When considering Paris museums, the Louvre, the Quai d’Orsay, the Pompidou Center, and the Fondation Louis Vuitton are likely the first to come to mind. However, nestled in the 16th arrondissement is the Musée des Art Asiatiques Guimet, home to the most extensive and significant collection of Asian artifacts in Europe. This museum offers a unique opportunity to embark on a meditative, artistic journey to uncover the essence of Asian art and culture, showcasing a wide range of objects from the Buddhas of Afghanistan to Zen monks of Japan, Samurai armor, Indian fabrics, fine Chinese art, and Khmer treasures.

A Portal to Asian Cultures and Civilizations

The Musée Guimet, located at 6, Place d’Iéna, Paris, boasts a vast collection of approximately 45,000 pieces dating back to the Neolithic era. Visitors are immediately greeted by a grand hall filled with statues, many from Cambodia, as soon as they pass through the library dome. The museum is dedicated to illustrating the diverse cultures and civilizations of Asia, covering an expanse in time (five millennia) and space (from India to Japan).

The Visionary Behind the Collection

Émile Guimet (1836–1918), a prosperous businessman from Lyon, devoted his life to exploration and adventure. Commissioned by the French government in the 19th century to research Asian religions, Guimet planned to create a museum dedicated to antiquity, ancient Egypt, and Asian faiths. During his 1876 global tour, Guimet visited China, India, and Japan, collecting numerous Asian artworks and artifacts. His collection was transferred to Paris in 1889 from its original home in Lyon.

A Journey Through Time and Space

The Musée Guimet's impressive collections feature statues of Buddha, Amida, and Shiva, alongside calligraphy, Sumi paintings, and ornamental arts. The artifacts are arranged into sections, allowing visitors to explore and contrast the art of Southeast Asia, Central Asia, China, Korea, India, Japan, Afghanistan, and the Himalayas. Highlights include:

• India and Southeast Asia: Hindu, Buddhist, and Khmer artifacts
• China: Over 20,000 objects spanning seven millennia, including jade discs, ceramics, bronzes, and paintings from the Tang and Qing dynasties
• Japan: A diverse presentation from the third millennium BCE to the Meiji era
• Korea: Stunning celadon, bronzes from the Koryo period, and paintings from the 17th to 19th centuries

Evolution and Modern Enhancements

Initially focused on the religions of Ancient Egypt, the museum shifted its emphasis to Asian civilizations' art during Guimet's lifetime. Encouraged by Guimet, other archaeologists traveled to Cambodia and Siam to study local cultures and acquire more artifacts. In 1884, Guimet donated his collection to France, leading to the establishment of the Department of Asiatic Arts at the Louvre in 1945. This included the transfer of Oriental art treasures from the Louvre to the Musée Guimet, with the Egyptian artifacts going to the Louvre in return.

Thanks to extensive refurbishment starting in 1996, the Musée Guimet now uses the latest technological developments in museology to present and protect art items. The renovation program aimed to establish the museum as a leading hub for information about Asian civilizations in Europe. The redesign created open viewpoints and allowed more light into the galleries, ensuring a relaxing and informative visitor experience.

Special Features 

• Library: Located under the giant dome, the library houses a collection of historical photos and treasures, including works on Asian philosophy and religion.
• Salon des Porcelaines: An Asian-themed café on the lower ground floor.
• Boutique Bookshop: Offers books, jewelry, silk scarves, and tableware.

A Unique Cultural Encounter

Visitors to the Musée Guimet can expect a different kind of cultural encounter than typical Parisian museums. The museum’s contemporary interior beautifully highlights the treasures on display, providing a peaceful, enjoyable, and enlightening experience. Look out for posters announcing special exhibitions, as they are usually excellent and well worth a visit.

For a refreshing change from the more well-known Parisian museums, the Musée Guimet offers an extraordinary journey through the art and culture of Asia, right in the heart of Paris.

Source: Luxuo.com