Vever
• Apartment of Jeanne Lanvin (1925) and study of Pierre Chareau
• Above all the Christofle service for one hundred place settings, commissioned by Napoleon III
• “Marine avec vache. Au-dessus du gouffre” by Paul Gauguin (1888)
• Collections of toys, glass, wallpapers and posters
• The 1967 donation by Jean Dubuffet

Permanent exhibitions

• Moyen Âge et Renaissance – Furniture, objects and religious and secular decor from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, presented in the first rooms of the route.
• Du XVIIe au XIXe siècle – Salons, furniture, ceramics and decorative objects showing the evolution of French taste over three centuries.
• Art nouveau et Art déco – Jewellery, furniture and complete interiors from the late 19th century and the 1920s, including the apartment of Jeanne Lanvin.

Founded

1905

Operated by

MAD – Les Arts Décoratifs (association privée)

Director

Bénédicte Gady

Visitors per year

approx. 656,409 (2025)

Admission & discounts

The €15 rate gives access to the collections only. The museum also offers annual passes (NEO, SOLO, DUO). Reduced rates are not detailed on the practical information page.

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

All collection and exhibition spaces are served by lifts. A wheelchair can be borrowed on arrival, without reservation, against an ID left as a deposit. Audio guides and audio-phones are equipped with induction loops. The association Souffleurs d’Images offers free descriptive tours with volunteers for blind and visually impaired visitors, by reservation at least 15 days in advance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Storytelling routes for families from age 4 (1 hr 30 min, 20 people maximum, €20 per adult and €10 for visitors under 26, Friends of the Arts Décoratifs and those entitled to free admission). “Petits Ateliers” workshops and family visits; changing table on level N-1.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check

Restaurant Loulou. Bookshop-shop. Individual and group cloakrooms on level N-1; suitcases and large bags are not accepted.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit