Maillol Museum

The Musée Maillol, located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the most fascinating places to immerse oneself in 20th-century art. Founded by the extraordinary Dina Vierny, muse and collaborator of sculptor Aristide Maillol, this museum offers a rich collection of works ranging from sculpture to painting, to decorative arts. The building housing the museum, the Hôtel Bouchardon, is an old 18th-century convent that adds another layer of history and architectural beauty to the museum experience. The structure is known for the “Fontaine des Quatre Saisons,” a sculptural work by Edme Bouchardon that decorates the exterior of the building and testifies to its classical elegance. This building has not only hosted illustrious figures such as poet Alfred de Musset, but has also seen the birth of a place where modern art finds a welcoming and stimulating home. The museum was inaugurated in 1995 thanks to the initiative of Dina Vierny, who with great passion dedicated her life to promoting the art of Maillol and other modern artists. Vierny, born in Russia in 1919 and moved to Paris in 1926, became Maillol’s muse at the age of 15. Their collaboration gave rise to one of the most complete collections of the sculptor’s work. Vierny was not only a model, but also a fervent supporter of artistic freedom, helping numerous artists and intellectuals escape persecution during World War II. The museum’s exhibition path is articulated in different sections that reflect the variety and richness of the collection. On the ground floor, visitors can admire Maillol’s sculptures, characterized by a search for formal perfection and meticulous attention to anatomical details. Among the most notable works are “La Montagne,” “L’Air,” and “La Rivière,” sculptures that express the power and grace of the human body. Moving to the first floor, visitors enter the more intimate spaces of Dina Vierny’s apartment, where antique furniture, personal objects, and works of art collected by the founder are displayed. This floor offers an overview of Vierny’s eclectic tastes and her ability to create a dialogue between different eras and artistic styles. The second and third floors are dedicated to Maillol’s studios, where numerous drawings, sketches, and models illustrating the sculptor’s creative process are displayed. These spaces, characterized by high ceilings and large windows that flood the rooms with natural light, allow visitors to immerse themselves in the artist’s world, better understanding his sources of inspiration and techniques. In addition to Maillol’s permanent collection, the museum houses a series of works by other great masters of the 20th century from Vierny’s personal collection. Among these are paintings by Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre Bonnard, further enriching the museum’s exhibition offer. This collection reflects Vierny’s love for art and her desire to share with the public works by artists who have deeply marked the history of modern art. The Musée Maillol is also known for its temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of modern and contemporary art. These exhibitions attract a wide audience and offer new perspectives on the work of well-known and lesser-known artists. Recent exhibitions dedicated to the photography of Steve McCurry, the sculptures of Alberto Giacometti, and the masters of Pop Art like Andy Warhol have been particularly successful. Another distinctive element of the museum is the “Café des Frères Prévert,” located in the basement of the building. This space, which once housed a cabaret run by the Prévert brothers, is a place where visitors can relax and reflect on the works just admired, immersed in a historical and creative atmosphere.