The museum was founded in 1882 by a group of collectors who wanted to promote the applied arts and bridge the gap between art and industry.
The collection includes a significant holding of Art Nouveau and Art Deco interiors, preserved in situ.
It manages the Musée Nissim de Camondo, a historic house museum in the 8th arrondissement.
The museum houses a dedicated fashion and textile department with items dating back to the 3rd century.
The interior architecture includes several period rooms, such as the boudoir of the Hôtel de Villeroy from the 18th century.
The museum's library, the Bibliothèque des Arts Décoratifs, is one of the most important art documentation centers in France.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs occupies the western wing of the Louvre Palace, known as the Pavillon de Marsan. It holds one of the world's most comprehensive collections of decorative arts, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum features over 150,000 objects, including furniture, glasswork, ceramics, jewelry, and fashion. Its permanent collection is organized chronologically, showcasing the evolution of French interior design and lifestyle. The museum frequently hosts major temporary exhibitions focused on design, fashion, and advertising. It is managed by the Union Centrale des Arts Décoratifs, a private non-profit organization. The building features an extensive library specialized in art and design history. The collection is notable for its emphasis on the relationship between art, industry, and daily craftsmanship.
The grand staircase or the view of the Jardin des Tuileries from the second-floor windows.
Check the official website for temporary exhibitions, as these often require separate entry or advanced booking.
Visit the dedicated fashion galleries, which rotate displays frequently due to the light sensitivity of the textiles.
Combine your visit with the museum's public library or the nearby Jardin des Tuileries.
Do not rush through the chronologically arranged permanent galleries to focus only on temporary exhibitions, as the permanent collection is the core of the museum.
Closed on Mondays.
Large bags must be checked in the cloakroom; photography without flash is permitted for personal use.
