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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

Housed in a wing of the Louvre – but independently run and ticketed – the Musee des Arts Decoratifs is an inspirational collection of items around the decorative arts, featuring diverse and beautiful types of furniture, home decor and accessories. With over one million objects in its collection, it’s the largest museum of decorative arts in continental Europe.

They’re arranged chronologically, by period – ranging from the Middle Ages all the way to the latest designers – as well as by theme. Changing exhibitions also run, themed around types and styles of furniture, ceramics, fashion and advertising. Other highlights include beautiful period rooms and historic jewellery.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price from: £12
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take the metro to Palais Royal–Musee du Louvre, close to the entrance.

You can buy tickets online (in French only) or at the entrance. Guided tours are available for individuals and groups throughout the week. Email them to book in advance.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays. It’s open late on Thursday, when crowds are fewer.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hotel Le Pradey

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.2 miles]

In a perfect Louvre-adjacent location, this witty, original boutique hotel pays homage to Parisian style.

Official star rating:

Le Meurice

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.5 miles]

Seriously grand but pleasingly unstuffy, the queen of Paris’ palace hotels has a regal setting overlooking the Jardin des Tuileries.

Official star rating:

Hotel Bachaumont

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.9 miles]

A hip, Haussmann-style hotel is a fab base for anyone looking to mix sightseeing with shopping and nightlife. Uber-central, close to the Louvre, and with a brasserie and bars worth staying in for.

Official star rating:

Hotel d’Aubusson

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[1 miles]

A grand, historic boutique hotel, set in a 17th-century St-Germain townhouse, offers both history and a brilliant, contemporary Left Bank location.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Paris

Ile-de-France, France

Crammed with iconic buildings, world-class art and a culinary scene steeped in history, Paris is one of the world’s great capitals, overflowing with style, romance, and art de vivre. 

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Louvre Museum

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.4 miles]

The world’s most visited museum, a treasure trove of art from around the world. Admire the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and many, many more…

Best for ages: 16+ | £15

Orsay Museum

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.6 miles]

A gloriously-converted Belle Epoque train station that is now a temple to Impressionist art dating from 1848 to 1914. The exceptional collection includes works by Monet, Manet, Degas, Cezanne, Gauguin and Van Gogh.

Best for ages: 13+ | £14

La Conciergerie

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[1.2 miles]

This vast Medieval palace was most famous as the ‘antechamber to the guillotine’ in the French Revolution. Three thousand prisoners were tried and convicted here, including France’s last queen Marie Antoinette.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

The front view of Stohrer on a street in Paris. The exterior of the shop is painted in navy with a dark blue parasol
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Stohrer

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[1 miles]

The birthplace of the rum baba in the 18th century, the city’s oldest patisserie still wows with its gateaux (cake) today.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

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internal view showing extraordinary stained glass windows
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Sainte-Chapelle

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[1.2 miles]

Paris’ most exquisite Gothic monument was built by Louis IX in 1248 to house his collection of Passion relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns (now at Notre-Dame Cathedral). It has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained-glass collections anywhere in the world.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Moulin Rouge

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.3 miles]

A long-running, extravagant, colourful cabaret featuring dancers and courtesans has been thrilling Parisian audiences since 1889. See the incomparable Can Can – the enigmatic dance that’s its greatest claim to fame.

Best for ages: 10+ | £74 | 2-4 hours

An inside view of Victor Hugo's first editions drawings and home-made furniture on display
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Victor Hugo’s House

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.6 miles]

The apartment where famous French poet and novelist Victor Hugo lived for 16 years, now a museum about his life and works.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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