Exploring Paris: Musee de Montmartre

It seems that Paris has no end of museums. Its galleries and collections appear to tenant almost every historic nook on nearly every rue of the city. Of course, this is one of the many reasons people love Paris. Culturally rich, Paris has more attractions than can typically be seen on a single visit to the city. Nevertheless, art enthusiasts would do well to squeeze in a visit to the Musee de Montmarte, a venue with a Bohemian past that brims with unforgettable art.

The Musee de Montmartre is situated in the Maison de Rosimond, a seventeenth-century abbey, in Montmartre on rue Cortot. The museum was founded to convey the history of Montmartre and its cultural contributions to Paris and the world. Having once been the home of many Montmartre artists, writers, and dancers, the building is the ideal setting to house paintings, photography, and writings that reflect the historical significance of this famous locale.

The abbey was once home to such artists as Auguste Renoir, Maurice Utrillo, and Vincent van Gogh. In fact, Renoir, who famously painted scenes of Montmartre like Moulin de la Galette, painted a famous scene in the garden of the abbey called Garden Rue de Cortot, Montmartre. The abbey also has a connection to the acclaimed French playwright Moliere; it was once owned by a member of Moliere’s theatre company.

Although the museum contains artifacts from Montmartre’s earliest days, it greatly highlights those Bohemian centuries when Montmartre’s garrets were filled with budding artists and writers. A large portion of the collection reflects Montmartre’s Bohemian history; paintings and posters recall the nineteenth century in vivid detail. The museum also contains a popular exhibit of Café de l’Abreuvoir, one of Utrillo’s favorite haunts.

The museum is the best way to begin an exploration of Montmartre. Images and artifacts of the old cabaret halls and cafes pay homage to this glamorous period of Montmartre’s history. The museum is large enough to be substantial, but also small enough to be fully enjoyed in a single visit. Of course, the beauty of the grounds and changing exhibits might compel visitors to return on future trips to Paris.

The Musee de Montmartre also features a charming bookshop where local Montmartre wine is sold. Moreover, this quaint museum does not simply glory in its past; current Montmartre artists are also showcased in various exhibits. This charming venue is a cultural treasure trove that continues to celebrate this historic neighborhood and all who made their home there.