Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design - Sign at the entrance of The Design Museum in London
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Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design

4.2
·990 reviews·Bordeaux, France

Explore a grand historic townhouse showcasing Bordeaux's decorative arts, from ceramics to period furniture, with a fun VR twist.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design - Sign at the entrance of The Design Museum in London

Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a grand historic townhouse showcasing Bordeaux's decorative arts, from ceramics to period furniture, with a fun VR twist.

4.2
(990 reviews)

"A wealthy person’s town house that is quite a grand setting for housing Bordeaux’s collection of decorative arts."

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Take Your Time

Soak in the history of this beautiful setting; don't rush through the many rooms of displays. :clock1:

🎟️ Affordable Entry

The entry fee is very reasonable for the experience and collections offered. :euro:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Townhouse Setting

Historic Townhouse Setting

Throughout the museum

Explore opulent rooms with original floors and walls, beautifully reflecting historical furnishings. A grand setting for art.

Reddit
Ceramics and Silver Collections

Ceramics and Silver Collections

Display rooms

Nicely displayed collections of china and silver offer a glimpse into past craftsmanship and elegance.

Reddit
Period Furniture and Room Displays

Period Furniture and Room Displays

Various rooms

Beautifully preserved furniture and decor in period rooms that transport you to another era.

Reddit
VR Room Experience

VR Room Experience

Designated VR area

An engaging virtual reality room offers a fun and modern twist to the museum's historical offerings.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for a Better Experience

While the main museum can be quiet, temporary exhibits might get busy. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the grand setting and collections. Reddit

Understand the Collection's Focus

This museum showcases Bordeaux's decorative arts, including ceramics, glassware, and period furniture within a historic townhouse. It's not solely a design museum, so manage expectations. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Temporary exhibits can be busy
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

How busy are the museums Palais Galleria and Musee des Arts Decoratifs? Should I buy advance tickets?

⏳ Take Your Time

Soak in the history of this beautiful setting; don't rush through the many rooms of displays. Reddit :clock1:

🎟️ Affordable Entry

The entry fee is very reasonable for the experience and collections offered. Reddit :euro:

🤔 Manage Expectations

It's a historic townhouse with decorative arts, not solely a modern design museum. Reddit :thinking_face:

🕰️ Appreciate the Architecture

The original floors and walls add to the charm; enjoy the building as much as the art. Reddit :building_construction:

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Take Your Time

Soak in the history of this beautiful setting; don't rush through the many rooms of displays. Reddit :clock1:

🎟️ Affordable Entry

The entry fee is very reasonable for the experience and collections offered. Reddit :euro:

🤔 Manage Expectations

It's a historic townhouse with decorative arts, not solely a modern design museum. Reddit :thinking_face:

🕰️ Appreciate the Architecture

The original floors and walls add to the charm; enjoy the building as much as the art. Reddit :building_construction:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(990 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the museum's grand historic townhouse setting, original interiors, and well-displayed collections of ceramics, silver, and period furniture. The affordable entry fee and the engaging VR room are also frequently praised. Some reviewers note that it's more of a decorative arts museum within a historic house than a contemporary design museum, and explanations can be minimal.

"This was a wealthy person’s town house that is quite a grand setting for housing Bordeaux’s collection of decorative arts. The china and silver collections are nicely displayed and the furniture and other period pieces beautifully reflect the way the various rooms may have been furnished. The floors and walls are original and we enjoyed the many rooms of displays. Take your time to soak in the history of this beautiful setting. We enjoyed it very much."

Theresa Hoban

"Good selection is Bordeaux artifacts - the VR room was fun."

Pierre-Antoine ARLOT

"An odd mix of modern and traditional that is well worth the 5€ entry, and an hour or so."

