Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris
Discover a captivating collection of 18th-century art and decorative arts housed in a magnificent historic mansion, offering a free and intimate journ...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy fewer visitors and a peaceful atmosphere.
Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris
Best Time
Enjoy fewer visitors and a peaceful atmosphere.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a captivating collection of 18th-century art and decorative arts housed in a magnificent historic mansion, offering a free and intimate journey into the elegance of the Enlightenment.
"A charming, free museum in Le Marais, offering a delightful glimpse into 18th-century Parisian elegance."
🚶♀️ Explore Le Marais
Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming streets of Le Marais, full of boutiques and cafes.
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Always confirm current opening days and hours on their official website before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hôtel Donon
Le Marais District
Explore the stunning 16th-century mansion itself, a beautifully preserved example of Parisian architecture that houses the collection.

18th-Century Masterpieces
Permanent Collection
Admire exquisite works by artists like Canaletto, Fragonard, and Boucher, showcasing the elegance of the Enlightenment era.

Decorative Arts & Furniture
Various Rooms
Discover a rich array of period furniture, porcelain, and objets d'art, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life.
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry & Niche Focus
Location & Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Explore Le Marais
Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming streets of Le Marais, full of boutiques and cafes.
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Always confirm current opening days and hours on their official website before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🎧 Bring Headphones
Some visitors recommend bringing your own headphones for audio guides, if available, for a richer experience.
🖼️ Focus on the Period
Appreciate the museum's specific focus on 18th-century art for a more rewarding and immersive visit.
Art and museum lover seeking itinerary advice
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Explore Le Marais
Combine your visit with a stroll through the charming streets of Le Marais, full of boutiques and cafes.
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Always confirm current opening days and hours on their official website before your visit to avoid disappointment.
🎧 Bring Headphones
Some visitors recommend bringing your own headphones for audio guides, if available, for a richer experience.
🖼️ Focus on the Period
Appreciate the museum's specific focus on 18th-century art for a more rewarding and immersive visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris for its charming and intimate atmosphere, often highlighting the beautiful 18th-century collection and the stunning historic mansion. Many appreciate the free admission, making it a delightful and accessible cultural experience in Le Marais. Some note its niche focus, which might not appeal to all, but for those interested, it's a hidden gem.
"A very nice little museum ! With all types of art : paintings of course, but also sculptures, porcelain and furniture. We learn about the couple who created La Samaritaine and their passion for arts. Cherry on the cake : it a Paris Museum so it’s free for permanent exhibitions ! A museum worth to be more famous !"
L. T.
"A brilliant free museum. The couple who gifted it to the city were avid collectors of fine art. This is their private game and the collections of paintings sculptures furniture and porcelain though small is of very high quality. The toilets at many levels down. There are free lockers to put your bags in. You need a €1 or 2 coin to do so but it is returned."
G Mac
"Perhaps not so well known, this museum doesn’t seem to have many visitors. A shame because it’s very interesting. The staff is friendly and kind. The entry is free (you can leave donations when leaving)"
Ana
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris is conveniently located in Le Marais. You can reach it via several metro lines. The closest stations are Saint-Paul (Line 1), Rambuteau (Line 11), and Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 and 11). From any of these, it's a short, pleasant walk through the historic district.
Yes, several bus lines serve the area around the Cognacq-Jay Museum Paris. Look for stops near Rue des Francs Bourgeois or Rue de Turenne. Popular lines include 29, 69, 76, and 96, offering good connections from various parts of the city.
Absolutely! The Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris is about a 15-20 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral, making it a great addition to a walking tour of central Paris. It's a scenic route through Île de la Cité and into Le Marais.
Parking in Le Marais can be challenging. While there are underground parking garages like Parking Baudoyer or Parking Pont Marie, they can be expensive. Public transport is highly recommended when visiting the Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris.
Since the Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris is relatively small, it's perfect for combining with other sights. Start your day at the museum, then explore Place des Vosges, visit the Musée Carnavalet, or browse the boutiques and cafes of Le Marais. It's a great way to experience the district's charm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, admission to the permanent collections of the Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris is completely free for all visitors. This makes it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers and art lovers alike. There might be a fee for temporary exhibitions, so check their website.
For the permanent collection, advance booking is generally not required as admission is free. You can simply walk in during opening hours. However, for special temporary exhibitions, it's always wise to check their official website for any specific booking requirements or timed entry slots.
The Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. It is usually closed on Mondays and certain public holidays. Always verify the most current opening hours on the museum's official website before planning your visit.
For temporary exhibitions, which may have an entry fee, various discounts might be available for students, seniors, or specific cardholders. It's best to consult the museum's official website or inquire at the ticket counter for current pricing and discount policies.
Since the permanent collection of the Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris is free, it is generally not included in the Paris Museum Pass for standard entry. The pass typically covers museums with paid admission. If there's a temporary exhibition with a fee, it might not be covered either, so check the pass's inclusions.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience & Collection
The Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris specializes in 18th-century art and decorative arts. You'll find paintings by masters like Canaletto, Fragonard, and Boucher, alongside exquisite sculptures, furniture, porcelain, and other objets d'art from the Enlightenment period. It's a focused collection offering a deep dive into a specific era.
As a smaller, more intimate museum, most visitors find that 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to thoroughly explore the permanent collection of the Cognacq-Jay Museum Paris. This allows ample time to appreciate the artworks and the beautiful setting of the Hôtel Donon.
While the Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris doesn't have specific interactive exhibits for children, older kids with an interest in history or art might enjoy the beautiful setting and the unique collection. Younger children might find the focus on 18th-century decorative arts less engaging. It's more suited for a quiet, contemplative visit.
The availability of guided tours or audio guides can vary. It's recommended to check the official website of the Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris before your visit for information on any available interpretive materials, such as audio guides (often downloadable to your phone) or scheduled guided tours.
Generally, photography without flash is permitted for personal use in the permanent collections of the Musée Cognacq-Jay Paris, but policies can change. Always look for signage or ask staff upon entry. Flash photography and tripods are typically prohibited to protect the artworks and ensure visitor comfort.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🎨 Art History Enthusiasts
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers in Le Marais
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In-depth insights and expert knowledge
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