At 6 Place d’Iéna in Paris, the Musée Guimet traces Asian art across regions and centuries, from Cambodia and India to China, Japan and Korea. Its galleries hold Khmer sculptures, Buddhist works, Chinese porcelain, Japanese ink paintings and Tibetan thangkas. Look for the Khmer sculpture collection and works connected with Gandhara, where artistic traditions meet. The museum also has an Asian restaurant and a terrace with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
A museum founded around an industrialist’s collection
The Musée Guimet was established in 1889 by industrialist Émile Guimet to house his collection of Chinese and Japanese religious art. Its holdings later grew to include oriental collections from the Louvre, as well as objects gathered into a broader museum collection. Today, it covers Asian art from many regions and periods, with archaeological works and classical art at its centre.
The museum’s scope includes China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia, as well as the Himalayas, Afghanistan and Central Asia. Its collection spans thousands of years. Rather than concentrating on one country, the galleries let you compare artistic traditions across the regions represented.
Khmer sculpture and Buddhist art
The Cambodian galleries are a major reason to visit. The museum holds a large group of Khmer sculptures, including works dating from the 6th to 13th centuries. Hindu and Buddhist sculpture is a particular strength, and these objects give the collection a clear focus on the art of Southeast Asia.
Other galleries bring together Buddhist reliefs and sculptures from different places and periods. Gandhara works connect the art of Afghanistan and Pakistan with traditions further east. You can trace how Buddhist imagery and artistic styles travelled along the Silk Road through works from Central Asia, China and Japan. The collection also includes Buddhist reliefs associated with the Amaravati school.
Porcelain, paintings and a terrace break
The museum’s range extends beyond sculpture. Chinese porcelain includes pieces from the Tang period through to the Compagnie des Indes. Japanese ink paintings and Tibetan thangkas are among the works to look for, alongside objects from India, China, Japan and Korea.
The galleries are arranged by region, making it possible to focus on one area or move between collections. For a pause, the museum has an Asian restaurant, and its terrace looks towards the Eiffel Tower. Lectures, film screenings and workshops are also part of the programme; check the museum’s website for current events before your visit.
FAQ
Where is the Musée Guimet?
It is at 6 Place d’Iéna, in Paris.
What can you see at the Musée Guimet?
The collection covers Asian art from regions including China, Japan, India, Korea, Cambodia, the Himalayas and Central Asia. Highlights include Khmer sculpture, Buddhist works, Chinese porcelain, Japanese ink paintings and Tibetan thangkas.
When is the Musée Guimet open?
It is open from 10 am to 6 pm on Monday and Wednesday through Sunday. It is closed on Tuesday.
Is there a place to eat at the museum?
Yes. The museum has an Asian restaurant and a terrace with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
