Paris is packed with great museums dedicated to design and decorative arts, but two standouts offer travelers a thrilling choice: the Museum of Decorative Arts (Musée des Arts Décoratifs) and the slightly secretive, oh-so-glamorous Nissim de Camondo Museum. Both overflow with objects of beauty—porcelain, textiles, gleaming gold—but they couldn’t feel more different. One is a sprawling celebration of centuries of global style; the other, a private mansion frozen in time. Whether you long for the sweep of history or a taste of Parisian nobility, we’ll help you pick your Paris design destination—and line up the perfect local lunches, photo ops and drinking spots along the way.
The lowdown
Museum of Decorative Arts
- Nestled next to the Louvre, spanning centuries of global design and fashion
- Home to dazzling rooms of jewelry, clothes, tapestries, furniture and more
- Immersive exhibitions, contemporary art and historic marvels
- Rotating fashion retrospectives and design showcases
- Grand galleries—explore trends from Gothic to Art Deco and Postmodernism
Nissim de Camondo Museum
- Located in a dreamy townhouse on the edge of Parc Monceau
- Preserved Belle Époque mansion, furnished just as it was in the early 1900s
- Evocative personal story: the Camondo family’s legacy and heartbreak
- Masterpieces of 18th-century French decorative arts, paintings and Sèvres porcelain
- Real kitchen, stables and staff spaces show how the other half lived
Sounds delightful, please tell me more...
Sounds delightful, please tell me more...
Museum of Decorative Arts
Step off the Rue de Rivoli and away from those bustling Louvre crowds, and you enter a world where the beauty is truly in the details. The Museum of Decorative Arts brings together centuries of craftsmanship: see cabinets inlaid with mother-of-pearl, silk textiles shimmering under the lights, and entire period rooms reassembled right before your eyes. You can travel from the opulence of Louis XIV’s salon to flashy Memphis Group teapots and all the way to contemporary fashion. The museum is enormous, so take it at your own pace—focus on glass and jewelry, or let your curiosity lead you from Art Nouveau posters to playful graphic design.
Rotating exhibitions are a serious draw here. Past shows have featured names like Christian Dior and Jean Paul Gaultier, adding a glam flavor to your cultural fix. The space feels lively and cosmopolitan, perfect for travelers who want to see how styles evolved, compare cultural aesthetics and get hands-on at interactive displays. Don’t miss the view across the Tuileries from some upstairs windows, or the sometimes-surreal contemporary installations tucked within the historic walls.
Nissim de Camondo Museum
The Nissim de Camondo Museum transports you straight into the golden age of Parisian society. Modeled on the Petit Trianon at Versailles, this house was built in 1911 by banker Moïse de Camondo to display his legendary collection of 18th-century art and antiques. But, unlike a typical gallery, nothing feels staged—porcelain gleams on dining tables set for a banquet, leather-bound volumes fill the library,and every room, from billiard lounge to butler’s pantry, feels quietly alive with memory.
The ambiance is at once opulent and intimate. Docents are happy to share stories of the Camondo family, whose story adds layers of emotion—triumph, taste and tragic loss during World War II. The kitchens, stables and even staff quarters remain preserved, offering a rare peek into life at the house in days gone by.
Plan to spend at least an hour here, and don’t miss the chance to wander Parc Monceau just beyond the gate—a park beloved by both Parisians and in-the-know visitors.
Ok, so which is most impressive?
For sheer scale and ‘wow’ per square foot, the Museum of Decorative Arts commands attention. Its wealth of galleries, ever-changing exhibitions and jaw-dropping highlights from every corner of the globe make it a destination that can fill an afternoon or more. You feel the scope of design history, from Medieval altarpieces to Ziggy Stardust-era glam. It’s the crown jewel for those who want it all in one place.
Which one is more fun?
If fun means mixing eras, losing yourself in wild creativity and stumbling into the occasional surprise (a disco dress here, a golden chess set there), the Museum of Decorative Arts is your spot. Interactive elements, fashion pop-ups and themed tours keep things lively. The Camondo mansion, by contrast, is dreamy and dignified—instead of exuberant surprises, there’s an atmospheric sense of time travel. It’s serene, transportive and spellbinding but, for buzz and variety, the Museum of Decorative Arts delivers more playful energy.
Which is more beautiful?
Here, Nissim de Camondo Museum takes the trophy for pure elegance. The mansion’s rooms blend seamlessly from salon to study, with gold and pastel palettes, exquisite details under velvety sunlight, and windows opening onto leafy Parc Monceau. Chinaware, paintings and centuries-old clocks all beg to be lingered over. Even non-history buffs will want to move in.
Which has the best views?
If you’re after stylish interiors and glimpses of how the elite lived, the windows at Nissim de Camondo—looking out to Parc Monceau—are hard to top. The park’s lushness and the mansion’s balconies add romance you won’t find in most museums. That said, the Museum of Decorative Arts surprises with second-story peeks over the Tuileries gardens, meaning both offer their own slice of Parisian panorama.
How do I get there?
Museum of Decorative Arts
- Metro: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (Lines 1, 7) drops you a two-minute walk away.
- Bus: Lines 21, 27, 39, 68 and 69 all stop close by.
- On foot: Located in the first arrondissement, just west of the Louvre, and a stone’s throw from the Tuileries and the Seine.
Nissim de Camondo Museum
- Metro: Monceau (Line 2) is the closest, with a pleasant park-side walk to the gate.
- Bus: 30, 84 and 94 all serve the Parc Monceau area.
- On foot: The museum hugs the eastern border of Parc Monceau in the elegant 8th arrondissement.
