November 10, 2022

Walk through a Parisian mansion - Musée Nissim de Camondo

When I walk Paris' leafy boulevards and pretty streets I long to see what lies behind the immense doors and am often tempted to knock with those heavy bronze doorknockers!

A visit to Musée Nissim de Camondo is the perfect way to step back in time, behind those grand doors and to have a glimpse into la vie quotidienne of an aristocratic family.

The museum is a preserved mansion that once belonged to the passionate collector Moïse de Camondo.

Moïse was Nissim's father (for whom the museum was named), had a terribly sad life with great tragedy and loss, even after his death in 1935.

He was a banker and throughout his life he relished in furnishing his Parisian home with the finest French furniture and objects from the 18th century, his son Nissim shared his love for 18th century decorative arts.

Overlooking the the picturesque gardens of Parc Monceau one has a sense of the grandeur of the mansion.

The views provide a rare sense of space in this densely populated city - across manicured gardens to the lofty trees beyond.

Silk upholstery wraps Louis XVI armchairs in bold colours that highlight the details in floor rugs, artworks and gilt mirrors.

The reception rooms, drawing room, library, and bedrooms all have an air of luxury and pride. Moïse de Camondo prepared detailed instructions in his will to bequeath his home with all of it's belongings to the State at the time of his death and now this exquisite museum is a true jewel in Paris' crown.