Musee Marmottan via artsprogrammemagazine.fr

For fans of impressionism, a trip to Paris would not be complete without viewing some of Monet’s paintings. For those with more time, a day in Giverny to see Monet’s gardens brings his work to life. For time-crunched travelers, however, a few hours at the Marmottan Monet Museum will do the trick.

History

Originally the hunting lodge of the Duke of Valmy, the Marmottan Monet Museum was purchased in 1882 by Jules Marmottan who built an additional town house on the location in which to keep his art collection. Upon his death, Marmottan donated everything to the French Academy of Fine Arts, which became the Marmottan Monet Museum in 1934.

In 1957, the museum received a donation of the private collection of Doctor Georges de Bellio, who had treated the likes of Monet, Manet, Pissaro, Sisley and Renoir.

In 1966, Monet’s son Michel donated his Giverny property to the French Academy of Fine Arts and his collection of paintings inherited from his father to the Marmottan Monet Museum, making this the largest Monet collection in the world.

Collections

Monet's Les Tuileries via journaldespeintres.fr

Explore one of the world’s largest collections of Middle Ages and Renaissance illumination art from the 13^th through 16^th centuries, including a leaf from the Book of Hours of Louis XII by Jean Bourdichon.

Discover Paul Marmottan’s vast collection of First Empire pieces, including paintings, drawings, miniatures, sculptures, furniture, bronzes and porcelain from the end of the 18^th century through the beginning of the 19^th. Here you will find works of lesser-known artists such as Fabre, Bertin, Bosio and Molitor.

Follow Monet’s evolution as a painter, from settings in Paris and Le Havre to the famous Water Lilies. Les Tuileries and Promenade près d’Argenteuil are especially breathtaking because of the use of light.

Berthe Morisot's Les Lilas a Maurecourt via lusile17.centerblog.net

Take a walk through the collection of Berthe Morisot, sister-in-law of Eduard Manet. Herself a talented impressionist painter, Berthe often used her sister, husband and children as models, who are the subjects of her best pieces. (Until July 29, 2012)

After you’ve become inspired by all of the beautiful artwork at the Marmottan Monet Museum, take a long promenade in the leafy jardins du Ranelagh across the street and let your mind conjure up your own impressionist images.

Practical Information

Hours: 10-6, closed Mondays

Access: La Muette Metro

Cost: General Admission 10 €/ Under 7 Free

Marmottan Monet Museum

2 rue Louis Bouilly

75016 Paris

http://www.marmottan.com/

© 2012 Pasa’s Paris