Musée Du Quai Branly
Musée Du Quai Branly
5 minutes read•Published on 08-11-2024
In Paris, France, there is a museum called the Musée du Quai Branly. This museum, which opened in 2006, holds a vast collection of art, cultures and civilizations from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It is situated near the Eiffel Tower and is known for its special architectural design. It is a place where visitors can discover and learn about the diversity of non-European civilizations and their art.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the Musée Du Quai Branly with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The Musée du Quai Branly, also known as the Jacques Chirac Museum, is a museum in Paris, France. It's by the Seine River. The museum opened in June 2006. Jacques Chirac, the former French President, commissioned it. The idea was to celebrate and showcase non-Western art and cultures. Jean Nouvel was the architect who designed the museum. The museum's name comes from the street it's on, Quai Branly.
This museum is one of the newer ones in Paris. It showcases about 3,500 pieces from Africa, Asia, Oceana, and the Americas. You will find a wide range of items like costumes, sculptures, fabrics, masks, musical instruments, and tools. These items represent the rich histories, traditions, and cultures of different societies. The museum aims to bring these varied cultures to Europe, to make them more known.
A unique aspect of this museum is its "living wall". This is a tall garden that's 200 meters high. Patrick Blanc, a botanist, designed it. It's one of the most notable features of the building. It gives the museum a natural touch. The green wall represents the bond between humans and nature, a theme that many of the displayed artifacts also depict.
The Musée du Quai Branly is known for its wonderful collections and its focus on cultural diversity. People from around the world visit it. They come to see the variety of artifacts and enjoy the unique architecture and design of the museum. By 2020, the museum had more than 1.3 million items and that number is increasing. The museum keeps improving to remain interesting and draw the public's attention.
One reason to visit
The Great Mask of Guéré is one reason you might consider visiting the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris.
The Great Mask of Guéré belongs to the Ivory Coast and is proudly displayed at the Musée du Quai Branly. This remarkable piece symbolizes a vital aspect of African heritage. This mask, often called a war mask, is made from carved wood, metal, animal hair and teeth, and plant fibers. The craftsmanship seen in the mask shows the artistic ability present in African cultures. It carries an interesting history and power, showing what traditional ceremonies of the Guéré people are like. If you visit the museum, you can learn more about the mask, its detailed history and its cultural relevance. This can help you deepen your knowledge of varied art and cultures around the world.
Getting there
From the Champ de Mars, walk along the Quai Branly heading Northwest till you reach Rue de l'Université. Turn left into Rue de l'Université, then take the first right onto Rue Jean Nicot. Continue to Place de la Résistance, then turn left onto Avenue de la Bourdonnais. Walk approximately 110 meters, then turn right onto Rue de Monttessuy. Continue on this road until it intersects with Rue de l'Exposition and turn left. Continue walking till you reach 37 Quai Branly, you will find the museum on your left. Walking should take approximately 20 minutes. Make sure to check with a map or GPS to ensure accuracy of the route.
Start from the Notre-Dame Cathedral and follow the right bank of the Seine River. Cycle along Quai de Montebello and continue onto Quai de la Tournelle then onto Quai Anatole France. You will pass by the famous Orsay Museum. After that, cross the Pont de la Concorde and continue onto Quai d'Orsay until you reach Pont des Invalides. Cross this bridge and immediately turn right into Quai Branly. The Musée du Quai Branly is number 37 on your right. This ride is about 4.7 kilometers long and it should take you around 20 minutes at a moderate pace. Do keep an eye out for specific cycle paths to ensure a safe trip.
To reach the Musée du Quai Branly by public transport, you can first take the RER C train to the Pont de l'Alma station. Exit the station and walk north towards the Seine River. The museum should be on your right. Alternatively, you can use the Metro Line 9 and disembark at the Iéna station. From there, travel south on the Avenue de la Bourdonnais, turn right onto Quai Branly, and the museum will be there. If you prefer the bus, take either the Bus 42 and depart at Tour Eiffel stop, or Bus 63 and stop at Bosquet - Rapp. From either stop, the museum is a short walk away.
To get to the Musée du Quai Branly in Paris by car, start on the Peripherique which is the highway that circles the city. You must get off at the exit for Porte Maillot and follow the signs for Centre Ville which means downtown. Follow Avenue de la Grande Armée and then turn left onto Avenue d'Iéna. Continue onto Quai Branly, a one-way road, and you'll find the museum on your left. Be aware that parking can be difficult in Paris, but there is an underground parking lot at 5 Place Joffre, which is a 10-minute walk from the museum. Make sure to have some coins or a credit card handy for the parking fees.
