Cernuschi Museum

The Musée Cernuschi, located on Avenue Vélasquez near Parc Monceau in Paris, is one of the main museums of Asian art in France. Founded in 1898 by Henri Cernuschi, an economist and art collector, the museum occupies his former residence, an elegant hôtel particulier. The collection includes about 15,000 objects, with a strong emphasis on Chinese art, but also significant pieces from Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Henri Cernuschi, born in 1821 in Milan and naturalized French, was an Italian economist and patriot who, after the failure of the 1848 uprisings, moved to Paris. After making a fortune, he devoted himself to his passion for art, traveling to Asia and collecting extraordinary works. Upon his death in 1896, he left his collection to the city of Paris, along with his residence, to create a museum. The museum is known for its collection of ancient Chinese bronzes, dating from the 15th to the 3rd century BC, one of the most important in Europe. Among the most notable pieces are the funerary statues of the Han dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and the golden bronze funerary masks of the Liao dynasty (907-1125). The Tang and Song ceramics collection is equally impressive, showing the evolution of Chinese ceramic art over the centuries. One of the museum’s most iconic pieces is the large Meguro Buddha, an imposing Japanese bronze statue from the 18th century, which dominates the main hall. This Buddha, standing about four meters tall, is an extraordinary example of Japanese Buddhist art and attracts numerous visitors every year. The museum’s exhibition path is designed to offer visitors a comprehensive overview of Asian art, with a particular focus on cultural interactions and exchanges between different regions of Asia. The rooms are organized chronologically and thematically, allowing visitors to follow the evolution of Asian art over time and to appreciate the diversity and richness of the artistic traditions represented. In addition to the permanent collection, the Musée Cernuschi regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that explore various aspects of Asian art, from ancient civilizations to contemporary expressions. These exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to deepen knowledge of Asian cultures and to see works rarely exhibited to the public. The museum is also a center for research and conservation, with experts working to preserve and study the works in the collection. The recent renovation of the museum, completed in 2020, has improved the conservation conditions of the works and expanded the exhibition spaces, making the museum more accessible and welcoming to visitors. The Musée Cernuschi is not only a place to admire Asian art, but also a meeting point for scholars, enthusiasts, and the curious. Educational activities, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours, offer multiple opportunities to deepen understanding of the exhibited works and to appreciate the diverse cultures represented. The museum’s location, in the peaceful neighborhood of Parc Monceau, offers an ideal setting for a relaxing and contemplative visit. After exploring the museum’s rooms, visitors can stroll in the park and enjoy the beauty of the surrounding gardens.