Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts

Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts

The Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts (Musée national des Arts asiatiques-Guimet), commonly known as the Musée Guimet, is an Asian art museum located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France. It boasts an extensive collection of Asian artworks and is the largest museum of Asian art outside Asia.

The Musée Guimet was founded in 1879 by industrialist Émile Étienne Guimet (1836–1918). Its original location was in Lyon before it became state-owned and moved to Paris in 1885. An avid traveler, Guimet was appointed by the Minister of Public Instruction in 1876 to study Eastern religions. The museum's collection includes many artifacts from that expedition, such as numerous Chinese and Japanese ceramics, as well as items not only from the Far East but also from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

In 1996, the Musée Guimet underwent a major renovation. Architects Henri and Bruno Gaudin, along with the museum’s expert team, prioritized the use of natural light and the creation of an open viewing experience within the 5,500-square-meter permanent exhibition space. Today, this expansive and interconnected space undoubtedly helps visitors better understand the differences and connections among various traditional Asian arts, while also making the visit comfortable and serene.

Guimet Museum

Must-visit reason: The largest museum of Asian art outside Asia

Continent: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region: France[France]

Province/State: Île-de-France Region [Ile-de-France Region]

City: Paris [Paris]