Near the Eiffel Tower at 37 Quai Jacques Chirac, this museum presents art and cultural objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Jean Nouvel’s building pairs planted exterior walls and gardens with a dim, winding route through the galleries. Look for masks, textiles, musical instruments, costumes and objects from daily life, alongside temporary exhibitions. The layout follows continents, so you can focus on one region or take a longer route through several. Some object descriptions may not be available in English, so a translation app or guide can help.
A museum of art and cultures beyond Europe
The Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac is devoted to the arts and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Its collection brings together artworks and cultural objects, including clothing, masks, weapons, musical instruments and items from everyday life. Rather than arranging the permanent galleries by art movement, the route groups material by continent.
The displays give you a way to compare different forms of making and cultural expression across regions. Among the objects mentioned in the collections are Malian statues, Gabonese masks and Japanese prints. Textiles and fashion from Africa, ceremonial costumes and musical instruments are other highlights to look for as you move through the galleries.
The museum also presents temporary exhibitions on specific themes. These can add a closer look at a subject or culture alongside the permanent displays, so check what is on during your visit.
Inside Jean Nouvel’s building
Architect Jean Nouvel designed the museum, which opened in 2006. The building’s exterior is marked by vegetation and coloured forms, with gardens around it. The planted walls make the structure easy to distinguish from the street and connect the architecture visually with the garden.
Inside, the permanent collection follows a winding route with a gradual ramp. The galleries are dimly lit, giving the objects a different setting from the bright, high-walled rooms found in many traditional museums. The subdued light and curved path shape the visit as you pass from one continental section to another.
Allow time to look at the building as well as the objects. The garden is part of the museum experience, and the grounds give you a quieter place to walk before or after the galleries.
Planning your visit
The museum is at 37 Quai Jacques Chirac in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, close to the Eiffel Tower and the Seine. Its location makes it possible to combine both stops in one day. If you have only a short visit, choose a continental section that interests you; seeing just a couple of sections can take around two hours. A longer visit leaves room for more of the permanent collection, the garden and a temporary exhibition.
Some descriptions may not be translated into English. A translation app or guide can help you follow the context of individual objects. Families can look into the museum’s guided tours for children, which are designed for different age groups. Advance tickets are recommended, and weekdays are a useful choice if you want to avoid busier periods.
Häufige Fragen
What does the Musée du quai Branly display?
Its collections focus on art and cultural objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Displays include masks, textiles, costumes, musical instruments and objects from daily life.
How long should I spend at the museum?
Allow around two to three hours. The galleries are extensive, and you may want extra time for the garden or a temporary exhibition.
Is the museum near the Eiffel Tower?
Yes. It is close to the Eiffel Tower, so you can plan to visit both on the same day.
Are the museum descriptions available in English?
Some object descriptions may not be translated into English. Bring a translation app or guide to help with the displays.
Are tickets recommended in advance?
Yes. Advance tickets are recommended.
