Musée Nissim de Camondo

The Musée Nissim de Camondo, located at 63, rue de Monceau in the 8th arrondissement, is a historic house museum preserved in its original condition. Built between 1911 and 1914 by architect René Sergent for Count Moïse de Camondo, the mansion was modeled after the Petit Trianon at Versailles. It was designed to display an extensive collection of 18th-century French decorative arts. Following Moïse’s death in 1935, he bequeathed the house and its collections to Les Arts Décoratifs in memory of his son, Nissim, who died in World War I. The museum opened to the public in 1936.

Visitors can explore rooms such as the Great Drawing Room, Small Study, and Blue Drawing Room, which feature spectacular French decorative art from the second half of the 18th century. The collection includes Aubusson tapestries, works by Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun, Sèvres porcelain, and furniture by cabinetmakers Riesener and Oeben. Every piece of furniture and artwork is original and situated in rooms specifically designed to highlight their beauty. The site also holds significant historical weight, noting the tragic deportation and murder of Moïse’s daughter and grandchildren in Auschwitz during the Holocaust.

Currently, the museum is closed for renovations starting August 4, 2024, with a scheduled reopening in 2030. During this period, the on-site restaurant Le Camondo and the library remain accessible. This institution offers a unique glimpse into early 20th-century Parisian life and 18th-century artistry. It stands as a jewel of French heritage, managed by Les Arts Décoratifs, providing a refined and intimate experience for those interested in decorative arts and history.