5 Reasons to Visit the Musée Jacquemart-André on Your Paris Trip
If you’ve already been to the Louvre and Orsay, or you’re just looking for something quieter and more personal, the Musée Jacquemart-André, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, might be the museum you’re overlooking.
It’s not on every tourist’s radar, but it leaves a strong impression on those who go. Here’s what makes it worth considering.
1. It’s one of the few Paris museums inside a real 19th-century mansion
This is the actual private home of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, two wealthy art collectors who lived here in the late 1800s. Nearly everything inside, from the main staircase to the salons, music room, and private apartments, is still arranged as it was when they lived there.
You’re walking through the couple’s world: the rooms they hosted in, the spaces they displayed their favorite works, even a reconstructed 17th-century chapel inside the house that originally belonged to the Hôtel de Breteuil (easy to miss if you’re not looking for it).
If you’re interested in Belle Époque architecture, interiors, or how the wealthy actually lived during this time, this is one of the few places in Paris that shows it nicely.
2. The collection covers both French and Italian masters
While most visitors come for the interiors, the art is also impressive. The collection includes pieces by Botticelli, Canaletto, Fragonard, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt.
The Italian section is especially strong. Édouard André had a deep obsession with Italian art, and the couple spent years acquiring works directly during their travels.
The museum has a full-scale replica of a Florentine-style chapel, complete with 15th-century frescoes and religious art that feels entirely out of place (but fascinating) inside a Parisian home.
Unlike larger museums where works can blend into the noise, everything here is intentional. Small-scale, focused, and personal.
3. It has a deep collection of objects you won’t see elsewhere
Beyond the Revolution and historic interiors, Carnavalet holds a vast mix of personal items, decorative art, and rare objects tied to real people.
There are royal portraits, period tapestries, jewelry, snuffboxes, fans, and furniture from private Parisian homes.
One standout example is a hair ornament worn by Madame du Barry, Louis XV’s last mistress. Another is a delicate 18th-century folding screen painted with scenes of Paris street life.
Not your generic museum pieces! They are intimate, one-of-a-kind historical artifacts.
4. The café is inside the former dining room (and it’s good)
Many museum cafés in Paris are forgettable. The Café Jacquemart-André isn’t! It’s located in the original dining room, complete with a painted ceiling and views onto the courtyard.
It’s popular with locals as well as visitors. The pastries come from Pâtisserie Stohrer (one of Paris’s oldest), and the menu includes light lunches, seasonal tarts, and solid coffee.
If you visit in the afternoon, it’s a quiet spot to take a break from sightseeing without heading into a loud brasserie or tourist-packed café.
Tip: Get the tarte fine or mille-feuille if available.
5. You’ll see fewer tourists and more of the museum
The museum is not a high-volume attraction. Even during peak season, you can take your time. No long entry lines, no pushing through tour groups, and no getting stuck behind selfie sticks.
Because the museum is relatively compact (but not small), you can explore most of it in about 90 minutes to two hours without rushing. That’s rare in Paris, where museum visits often turn into half-day affairs.
If you’re short on time or just want something less overwhelming, this is a clear win.
Should you go?
If you’re short on time and more interested in contemporary art, major masterpieces, or blockbuster exhibitions, then Musée Jacquemart-André might not be your top priority.
But if you’re into decorative arts, historic interiors, or lesser-known collections, this museum is worth your time.
It’s ideal if you’ve already seen the big sights or want something off the main circuit without sacrificing quality.
And if you enjoy pairing culture with a quiet lunch or pastry, it’s even better.