Visiting the Guimet Museum, an immersive journey to the heart of Asia
Set in the 16th arrondissement close to Trocadéro, the Guimet Museum, also known as the National Museum of Asian Arts (musée national des arts asiatiques), houses one of the finest collections of Asian art outside of Asia. Founded in 1889 by the Lyon industrialist Émile Guimet, the museum takes visitors on a fascinating artistic and cultural exploration spanning several millennia and much of the Asian continent.
A rich and varied collection
The museum holds an exceptional selection of works from East Asia and Southeast Asia, including China, Japan, India, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Among the treasures on display, the magnificent Buddhist sculptures from Cambodia and India stand out, alongside delicate porcelains and Japanese woodblock prints. The museum also features a remarkable gallery dedicated to the arts of Korea, which are less widely known yet equally refined.
With a collection of over 45,000 pieces, the museum guarantees a thorough and educational cultural experience for both seasoned art lovers and curious newcomers alike.
Temporary exhibitions and events
Alongside its permanent collection, the Guimet Museum regularly hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions that explore specific themes, keeping the galleries fresh for returning visitors. Lectures, workshops, and film screenings are frequently organized to shed light on the nuances of Asian cultures. These activities provide an even deeper and more dynamic immersion into the civilizations on display.
Elegant architecture and a serene atmosphere
The building itself is worth the trip. Built in a restrained yet elegant neoclassical style, it offers bright, soothing spaces ideal for taking in the fine details of the exhibited works. A Zen garden rounds out the visit, offering a quiet escape right in the middle of the capital. This peaceful setting invites quiet contemplation and reflection, fitting the Asian philosophies highlighted throughout the museum's collections.
Opening hours
| Monday | 10:00-18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:00-18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00-18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00-18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00-18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00-18:00 |
Hours data: © OpenStreetMap contributors
*Information subject to change
The Guimet Museum is a very specific museum in Paris since it is exclusively dedicated to Asian arts. In all, more than 60,000 works are displayed over 5,500 square meters. I had the chance to discover it for Heritage Days in September. I loved its little, well-hidden zen garden. It is a very beautiful museum but not necessarily adapted for the general public. I particularly liked the Khmer collection from Angkor as well as the section dedicated to Japanese art, with samurai swords.