The Musée du Luxembourg: Paris’ Oldest Public Museum

The Musée du Luxembourg is Paris’ oldest public museum, having first opened its doors in 1750 (albeit in another building, the Palais du Luxembourg). It has experienced numerous transformations over the years but has consistently maintained a significant role in the city’s vibrant artistic life. Notably, it was the first museum to organize a group exhibit dedicated to the Impressionist school, a collection that is now permanently housed at the nearby Musee d’Orsay.

In recent years, the Luxembourg museum has held major retrospectives on renowned artists such as Modigliani, Botticelli, Raphaël, Titian, Arcimboldo, Veronese, Gauguin, and Vlaminck. For instance, in the fall of 2015, the museum celebrated a significant retrospective on French Rococo painter Fragonard, showcasing his famed painting titled “The Swing”.

Moreover, aside from the main exhibition halls, the museum’s location bordering the stunning Jardin du Luxembourg makes it a delightful destination for artistic and cultural exploration. It is highly recommended to roam through the gardens, crafted by Queen Marie de Medicis and frequented by distinguished artists, writers, and painters over centuries, before or after enjoying an exhibit.

Location and Contact Information

The Musée du Luxembourg is situated at the edge of the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris’ 6th arrondissement (district).

Address: 19 rue de Vaugirard
Metro/RER: Saint-Sulpice or Mabillon; or RER Line B to Luxembourg
Tel : +33 (0)1 40 13 62 00

Visit the official website (in English)

Opening Hours

The museum and exhibit galleries welcome visitors every day from 10 am to 8 pm, extending to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Notably, the museum is closed on December 25th and May 1st.

Accessibility

The Musée du Luxembourg is accessible for visitors with limited mobility. Admission is complimentary with proof of identity (including for accompanying guests). Additionally, parking spaces for disabled guests are specially allocated. For further details, check out the museum’s resources.

Onsite Cafe and Refreshments

Visitors can indulge in tea, signature hot chocolate, and various delightful treats at the Angelina tea room situated on the premises.

Sights and Attractions Nearby the Museum

• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Sorbonne University and the Latin Quarter
• The St-Michel Neighborhood
• Musee d’Orsay
• St-Germain-des-Pres district
• La Closerie des Lilas Restaurant and Cafe

A Bit of History

When the museum first opened, it showcased around 100 paintings, including a series of 24 works from Rubens depicting French Queen Marie de Medicis, alongside masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Van Dyck, and Rembrandt. These significant pieces would later find their new home at the Louvre.

By 1818, the Musée du Luxembourg had been reimagined as a contemporary arts museum, honoring the creations of living artists like Delacroix and David, renowned figures of the time. The current building was completed in 1886.

The inaugural and infamous exhibition of major Impressionist works was held within the existing premises, featuring contributions from Cézanne, Sisley, Monet, Pissarro, Manet, Renoir, among others. These artworks, regarded as scandalous by critics at the time, were subsequently relocated to the now-iconic collection at the Musée d’Orsay.

In 1937, when the Palais de Tokyo opened as a new center for contemporary arts in Paris, the Musée du Luxembourg temporarily closed its doors, only to reopen in 1979.