Paris: Musée Nissim de Camondo
I have spent many afternoons at The Louvre and Musée D’Orsay over the years but this last trip I wanted to try something new and different. I have heard so many good things about the Musée Nissim de Camondo so I took a quiet day and walked over to the museum.
The museum is located next to Parc Monceau. I highly recommend a walk through before or afterwards. As it is one of my personal favorites. The design of Musée Nissim de Camondo was modeled after the Petit Trianon in Versailles.
The home was built in 1911 and had more modern updates than the original Petit Trianon with the help of architect René Sergent. The owner Camondo planned to leave the house to his son but he was killed in World War I. He donated the property “Arts Décoratifs” in memory of his son. The museum opened in 1935 with the home fully preserved in the original condition. During World War II Camondo’s daughter, son-in-law and their children were all killed in the nazi camps. This was the last of the Camondo family.
The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 am to 6 pm. On Thursdays it is open until 9pm. The museum is closed on Mondays so plan accordingly.
For those of you looking for a place to eat after you can visit one of my favorites Café de la Poste
I agree that Nissim de Camondo is terrific. We went in 2015. And I agree with Lisa and Rebecca about Jacquemart-André, too! Both are relatively uncrowded and excellent.
Thank you, Tom! Do you have any other favorite museums in Paris?
I’d never heard of this museum before, but I am a huge fan of small museums and am adding it to my bucket list for our next trip. One of my favorites from my first trip to Paris (April 2018) was Musee Jacquemart-Andre, another lovely small museum.
Hi Lisa!
I have visited Musée Jacquemart-Andre and really enjoyed it! I think you will love Musée Nissim de Camondo. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Rebecca
Thank you for this – on our upcoming second visit to Paris my husband and I are looking for museums and activities beyond the "top 10" things to do/see and have added this to my list. We are also going to be there on the weekend when the government buildings are opened but I have not been able to find out any specific information about it. Any hints, websites etc?
Hi!
I will be there this same weekend. I haven’t been able to find a good website with information yet. I know you can reserve ahead for a few. I will ask around and see what I can find.
You will love this museum! Since this is your second trip to Paris I recommend eating a meal at café de la poste before or after the museum and a stroll through parc monceau.
Stay tuned for more details on the open weekend.
xo
Rebecca
We visited the Museum a few years ago. It is a true gem and makes you wonder about all the other architectural glories that lie hidden away behind closed doors in Paris.
This is so true! I am headed in September where they open up a lot of Paris that is normally closed. I can’t wait to see what I can discover.
Anything else you recommend?
Thank you for sharing this beautiful photos and story! I will visit this place as soon as possible.
My pleasure! Thank you for reading! I hope you get to visit soon!
Just went in June and loved the home and the green room especially. So sad about the family being wiped out. At least something of their beautiful spirit remains.
Just went in June and loved the home and the green room especially. So sad about the family being wiped out. At least something of their beautiful spirit remains.
Just went in June and loved the home and the green room especially. So sad about the family being wiped out. At least something of their beautiful spirit remains.
Just went in June and loved the home and the green room especially. So sad about the family being wiped out. At least something of their beautiful spirit remains.
yes, it is extremely lucky that the house stayed intact through the second world war.
The Musee Nissim de Camondo looks very interesting. I wasn’t aware of it either. We are planning a visit to Paris in February 2018 so will add it to my list- which is growing !
Yes! Please add it to your list. I passed on it for so many years and it is not to be missed. Make sure to stroll through Parc Monceau even in February it will be beautiful!
Hi Rebecca! Thanks for sharing! I was not aware of this museum.
I’ll check it out in December.
Take care, Bruce
My pleasure! I hope you get the chance to see the museum. It is really beautiful and right in the center of Paris. I hope all is well!
Rebecca
I’d never heard of this museum, it’s very beautiful. I’ll definitely put it and the Parcel Monceau on our list of possibilities for our upcoming trip. It’s so sad how the family perished.
The museum is beautiful in person. You can use your museum pass if you buy one for this museum which is really great! I love Parc Monceau you will have to walk through and enjoy.