Small Museums

[prs]

Can anyone tell me how the Musée Nissim de Camondo
compares with the Jacquemart Andre?

[Truffaut]

They're both exquisite, but the Nissim de Camondo has far and away the finer collection of decorative arts. The Jaquemart-André focuses a bit more on paintings, and though they're good, there are better paintings to be seen in the Paris. As far as furnishings, porcelains, bronzes, etc., there are few places on the planet with a better collection than the Camondo. Also, the display of the collection is magnificently done.

[luckyluc]

I assume you read our Camondo blog entry on the blog page. What I like to most about the Jaquemart-André is the café with the unique decor, and yes it is bigger than the Camondo but the quality is lesser. Now since they are so close one to the other there are no reason you can not do both in one afternoon.

But if you must choose between the two, the Camondo will leave you with a much stronger impression and a desire to go back.

[Jody]

Truffaut took the words right out of my mouth. And arranged them much better.

Try to see both , neither take all day to go through.

The story behind the de Camondo is so heart-breaking .

I forget your dates in October, but there is a Van Dyck exhibition opening at the Jacquemart- Andre on the 8th of Oct.

[prs]

Thanks so much everyone. I will put the Nissim Camando at the top of our short list for this trip. A few years ago we visited the Jacquemart -Andre, so this had me wondering about the differences. It seems as if we have a wonderful experience in store!

[annettecinca]

PRS, you won't be sorry! My husband and I both adored the Camondo. Here are some pics:

www.ourparisforum.com/index.cgi?board=reports&action=display&thread=899

[Darcy]

I'll make it unanimous, the Nissim de Camondo is much better and the audio guide is excellent. I've been twice and will return.

[phread]

The Camondo family's story is also extremely touching, which adds incredible dimension to the visit.

At the Musée d'Orsay, in the room with thee Degas ballerina and that general area, you will find that a large % of the pieces were donated by the Camondo family. Somehow adds to the visit of the mansion, even though those paintings were part of the neighboring brother's collection.

[Becky (Berkeleytravelers)]

Phread - I had no idea of that, thanks for posting.

[ladyjicky]

I have been to both and I think they are BOTH worth visiting. I love that staircase at jacquemart andre and the oven at nissim! LOL

[Truffaut]

I will admit to a touch of copper envy at Camondo!

[annettecinca]

I totally understand, T! Copper was never a favorite of mine, but after seeing so much of it at the Camondo and some of the chateaux in December, I had to bring a copper pot home!

[janinparis]

The Musée Camondo might just be my favorite in Paris, but I really can't add to what has been said.

However, in addition to the Jacquemart-André and the Camondo, if you are interested in French decorative arts, there is the Musée Cognacq-Jay, which belonged to the ower of the late, lamented La Samaritaine.

[luckyluc]

Merci Jan, I had totally forgot about the Cognac-Jay and how charming it is. It is back on my list for next month, and being part of the municipal museums it is free!