I all the time beloved Asian artwork and Thailand, Vietnam and Japan are my favourite international locations to journey to. But, the Guimet Museum stayed surprisingly “for later” on my Paris listing. I rode previous it on Metro Line 9 nearly each day, proper there by Place d’Iéna, however I by no means stepped inside. It was a type of locations you imply to go to… after which in some way by no means do.
That modified after I heard concerning the new set up round Hokusai’s Nice Wave off Kanagawa. The museum holds one of many uncommon authentic prints, plus a small immersive part inbuilt 2025. That was the ultimate push I wanted.
And now I remorse ready so lengthy. The museum is calm, very layered, and much greater than it appears to be like from the surface. There’s a lot to soak up that one go to isn’t sufficient — I left already planning my return.
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A Brief Historical past — and Why the Constructing Feels So Good
The Guimet Museum started with Émile Guimet — an industrialist, traveler, and collector who had a deep curiosity for Asian civilizations. After years spent exploring Asia and gathering artworks, he opened the museum within the late nineteenth century to share his assortment with the general public.
He selected a rotunda-style constructing that also feels surprisingly calm and spacious. Not grand within the Parisian sense, however open and simple to wander.
Just like the Petit Palais, the Guimet was constructed as a museum from the beginning — and you are feeling the distinction immediately.
I don’t learn about you, however the previous Parisian palaces that turned museums later usually include a faint scent of humidity and previous carpet, plus layouts that had been by no means designed for crowds. Stunning, sure. Comfy, not all the time.
The Musée Guimet is the alternative. It feels good to maneuver by way of. The sunshine, the movement, the best way every room opens into the following — all of it is sensible. You’ll be able to inform it was constructed for artwork, and for folks, not tailored centuries later.
And at this time, it holds probably the most full Asian artwork collections on the planet — one thing you solely grasp when you begin transferring from flooring to flooring.
What You’ll See Inside: Three Flooring of Asia
The Guimet holds one of many largest Asian artwork collections in Europe, and you are feeling it from the primary room.
The everlasting collections stretch throughout three flooring, each organized by area. The museum guides you gently from one tradition to the following. The rooms are devoted to particular international locations, which makes the entire go to surprisingly straightforward to observe.
Right here’s what to anticipate in additional element.
The Floor Flooring
Your go to begins on the bottom flooring, and it units the tone immediately. The rooms are devoted to Southeast Asia, with a concentrate on Khmer artwork. Assume ninth- to thirteenth-century sculptures, carved lintels, and architectural items that when stood in Angkor’s temples.
The dimensions is spectacular, nevertheless it by no means feels too heavy due to the ethereal structure of the museum. You stroll amongst serene stone figures and delicate motifs, nearly like stepping by way of fragments of an historic metropolis.
The gathering doesn’t cease with Cambodia. You’ll additionally discover artwork from Champa, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Additionally some archeologic displays from India.
The Higher Flooring
When you head upstairs, the museum opens right into a wider journey throughout Asia.
First Flooring
This stage brings you to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan on a broader that means to the Himalayan area. You’ll see sleek stone figures, fragments from historic websites, and the class of Gandhāra artwork.
It’s a mixture of sculpture, archaeology, and small objects that inform tales with out shouting for consideration. It’s right here the place you additionally discover the decrease flooring of the attractive library.
Second Flooring
China takes heart stage right here, with ceramics, ritual items, and refined ornamental arts. You additionally cross by way of Korea and a piece dedicated to Japan. You additionally discover just a few trendy items among the many historic artwork works.
Third Flooring
The Japanese galleries sit on the prime, and so they’re among the most lovely within the museum. Screens, lacquer, armors, small objects filled with element — and a relaxed environment that makes you decelerate with out attempting.
That is additionally the place you’ll discover works displayed in rotation, together with prints and delicate textiles that may’t keep out for lengthy.
I received’t spoil every thing. A part of the pleasure right here is wandering, letting every room draw you in at its personal tempo.
Sensible Info
The Guimet sits simply above Place d’Iéna, within the sixteenth arrondissement — shut sufficient to the Eiffel Tower to stroll, however far sufficient to flee the crowds. It’s a straightforward cease for those who’re already exploring the realm or heading towards Trocadéro.
Location
Musée Nationwide des Arts Asiatiques – Guimet
6, Place d’Iéna, 75116 Paris
Opening Hours
Each day 10:00–18:00, closed on Tuesday
Final entry round 17:15, and so they do clear the galleries on time — so don’t lower it too shut.
Easy methods to Get There
The best method is the Metro Line 9 to Iéna. You come out nearly in entrance of the museum.
You can even use:
→ Metro Line 6 to Boissière (a brief stroll)
→ Bus 32 or 82, each cease close by
Closing Phrases
The Guimet isn’t the loudest museum in Paris, and that’s precisely why it stays with you. It’s calm, beneficiant, and filled with items that reward sluggish wanting. I walked in for the Nice Wave off Kanagawa and walked out, questioning why I’d ignored it for thus lengthy.
Should you’re inquisitive about Asian artwork — otherwise you merely need a quieter second between town’s massive sights — it is a museum that opens up gently. And the extra time you give it, the extra it provides again.
I’ll be returning quickly. I’ve the sensation it’s a type of locations you by no means fairly end.
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Should-Haves for Paris:
- eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
- You possible want a journey adapter to plug your gadgets.
- Journey Insurance coverage – for those who don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an efficient possibility.
- In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.
Excursions & Sights:
- I e book excursions & actions by way of Get Your Information or Viator.
- Museum & Landmark tickets might be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re usually offered out.
- I really like the GoCity Journey Passes for simple planning
- I exploit Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off
Flights & Transportation:
Accomodation:
- Inns in Europe I largely e book by way of Reserving.com (examine critiques fastidiously)
- Trip Leases by way of Airbnb or VRBO
