Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design
Explore a grand historic townhouse showcasing Bordeaux's decorative arts, from ceramics to period furniture, with a fun VR twist.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a grand historic townhouse showcasing Bordeaux's decorative arts, from ceramics to period furniture, with a fun VR twist.
"A wealthy person’s town house that is quite a grand setting for housing Bordeaux’s collection of decorative arts."
⏳ 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Townhouse Setting
Throughout the museum
Explore opulent rooms with original floors and walls, beautifully reflecting historical furnishings. A grand setting for art.

Ceramics and Silver Collections
Display rooms
Nicely displayed collections of china and silver offer a glimpse into past craftsmanship and elegance.

Period Furniture and Room Displays
Various rooms
Beautifully preserved furniture and decor in period rooms that transport you to another era.

VR Room Experience
Designated VR area
An engaging virtual reality room offers a fun and modern twist to the museum's historical offerings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Better Experience
Understand the Collection's Focus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
:clock1:🎟️ Affordable Entry
The entry fee is very reasonable for the experience and collections offered.
:euro:🤔 Manage Expectations
It's a historic townhouse with decorative arts, not solely a modern design museum.
:thinking_face:🕰️ Appreciate the Architecture
The original floors and walls add to the charm; enjoy the building as much as the art.
: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.
:clock1:🎟️ Affordable Entry
The entry fee is very reasonable for the experience and collections offered.
:euro:🤔 Manage Expectations
It's a historic townhouse with decorative arts, not solely a modern design museum.
:thinking_face:🕰️ Appreciate the Architecture
The original floors and walls add to the charm; enjoy the building as much as the art.
:building_construction:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Parking in the city center can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or walk if possible.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
The museum offers a very affordable entry fee, often around 5 euros, making it a great value for visitors.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or specific groups is usually available on the museum's official website or at the ticket counter.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Expect to see French ceramics, glassware, period furniture, and other decorative arts displayed within the rooms of a historic townhouse.
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.
As a historic townhouse, accessibility might be limited in certain areas. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Flash photography is typically prohibited in museums to protect the artworks from damage. Always check signage or ask staff if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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. 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.
💰 Budget Travelers
Given its central location, you can easily incorporate a visit into a day of exploring Bordeaux on foot, saving on transportation costs. 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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Bordeaux's Decorative Arts
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.
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.
Navigating the Museum Experience
The museum's affordability is frequently highlighted as a major plus, with a low entry fee making it an accessible cultural experience. 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.
For a touch of modern engagement, the VR room provides an interactive element that many find enjoyable. 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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