Musée Cognacq-Jay

Musée Cognacq-Jay Review

One of the loveliest museums in Paris, this 16th-century rococo-style mansion contains an outstanding collection of mostly 18th-century artwork in its rooms of boiserie, or intricately carved wood paneling. A tour through these rooms allows a rare glimpse into how wealthy 19th-century Parisians lived. Ernest Cognacq, founder of the (now closed) department store La Samaritaine, and his wife, Louise Jay, amassed furniture, porcelain, and paintings—notably by Fragonard, Watteau, François Boucher, and Tiepolo—to create one of the world's finest private collections of this period. Some of the best displays are also the smallest, like the tiny enamel medallion portraits showcased on the second floor; or on the third floor, the glass cases filled with exquisite inlaid snuff boxes, sewing cases, pocket watches, perfume bottles, and cigar cutters. There are no exhibit descriptions in English, but pamphlets and museum guides are sold in English.