Musée Guimet

Founded by industrialist and collector Émile Guimet, the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques – Guimet was initially inaugurated in 1889 as the Musée des Religions to showcase Guimet’s extensive collection, previously housed in Lyon. The museum occupies a purpose-built structure designed by architect Charles Terrier between 1888 and 1889. From 1994 to 2001, it underwent a complete renovation by architects Henri and Bruno Gaudin. Today, it boasts one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Asian art. The museum’s façade, roofs, and library were designated as historical monuments in 1979.

Today the Musée Guimet maintains close ties of scollaboration with the leading museums in Asia through temporary exhibitions and contributes to a greater closeness between civilisations, peoples and beliefs, in keeping with its founder’s wishes.