The Musée Nissim de Camondo, 63 Rue Monceau, 75008 was actually a residence built by the Comte Moïse de Camondo to show off his collection of eighteenth-century French furniture and art pieces in 1911. Its design was inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Moïse de Camondo left both the house and the art collections to Les Arts Décoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts) in honor of his son who was killed in World War I. It opened as a museum in 1935, the year after Camondo died. Sadly, the family experienced more tragedy when Camondo's daughter and her family were deported to Auschwitz where they died leaving no other surviving members. Fortunately, the families' legacy lives on as the public is able to visit the home and pay tribute to their appreciation of art and beauty.
The house has been meticulously restored to its original condition with three full floors open to visitors. There is much at the museum that everyone can enjoy.
Art enthusiasts will take delight in the artwork on the walls, on the tables and even on the floors.
J'adore the hot pink wallpaper that I spotted in one of the rooms.
Design buffs will like the architectural elements of the house from a spectacular staircase to the ceiling molding.
I love the simplicity of this ceiling molding.
Both kids and grown-ups will like seeing the kitchen on the lower level with its huge oven and its very "Downton Abbey" dining room for the servants.
P.S. The Musée Nissim de Camondo borders the gorgeous Parc Monceau. Be sure to leave a bit of time to wander about this park after your visit to the museum.
[…] kids will enjoy. And after your visit to the park, don’t forget to check out the fabulous Musée Nissim de Camondo that lies adjacent to the […]