Les Arts Décoratifs

Les Arts Décoratifs Review

Sharing a wing of the Musée du Louvre, but with a separate entrance and admission charge, this arts center showcases a stellar array of decorative arts, design, fashion and graphics. Spread across nine floors, the Musée des Arts Décoratif's collection includes altarpieces from the Middle Ages and furnishings from the Italian Renaissance to the present day. There are period rooms reflecting the ages, such as the early 1820s salon of the Duchesse de Berry, who actually lived in the building, plus several rooms reproduced from designer Jeanne Lanvin's 1920s apartment. Don't miss the gilt-and-green velvet bed of the Parisian courtesan who inspired the boudoir in Émile Zola's novel Nana. You can hear Zola's description of it on the free English audioguide, which is highly recommended. The second-floor jewelry gallery is a must-see, and special events are often staged in the Nef (nave).

The center is also home to an exceptional collection of fashion and textiles, advertising posters, films and related objects, which are shown in two rotating temporary exhibitions each year. Le Saut du Loup restaurant, with an outdoor terrace, is an ideal spot for lunch or afternoon tea. A joint ticket is available with the exquisite partner museum, Nissim de Camondo. If you're combining a visit here with the Musée du Louvre, note that the museums close on different days, so don't come on Monday or Tuesday.