The Albert Kahn Museum & Gardens are one in every of my favourite hidden spots in Paris. Whereas the town is thought for its grand gardens just like the Jardin du Luxembourg and spectacular museums, this one feels solely totally different. It’s smaller, extra intimate, with a peaceable ambiance that pulls you in.
Each nook appears like a discovery—like a quiet, lush retreat from the town’s busyness. In the event you’re trying to find a novel, serene spot so as to add to your Paris agenda, that is it!
I go to no less than every year and all the time discover one thing new to like. Earlier this 12 months, I introduced my gardening-enthusiast dad and mom, and even they have been amazed by the panorama.
On this article, I’ll share the highlights of the Albert Kahn Departmental Museum, from its superbly designed backyard sections to the in depth pictures assortment. Whether or not you’re a fan of peaceable retreats or hidden gems in Paris, this backyard and museum supply lots to discover.
Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning skilled and parisienne since 2006 🩷
If you are going to buy by way of hyperlinks on this web site, I’ll earn – for gratis to you – a small fee. This helps me cowl my prices and preserve my web site working. Thanks a lot in your help 🙂 Be taught extra
Who Was Albert Kahn?
Albert Kahn (1860–1940) was excess of only a profitable banker—he was additionally a passionate philanthropist and a devoted pacifist. After making his fortune in banking, Kahn turned his consideration to what actually mattered to him: selling peace and understanding throughout cultures.
He used his wealth to fund schooling and initiatives that aimed to carry the world nearer collectively.
One in every of his most spectacular efforts was The Archives de la Planète, the place he despatched photographers to over 50 nations between 1908 and 1931 to seize on a regular basis life in gorgeous colour—at a time when most pictures was nonetheless black and white.
The consequence? Over 72,000 colour pictures and hundreds of meters of movie, showcasing the variety of humanity.
Kahn really believed that understanding totally different cultures may result in a extra peaceable world, and his legacy lives on at the moment on the Musée Départemental Albert-Kahn in Paris. It’s a phenomenal mix of his work and imaginative and prescient for a extra linked world.
Archive de la Planète
Once you go to the Albert Kahn Museum, your first cease is the Archives de la Planète, the unbelievable pictures exhibition.
In 1912, Albert Kahn set out on an formidable mission to create what he described as
“a photographic stock of the floor of the globe, occupied and arranged by man, because it presents itself firstly of the twentieth century.”
This formidable thought grew to become The Archives de la Planète—a large documentary mission that’s now the center of the Musée Départemental Albert-Kahn.
The consequence? A exceptional assortment of over 72,000 colour pictures from greater than 50 nations, taken between 1908 and 1931. Kahn used the groundbreaking autochrome course of, capturing on a regular basis life in vivid colour—a uncommon sight at the moment. The gathering is actually one-of-a-kind, documenting a world in transition.
However be ready—the sheer quantity of pictures may be overwhelming. 1000’s line the partitions, and it’s placing to see individuals from 100 years in the past in colour. It’s a reminder of how a lot and the way little has modified.
You may simply spend hours right here, however my tip is to move to the digital exhibit within the heart of the museum. Right here, every photograph is categorized and comes with background info, making it a bit simpler to digest and far much less overwhelming.
The Jardin d’Albert Kahn
After the museum, it’s time to discover the gardens, which for a lot of are the primary motive to go to. Particularly spring is a highly regarded time, after all, however the gardens are all the time lovely, regardless of the season.
To be sincere, the primary time I went, I didn’t even know there was something past the gardens. Now, I discover myself simply as fascinated by the pictures, however the gardens nonetheless maintain a particular place.
Albert Kahn’s gardens stretch throughout a 4-hectare space, surprisingly tucked between streets, homes, and colleges. It’s sort of unbelievable—when you begin wandering by way of, it feels such as you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life.
The backyard is split into sections, every providing a novel glimpse of various components of the world. Strolling by way of feels such as you’re transferring between landscapes, all designed to mirror Kahn’s imaginative and prescient of world concord.
There’s all the time one thing new round every nook, making the expertise each peaceable and stuffed with discovery. The Jardin d’Albert Kahn is wihtout a doubt one of the crucial attention-grabbing and charming parks in Paris.
All through the gardens, you’ll discover small exhibitions that showcase not solely the photographers Kahn labored with but in addition the wildlife of the areas represented within the backyard. For instance, the Vosges part dives into the biodiversity of that area.
Overview: Completely different sections of the Albert Kahn Backyard
- Japanese Backyard: One in every of my private favorites, this space appears like entering into a peaceful, meditative area. You’ve acquired serene ponds, conventional tea homes, a crimson guzei bridge and even koi carps.
- French Backyard: This part has a extra formal, symmetrical really feel. The hedges are completely trimmed, and the flower preparations are timeless and chic. The sq. is surrounded by benches, making it an awesome spot to take a break or take in some solar.
- Blue Forest and Vosges Forest: These wooded areas characterize areas of France, notably the Vosges. Strolling by way of them, you actually get a really feel of being in a forest. It’s fairly spectacular.
- Orchard and Rose Backyard: There’s additionally a phenomenal orchard full of fruit bushes that’s particularly beautiful in late summer season. And for those who’re a fan of roses, you’ll love the rose backyard, which bursts with colour and perfume within the hotter months.
- Winter Backyard/Orangerie: Right here’s the refined model:
The Orangerie is residence to exhibitions on wildlife, however after all, you’ll additionally discover numerous tropical crops right here.
My tip: behind the constructing, there’s a staircase that leads as much as the primary flooring, the place you possibly can catch a stunning view of the gardens. I solely found it on my final go to.
The entire 4-hectare space is so well-designed, and it actually offers you that peaceable vibe that displays Kahn’s thought of mixing nature and tradition in concord.
With all of the totally different landscapes, plus the pictures and nature displays, it appears like slightly world of its personal. It’s the right place to decelerate and take all of it in.
Sensible Info: How you can Go to
Initially, the Albert Kahn Backyard and Museum aren’t situated within the heart of Paris, however in a suburb referred to as Boulogne-Billancourt. However don’t let that put you off—it’s actually no huge deal.
Boulogne-Billancourt is well-connected by the Metro, and attending to the gardens from the town heart is only a quick 30-minute experience. Truthfully, you in all probability gained’t even discover you’re leaving city. It’s a clean and simple journey that’s completely value it for what awaits you.
- Getting there: Take metro line 10 to Boulogne – Pont de Saint-Cloud, and the gardens are a brief stroll from the station.
- Opening occasions: The gardens and museum are open Tuesday by way of Sunday, usually from 11h to 18h throughout winter, and till 19h in summer season. At all times verify forward, as occasions could range by season.
- Reserving data: Tickets may be bought on-line by way of the official Albert Kahn Museum web site or on the museum.
Personally, I all the time purchased my tickets on web site and by no means run into points, not even on weekends throughout peak season.
Please observe that the Albert Kahn Backyard and Museum are closed from December 31 to January 12, on Could 1, and on December 25.
All in all, the Musée Albert Kahn is an ideal little journey for those who’re in search of one thing totally different and a non-touristy factor to do in Paris.
Whether or not you’re into pictures or simply need to wander by way of some gorgeous gardens, it’s properly well worth the quick journey to Boulogne-Billancourt. You gained’t remorse it
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Skilled in: Parisian Life &
French Tradition, Journey
Planning, Crochet & Meals and Drinks
Be part of me on Fb for updates and information about Paris.
Should Have Paris Journey Necessities
Worldwide Journey Adapter
Transportable Charger in your Telephone
