Au Musée de Montmartre...
- Parisian Niche
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
We're still exploring Montmartre this week, finding ourselves turning off both Place du Tertre and la rue de l'Abreuvoir, just in front of the Musée de Montmartre. This petit museum, located in a historic building, which was once home to several renowned artists, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the bohemian lifestyle that thrived here during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Let's take a P'Niche peek to learn more...
Considered a new kid on the Parisian block, The Musée de Montmartre was officially established in 1960, but its roots run deep into the early 20th century, when the building was the residence of several notable artists, including painter Maurice Utrillo and his mother, Suzanna Valadon. The museum aims to honor the artistic legacy of Montmartre and offer an insightful look into the lives of the artists who shaped this neighborhood.
The musée features an extensive collection of over 6,000 pieces of exceptional artwork, photographs, and unique memorabilia that chronicle the area's rich history.
These thoughtfully curated exhibitions (both permanent and visiting) consistently showcase both famous and lesser-known artists who have contributed to and continue to enhance Montmartre's vibrant artistic scene.
One item not to be missed is the most recent refurbishment of the atelier-apartment, of Valadon, Utrillo and Utter, overseen by designer Hubert Le Gall.
Paired with Le Gall's cooperation with several well established institutions we are able to experience the closest we can to the original, with the walls of Utrillo's bedroom even maintaining their original paneling - it's a true sight to behold!
Even before this trio, Renoir saw this petite maison as his home and atelier (I know, way to bury the lead!)
In this reimagined studio, you can see paint splatters on the desk along with other artistic tools, dotted along every available surface. If seeing this space in person does not inspire your inner artiste, I am not sure what might!
In addition to the selection of paintings, the musée holds a significant collection of photographs chronicling the evolution of the neighborhood, beautifully capturing Montmartre's essence, from its bustling artistic streets to the iconic landmarks that define the area. For example, a collection of photos from the 1920s shows the local cafés where famous artists like Picasso and Modigliani gathered to share ideas and inspire each other.
That is to say nothing of the various works of Toulouse-Lautrec - his playful posters launching the careers of several of the cancan dancers, such as Jane Avril.
His posters might be considered the first modern marketing, or at the very least, social media of the time. Can you imagine a series "Come get ready with me at the Cancan?!" Hashtag subscribed!
No visit would be complete without a visit to the garden, taking its name from famed impressionist Renoir, who, as we now know, made his him here between 1875 and 1877.
You don't even need to enter the museum to visit the garden. There is a simple entry fee of €5 to enjoy the enchantment of the well manicured space and offered all year long with a subscription to the museum
If you are looking to enjoy a lite bite in this serene oasis in the heart of Montmartre, we definitely recommend stopping into the delightful Café Renoir.
The menu changes seasonally to reflect the goodness of the local harvests and offerings and you can enjoy it even in the winter, beneath a glass roof enclosure.
Try the Burrata salad - TRUST.
Ready to see Musée de Montmartre for yourself? Wonderful!
12, rue Cortot
Métro: Lamarck-Caulaincourt (Line 12)
Anvers (Line 2) to Funicular
Hours:
Open daily from 10am - 7pm
Last entry is 45 minutes before close
Cafe Renoir is opening Wednesday through Sunday and their hours of service are 11:30am - 5:00pm
Tickets range from:
€10 (Students 18-25)
€8 (Youth 10-17)
€10 (Disabled)
€22 Standard Ticket Entry
Guided Tours are also available.
Small, but mighty, the Musée de Montmartre is more than a museum; it is a vibrant celebration of the creative spirit that has defined this iconic neighborhood for over a century.
So what do you think, P'Nicher? Are you "Montmartre'd Out" or ready for even more artistic goodness? Let us know in the comments below et à bientôt!
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