As a tribute to the dramatic emergence and tradition of French Romanticism in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Musée de la Vie Romantique has a free permanent collection.
Specifically focused on French romantic writers, and more specifically on the ideas and life of the prolific writer, political thinker, and libertine George Sand, this picturesque museum is housed in a 19th-century residence at the foot of Montmartre called the Hôtel Scheffer-Renan. It once served as an artist’s studio.
While the permanent collection won’t cost you a euro, the temporary exhibits can be enjoyed for a moderate entry price. Exploring various aspects of European romanticism, these temporary shows have recently focused on painting and romantic-style gardens. If you are interested in the history of French literature or just want to see a modest but decidedly charming museum, I highly recommend an excursion here.
Location and contact information
The museum is located near Montmartre, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, part of the picturesque Grands Boulevards district. The bustling Opera and Madeleine business and shopping districts are nearby, as are the famous Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores.
Hotel Scheffer-Renan
16 rue Chaptal, distrito 9
Metro parada: Blanche, St-Georges, Pigalle or Liege
Phone: +33 (0) 1 55 31 95 67
Opening hours and tickets
French holidays can affect the museum’s opening hours. Check online for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and special events.
Admission to the permanent collections and exhibits is free for all visitors, regardless of age. Admission prices vary for temporary exhibitions – it is recommended to call ahead for more information or to check the official website. Admission to temporary exhibitions is free for all visitors under 14 years of age.
Highlights of the permanent collection
The permanent collection of the museum is divided into two main floors. The ground floor houses memorabilia and personal belongings of the romantic writer George Sand: these include various documents, portraits, photographs, furniture, jewelry and other objects dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. A recent acquisition, appreciated by the curators here, is a watercolor landscape painted by Sand herself.
On the first floor, paintings by the French Romantic artist Ary Scheffer (who worked in the residence) adorn the walls, along with other works by artists who worked during the same period (Ernest Renan among them).
The museum also includes a reconstituted workshop-hall intended to evoke the working conditions of Scheffer, Renan and others.
