Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Musée Cognacq-Jay

Another wonderful, free museum near our apartment in the Marais in Paris was the Cognacq-Jay, at 8 Rue Elzévir. The beautiful, little Hôtel Donon, built in 1575, with an 18th century extension and facade, now houses the collection of 18th century art and furniture collected by Ernest Cognacq and his wife, Marie-Louise Jaÿ.
The couple made their fortune by founding La Samartine department store in the 1st arrondissement. Their small, beautiful collection is well worth a visit.
It's also one of those intimate, little-visited museums that can be so delightful.
Bill particularly loved Marie-Louise's gorgeous 18th century bed
and this marble sculpture of a Faun and goat (1751) by Jacques-François-Joseph  Saly. It would look beautiful in our library.

2 comments:

  1. Wow this looks like another gem. I'll definitely visit your beautiful travel guide before my next trip to Paris. You've made me want to see so many of these places myself.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Our pleasure, Ms Q! It's fun to share.

    ReplyDelete