Best choice for families, couples or friends
Families with curious teens and kids will love the Museum of Decorative Arts—hands-on displays and colorful modern galleries keep all ages engaged, especially during special themed weekends. For couples, the Camondo mansion is tough to beat—romantic, quiet and perfect for lingering in private parlors or whispering in the gardens. Friends and design geeks who enjoy analyzing, comparing and debating will revel in the Museum of Decorative Arts; those who crave to share a more secret Parisian experience should book Camondo.
I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities?
Hands down, the Museum of Decorative Arts is the choice for kids. Themed discovery trails, creative workshops and an array of fashion, toy and graphic design collections keep little ones and grownups on the move. There are occasional craft corners, scavenger hunts and interactive screens. The Camondo house, while warmly presented, is more about quiet observation and storytelling—lovely for detail-minded adults, but less stimulating for active children.
What’s the accessibility like?
Most galleries at the Museum of Decorative Arts have modern lifts and ramps, accessible restrooms and clear signage. Ask staff for help mapping out optimal step-free routes; large-print guides are available.
The ground level, stables and some service areas of Nissim de Camondo are accessible, but the upper floors, with many of the main rooms, have limited lift assistance due to the historic structure of the building. So, if you use a wheelchair or have specific mobility needs, it’s best to contact ahead; staff are known for their friendliness and will help you access as much of the collection as possible.
Any good lunch spots nearby?
Any good lunch spots nearby?
Near the Museum of Decorative Arts
- Café Marly: Chic and quintessentially Parisian, this café looks directly onto the Louvre’s colonnades. The terrace is unbeatable for people-watching, while inside you’ll find plush red seating and mirrored walls. The croque-monsieur is a standout but, for a splurge, the steak tartare is hard to beat.
- Claus Paris: A few minutes’ walk from the museum, this stylish spot serves seasonal brunches and artisanal pastries. Try the scrambled eggs with chives or the house-made granola, all paired with top-notch espresso.
- Marché Saint-Honoré: If you’re after something quick and delicious, stroll over to this glass-roofed market with dozens of international food stalls for everything from sushi to crepes or falafel—perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends.
Near Nissim de Camondo Museum
- Le Valois 1868: A classic brasserie facing Parc Monceau, this spot offers sunny terrace tables and a lively neighborhood vibe. Parisians rave about the roast chicken with fries and the seasonal salade niçoise.
- Maison Sauvage: Trendier, lined with greenery and eclectic décor, it’s great for salads, tartines and colorful bowls.
- Parc Monceau: Why not pick up sandwiches or pastries from a local boulangerie (Léonie is a local favorite) and picnic in the park? You’ll eat with views of rotundas, marble statues and happy Parisian families.
Where are the best photo opportunities?
Museum of Decorative Arts
The grand staircase is your first must-snap. The period rooms—especially the gilded salon and the patterned tile galleries—make for stunning indoor shots, so set your camera for low-light. Window arches upstairs frame the distant gardens for dramatic Paris backdrops, while the rotating design exhibitions often yield surprising, playful shots.
Nissim de Camondo Museum
Photograph the mansion’s façade from inside Parc Monceau—early morning for soft light through the trees. Indoors, the formal dining room set mid-banquet is pure French fantasy. The view from the upstairs windows over the park, the marble bathrooms,and the ornate library all offer irresistible vignettes. Don’t miss snapping the original kitchen—copper pans and all!
We’re finished and thirsty – is there a decent bar in the area?
Near the Museum of Decorative Arts:
- Bar 228 at Le Meurice: Polished, historic and decadent—have a signature French 75 or a classic martini under gilded ceilings with plush velvet seats.
- Le Fumoir: A bookish bar behind the Louvre, with floor-to-ceiling library vibes, creative cocktails and standout negronis. Relaxed and candlelit in the evening.
- Au Petit Bar: Wallet-friendly with pavement seating, a small but quality wine list and the kind of welcome that makes you want to linger.
Near Nissim de Camondo Museum
- Bistro des Deux Théâtres: Cozy, bustling and old-school—order a kir royal or a glass of chilled Sancerre at the bar, then linger for classic Parisian people-watching.
- Bar du Roch Hotel: A short metro hop away, this contemporary lounge has Parisian-chic décor, a leafy terrace and a drinks list known for gin classics and herby mocktails.
Any other good stuff nearby?
Any other good stuff nearby?
Near Museum of Decorative Arts
- The Louvre: just next door, a cultural giant with enough art to fill several days, but also quiet corners like the Cour Carrée and hidden sculpture gardens for recharging.
- Jardin des Tuileries: perfect for a walk, a picnic or a fairytale photo op among fountains and classic statues.
- Pont Royal and the Seine: a two-minute stroll away for dazzling golden hour views of the city.
Near Nissim de Camondo Museum
- Parc Monceau: a gem in its own right—enjoy follies, curvaceous bridges and picnics among the city’s most beautiful trees.
- Musée Cernuschi: just next-door, this museum of Asian art is free to enter, with elegant galleries, Buddha statues and calming vibes.
- Boulevard Malesherbes: classic Parisian shopping and a peek at grand Haussmann-era facades.
In summary…
Both the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Nissim de Camondo Museum have the power to elevate your Paris trip from memorable to unforgettable. Whether you swoon for grand galleries or dream of elegant salons, you’ll find endless sources of inspiration—and a perfect spot for your next long lunch or people-watching break. With The Paris Pass®, you can experience both, as well as saving on access to dozens more museums, monuments and more. Parisian style has never felt so accessible!
Looking for more Paris inspiration? Find out how to make the best of the city at night, and check out our favorite Paris activities for solo travelers.
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