Tim Anderson

What People Like

Grand historic townhouse setting
Well-displayed decorative arts
Affordable entry fee

What People Dislike

Minimal explanations
Not a modern design focus

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is centrally located in Bordeaux, making it accessible by public transport. You can take trams or buses that stop nearby. Walking from other city attractions is also a pleasant option. Reddit

Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or walk if possible. Reddit

If you're exploring Bordeaux's city center, walking is often the most enjoyable way to reach the museum, allowing you to see more of the city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Advance tickets are generally not required for the main museum, as it's often not very crowded. However, for popular temporary exhibits, it might be wise to check their website. Reddit

The museum offers a very affordable entry fee, often around 5 euros, making it a great value for visitors. Reddit

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or specific groups is usually available on the museum's official website or at the ticket counter. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially for temporary exhibitions. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

A visit typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your interest in the collections and if you explore the VR room. Reddit

Expect to see French ceramics, glassware, period furniture, and other decorative arts displayed within the rooms of a historic townhouse. Reddit

While it's a historic house with art, the VR room might be a highlight for children. The overall experience might be more appreciated by older children or adults. Reddit

As a historic townhouse, accessibility might be limited in certain areas. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for specific restrictions, especially in temporary exhibition areas. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself typically does not have a restaurant. However, being in the heart of Bordeaux, there are numerous cafes and restaurants within walking distance. Reddit

It's generally not permitted to bring food and drinks into museum galleries to protect the exhibits. There are usually designated areas outside or nearby to enjoy refreshments. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The grand rooms with period furniture and the original architectural details of the townhouse offer beautiful photographic opportunities. The VR room can also be visually interesting. Reddit

Flash photography is typically prohibited in museums to protect the artworks from damage. Always check signage or ask staff if unsure. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design can be a pleasant outing for families, particularly if your children have an interest in history or beautiful objects. The VR room is a definite highlight that can engage younger visitors with its interactive nature. Reddit While the main collections of ceramics, glassware, and furniture might appeal more to adults, the grand setting of the historic townhouse itself can spark imagination. Reddit

Keep in mind that the museum is housed in an old building, so accessibility might be a consideration for families with very young children or strollers. Reddit It's also a place that encourages quiet observation, so it might be best suited for families with children who can appreciate a more serene museum experience. Visiting during weekday mornings can help avoid any potential crowds, making the visit more relaxed for everyone. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers, boasting a very affordable entry fee (around 5 euros). Reddit It offers a substantial cultural experience without a significant financial outlay, allowing you to immerse yourself in Bordeaux's decorative arts and history. Reddit

Given its central location, you can easily incorporate a visit into a day of exploring Bordeaux on foot, saving on transportation costs. Reddit Pack your own snacks and drinks to enjoy outside the museum, further keeping expenses down. The manageable size means you can get a fulfilling experience in a relatively short amount of time, making it a perfect addition to a packed itinerary. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Bordeaux's Decorative Arts

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design is housed within a magnificent historic townhouse, offering a unique backdrop for its collections. Visitors can explore rooms that have been preserved to reflect their original grandeur, complete with period furniture and architectural details. This setting itself is a significant part of the experience, allowing you to step back in time and imagine life within these opulent walls. Reddit

The museum's focus is on Bordeaux's rich history of decorative arts. You'll find an array of French ceramics, exquisite glassware, and meticulously displayed silver collections. These items showcase the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of different eras, providing a fascinating insight into the region's artistic heritage. Reddit

While the core of the museum is dedicated to historical decorative arts, it also incorporates a handful of contemporary pieces and a notable VR room. This blend of old and new offers a dynamic visitor experience, though some reviewers note that the 'design' aspect might be less prominent than expected, with the emphasis leaning more towards historical decorative arts within a château-like setting. Reddit

Navigating the Museum Experience

Many visitors find the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design to be a charming and manageable size, perfect for a visit of about an hour to an hour and a half. Reddit The main museum areas are often described as quiet and uncrowded, allowing for a peaceful appreciation of the collections. However, it's worth noting that temporary exhibitions can draw larger crowds, so planning your visit accordingly is advisable. Reddit

The museum's affordability is frequently highlighted as a major plus, with a low entry fee making it an accessible cultural experience. Reddit While the museum offers a wealth of historical artifacts, some visitors suggest that explanations might be minimal, encouraging a more self-guided and observational approach to the exhibits. This can be a positive for those who enjoy discovering details independently, but might be a drawback for those seeking in-depth interpretive content. Reddit

For a touch of modern engagement, the VR room provides an interactive element that many find enjoyable. Reddit It's a good way to break up the historical displays and offers a different perspective on the museum's themes. Overall, the experience is often described as pleasant and worthwhile, especially for those interested in historical interiors and decorative arts.

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