Marmottan Monet Museum (Musée Marmottan Monet)

The Basics

The Marmottan Monet Museumdates back to 1882, when Jules Marmottan purchased the historic hunting lodge and filled it with his private art collection. The collection was expanded by his son Paul before being bequeathed to the Académie des Beaux-Arts. It grew significantly with several high-profile donations, including one by Claude Monet’s son in 1966.

Today, the museum’s collection features masterworks by Monet, Berthe Morisot, Paul Gauguin, Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas, and other Impressionist and post-Impressionist luminaries. It also owns the Wildenstein Collection of illuminated manuscripts. Small-group tours offer an intimate way to discover the museum’s highlights, while skip-the-line itineraries are suited for time-pressed visitors. Some itineraries even pair a museum visit with a trip to Monet’s home in Giverny.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The ground floor and lower level of the museum are accessible to those in wheelchairs, though the upper level is not.

• The museum’s basement galleries were designed to resemble those at the Musée de l’Orangerie, and also showcase Monet’s Water Lilies series.

• Audio guides are available in French and English for a small additional fee.

How to Get There

The Marmottan Monet Museum, located on Paris’ western edge, can be accessed by multiple forms of transportation. Take Métro line 9 to La Muette station, the RER C to Boulainvilliers station, or bus lines 22, 32, 52, 63. The museum can also be reached by rental bike, car, or foot.

When to Get There

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday with later hours on Thursdays. It is closed each year on Dec. 25, Jan. 1, and May 1. The museum hosts several temporary exhibitions each year; as such it is worth planning repeat visits.

Impression, Sunrise

One of the museum’s highlight works isImpression, Sunrise, a dreamy canvas painted by Claude Monet in 1872, which gave the Impressionist movement its name. Though the painting was stolen during a high-profile heist in 1985, it was later recovered and is on display today.

Ways to explore

The impressive collection is displayed in a 19th-century manor house on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, affording an idyllic escape for art enthusiasts. Plan to spend up to two hours browsing the galleries or join a guided tour to learn more about featured artists, such as Berthe Morisot, Eugène Boudin, or Claude Monet. Monet fans can also benefit from a combination ticket, which includes the Marmottan Monet Museum and Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny. Opt for a guided tour from Paris to visit both in one day.

Accessibility

The ground floor, Monet exhibition, and temporary exhibitions are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; a standing lift operates to the first floor; free wheelchairs are available to rent; free admission for disability cardholders.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Smartphone for the museum’s mobile app, water

What to wear

Flat, comfortable shoes and light layers for air-conditioning

Not allowed

Large bags and suitcases, outside food and drink, photography

Amenities

Audio guides and museum mobile app, café, gift shop, Wi-Fi

Address

The Marmottan Monet Museum is located in Paris’ 16th arrondissement between the Jardin du Ranelagh and the Bois de Boulogne. It can be easily reached by car or public transport from central Paris.

Driving

From central Paris, it takes about 30 minutes by car to reach the museum, depending on traffic. Follow the Seine River west past the Eiffel Tower, cross the Pont de Bir Hakeim – Origem, and take the Rue de Ranelagh towards the Bois de Boulogne.

Public transportation

Take the metro line 9 to La Muette station or the RER C to Boulainvilliers station, both about a 10-minute walk from the museum. Bus lines 32 and 70 stop close to the museum.

Best times to visit

Get there when the museum opens at 10am to avoid the crowds, or come on a Thursday for the evening opening, from 6pm to 9pm.

Best days to visit

The quietest days to visit are typically Tuesday through Thursday; the museum is closed on Mondays.

Best months to visit

Plan a visit in the low season months of February, March, or November to avoid the crowds, or look out for temporary exhibitions, which typically run from late spring through summer or late fall through winter.

Special events

The museum takes part in the annual European Night of Museums (May) and European Heritage Days (September), offering free admission, special exhibitions, and guided tours.