Located at 158 boulevard Haussmann in Paris’s prestigious 8ᵗʰ arrondissement, the Jacquemart‑André Museum is more than just a gallery — it’s a time capsule that transports visitors into the refined world of Second Empire collectors. Constructed between 1869 and 1875 by architect Henri Parent for banker and art-lover Édouard André, and later enriched by his wife, painter Nélie Jacquemart, this opulent townhouse houses a premier collection of European art from the 15ᵗʰ to the 18ᵗʰ centuries.

Upon arrival, you step into an elaborately decorated vestibule, leading to the Winter Garden — a luminous marble court with a glass roof and a majestic staircase, a true architectural marvel reminiscent of grand 19ᵗʰ‑century designs.

Explore the State Rooms, private salons, study, boudoir, and library — each richly furnished and adorned with paintings and furniture narrating the collectors’ personal story. The permanent collection is divided into five sections: State Apartments, Informal Apartments, Italian Museum, Private Apartments, and Music Salon. Highlights include Botticelli’s Virgin and Child, Uccello’s Saint George and the Dragon, and Tiepolo’s frescoes on the grand staircase.

Film buffs may recognize the interiors from classics like Gigi, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Fedora, which filmed key scenes in this very mansion.

The atmosphere is warm and elegant, akin to visiting cultivated hosts. Plush carpets, fine furnishings, and gentle lighting create an intimate yet grand ambiance. The audience is diverse — from families and couples to students and art enthusiasts.

After the tour, enjoy refreshments at Le Nélie, the museum’s café in the former dining room, serving brunches, upscale pastries, and tea in a sumptuous setting.

Practical info: Open daily from 10 a.m. (until 6 p.m., with Friday evening openings until 10 p.m. during exhibitions). Last entry 30 minutes before closing. The museum is wheelchair-accessible; entry is free for under‑7s. Various ticket options are available (youth, family, senior, reduced). A boutique/bookshop offers art books, stationery and souvenirs. Audio guides in multiple languages and a dedicated mobile app enhance the experience.