- History of the National Museum of Asian Arts
- The Collections and Exhibition
- Transfer to the National Museum of Asian Arts in Paris
History of the National Museum of Asian Arts
The National Museum of Asian Art, originally known as the Guimet Museum, is situated at Place d’Iéna in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. Covering an area of 4005 square meters, it was inaugurated in 1889 and welcomes a steadily increasing number of visitors annually. The museum is easily accessible via the Iéna metro station. Its roof and library were classified as historic monuments in 1979. The museum showcases a vast permanent exhibition space of 5500 square meters. The neoclassical building, constructed by architect Jules Chatron in 1885, features a grand rotunda flanked by two wings. The museum was founded on the proposal of intellectual and industrialist Emile Guimet, who amassed an extensive collection from his travels in China, Japan, India, Greece, and Egypt. These collections were initially presented in his hometown Lyon in 1879 before being transferred to the museum upon its inauguration. Subsequently attached to the Department of Museums of France in 1927, the museum houses extensive collections, including many donated works of art.
The Collections and Exhibitions
The National Museum of Asian Art is renowned as the most significant museum of Asian art outside Asia. It contains collections discovered by explorer Louis Delaporte in Indochina between 1878 and 1925, originally stored in the Trocadero Palace before being relocated to the museum. The museum is part of a larger network that includes the Heidelbach hotel, the Ennery museum, and the Pantheon, all linked to the Guimet Museum. The collections are predominantly dedicated to ancient arts and artifacts, but it also features a textile industry collection from Krishnâ Riboud’s donations. Contemporary works are often displayed in temporary exhibitions. The museum’s ground floor showcases collections from Southeast Asia, including Khmer structures and decorations, as well as collections from India like statues, jewelry, and archaeological objects. The first floor is dedicated to collections from China, Central Asia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Himalayas, featuring ancient Chinese sculptures, ceramics, and the Bagram treasure essential for Afghanistan and Pakistan collections. The second floor displays Chinese, Japanese, and Korean collections, while the third floor houses additional Chinese collections and photographic archives. The museum’s library, which was once a dance venue for Mata Hari during the First World War, and the recent renovations in 1996 by architects Henri and Bruno Gaudin, offer visitors a peaceful and well-organized environment for exploration. If you need a private car to discover the National Museum of Asian Arts during your stay in Paris, feel free to contact us.
Transfer to the National Museum of Asian Arts in Paris
The National Museum of Asian Arts, a renowned destination for admirers of Asian culture and history, is situated conveniently at a distance of approximately 19.2 km from Orly Airport, making it a relatively short journey for international and domestic visitors. From Charles de Gaulle Airport, the museum is about 31.6 km away, providing accessibility for a broader audience. For those coming from further afield, it’s located 86.2 km from Beauvais Airport, offering an insight into the rich Asian heritage right in the heart of Paris. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a historian, or simply curious, the museum’s diverse collection is just a transfer away from these major transport hubs.