Have you heard of the Gustave Moreau Museum? This magnificent house museum, entirely dedicated to the artist’s works, is a surprising place that is little known to the general public. Yet it is definitely worth a visit. Nestled in the artist’s former home, this intimate and astonishing place bears witness to the artist’s genius and the extent of his talent. A wonderful museum that you will want to take the time to explore from every angle…
The Gustave Moreau Museum: one of the most secret places in Paris
When we talk about museums, we immediately think of the Louvre or the Quai Branly. But few people think of the Gustave Moreau Museum. Yet this artist’s house museum is definitely worth a visit. Opened during his lifetime in his own home, the museum houses more than 25,000 works (drawings, paintings, and personal items belonging to the artist).
©Hartl-Meyer secret museum Paris
Gustave Moreau loved to paint mystical subjects and gods, sprinkling a touch of mystery here and there in his works. This secretive artist, who dedicated his life to his art, had only one fear: that his works would be forgotten after his death. So, a few years before his death, an idea was born in his mind: to open his own museum. And what better place to do so than his family home? With the help of architect Albert Lafon, he transformed his home and then bequeathed it to the state upon his death, with one condition:
“To always keep—this would be my dearest wish—or at least for as long as possible, this collection, preserving its overall character so that the sum of the artist’s work and efforts during his lifetime can always be seen.”
©julienbenhamouphotographe secret museum Paris
Since it opened 120 years ago, the museum has remained unchanged. On the ground floor, visitors can see several tiny rooms displaying small-format works. Watercolors, copies of great artists… Then, on the first floor, you will discover a more intimate side of the artist, where works by his friends such as Degas, family collections, and various objects are on display. This floor, a remnant of the family apartment, seems to have been frozen in time for over a century. It also bears witness to the artist’s solitude, who after the death of his parents lived alone surrounded by his works and memories… Only a few friends, such as his students Henri Matisse and Georges Rouault, had the privilege of visiting him.
secret museum Paris ©Clément Dorval
On the second floor, you will discover the magnificent studio, redesigned by Albert Lafon. Bathed in light, it is surrounded by the artist’s works, some of which are truly impressive in size. Its sculptural staircase allows you to admire the beauty of his paintings from another perspective. At the top of the staircase, closest to the heavens, are the artist’s masterpieces, including Jupiter and Semele and L’Apparition.
A fabulous museum, one of the most beautiful in Paris, which you absolutely must visit at least once in your life.
📍Location: 14 rue Catherine de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris
🕙 Opening hours: every day except Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
💵 Admission: full price €8 / reduced price €6 / free for those under 26