Jacquemart-André Museum

The Musée Jacquemart-André, located at 158 Boulevard Haussmann, is one of the hidden gems of Paris, a place where art and history intertwine in an elegant Belle Époque hôtel particulier. This museum is the result of the passion of Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, two art collectors who dedicated their lives to gathering masterpieces from around the world, especially from Italy. Édouard André, heir to one of the wealthiest Protestant banking families in France, began the construction of his residence in 1869, entrusting the project to architect Henri Parent. The construction of the palace, inspired by classical models, lasted until 1876 and immediately became one of the architectural wonders of Paris. The palace stands out for its symmetrical façade and the imposing double spiral staircase, a tribute to the Opéra Garnier. In 1872, Édouard commissioned a portrait from the young painter Nélie Jacquemart. This meeting marked the beginning of a love story and a collaboration that would lead to the creation of one of the finest art collections in Paris. The two married in 1881 and began to travel the world, acquiring artworks in Italy, the East, and at major European auctions. The museum’s collection is extraordinarily eclectic, reflecting the refined taste and curiosity of its founders. In the Grand Salon, visitors can admire paintings by artists such as Fragonard, Chardin, and Greuze, as well as precious 18th-century furnishings. The ceiling of the Boudoir is decorated with a Tiepolo fresco, “The Triumph of Hercules,” one of the artist’s three frescoes in the museum. One of the focal points of the museum is the Library, where Édouard and Nélie planned their future acquisitions. The walls are adorned with paintings by Flemish and Dutch masters of the 17th century, including Rembrandt, Van Dyck, and Philippe de Champaigne. Among the masterpieces stands out Rembrandt’s “The Supper at Emmaus,” a work that evokes Caravaggio’s chiaroscuro, creating an atmosphere of intense drama. The Winter Garden and the Grand Staircase are further evidence of the grandeur of the palace. The garden, with its glass roof and exotic plants, was a gathering place for guests during social evenings. The staircase, inspired by Venetian architecture, is adorned with a huge Tiepolo fresco depicting the arrival of Henry III at Villa Contarini. The museum is particularly known for its collection of Italian Renaissance art. The Florentine Gallery houses works by Botticelli, including “The Madonna and Child,” and by Paolo Uccello, with his famous “Saint George and the Dragon.” The Venetian Gallery, on the other hand, features paintings by Bellini, Mantegna, and Carpaccio, offering a unique overview of Venetian art. Nélie Jacquemart continued to expand the collection after Édouard’s death in 1894, adding precious pieces from her travels in the East. In 1912, she donated the palace and collection to the Institut de France, and the following year the museum was opened to the public by the President of the French Republic, Raymond Poincaré.