All applied art museums to visit in France

Discover the beauty of functional art at 40 applied art museums in France. These museums highlight the intersection of art and utility, showcasing pieces that are both beautiful and practical.

Are you interested in the intersection of art and craftsmanship? These are the applied art museums you should visit in France:

  1. Le Secq des Tournelles Museum1

    Le Secq des Tournelles Museum

     Rouen
    Le Secq des Tournelles Museum is a unique destination in Rouen, France. It is a museum dedicated to ironwork and is housed in a former church. This gives the museum a unique atmosphere, combining the historical and religious significance of the building with the artistic and practical aspects of the ironwork on display.
  2. Musée National du Moyen Âge2

    Musée National du Moyen Âge

     Paris
    The Musée National du Moyen Âge museum, also known as Musée de Cluny, holds six spectacular tapestries called The Lady and the Unicorn. The building itself combines both Gothic and Renaissance elements. It was built around 1485 and converted into a museum after the death of Alexandre du Sommerard, a
  3. Musée Nissim de Camondo3

    Musée Nissim de Camondo

     Paris
    The Musée Nissim de Camondo is a museum that is located on the edge of the Parc Monceau in Paris. The museum is housed in the 20th-century residence of the Camondo family. The former private collection of this family is exhibited here, which mainly consists of 18th-century French furniture. This col
  4. La Piscine Museum4

    La Piscine Museum

     Roubaix
    La Piscine-Musée d’Art et d’Industrie André Diligent, also known as La Piscine or Musée André Diligent, is a unique museum located in the northern French city of Roubaix. The museum is housed in a converted 1920s swimming pool, providing a unique setting for its exhibits.
  5. Fabre Museum5

    Fabre Museum

     Montpellier
    The Musée Fabre, located in the southern French city of Montpellier, was established by François-Xavier Fabre, a painter from the same city, in 1825. This museum is one of the main attractions of Montpellier and is situated near the city's main square, the Place de la Comédie. The museum's significance is acknowledged nationally as it is classified as a Musée de France by the French Ministry of Culture.
  6. Musée d'Art Campanaire6

    Musée d'Art Campanaire

     L'Isle-Jourdain
    The European Museum of Bell and Belfry Arts, located in L'Isle-Jourdain, Gers, was inaugurated on December 16, 1994. The inauguration was under the patronage of François Mitterrand, the then President of the Republic, and was blessed by Pope John Paul II. The event was also attended by Protestant authorities from the Midi-Pyrénées region.
  7. Rouen Ceramic Museum7

    Rouen Ceramic Museum

     Rouen
    The Rouen Ceramic Museum, established in 1864, is recognized as a 'museum of France'. This prestigious label signifies the museum's importance in preserving and showcasing the rich ceramic heritage of the country. Visitors can expect to explore a wide range of ceramic artifacts that reflect the artistic and cultural evolution of France over the centuries.
  8. Musee des Arts Forains8

    Musee des Arts Forains

     Paris
    The Musée des Arts Forains - Collection Jean-Paul Favand is a private museum in Paris that is dedicated to funfair objects. The museum holds and exhibits a collection of objects from 1850 and 1950, including 14 amusement rides, 16 fair stalls and restored attractions, 18 sets of historical works, a
  9. Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres9

    Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres

     Sèvres
    The Sèvres – Cité de la céramique, also known as Sèvres City of Ceramics, is a national ceramics museum in France. It is situated at the Place de la Manufacture in Sèvres, Hauts-de-Seine, a suburb of Paris. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in ceramics and pottery, offering a comprehensive collection of ceramic art.
  10. Museum of Decorative Arts10

    Museum of Decorative Arts

     Strasbourg
    The Museum of Decorative Arts in Strasbourg is a unique institution dedicated to the decorative arts. It is situated on the ground floor of the Rohan Palace, which was once the residence of the prince-bishops of the Alsatian metropolis. This location adds a historical and architectural dimension to the museum, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in art, history, and architecture.
  11. Textile and Fashion Museum11

    Textile and Fashion Museum

     Cholet
    The Textile and Fashion Museum of Cholet is a cultural establishment located in the city of Cholet in Maine-et-Loire. It is recognized as a "Museum of France", a label that signifies its importance and contribution to the cultural heritage of the country. The museum traces the history of the textile industry and its techniques, serving as a memory of a territory marked by the presence of textile activity.
  12. Musée des Arts Décoratifs12

    Musée des Arts Décoratifs

     Paris
    The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is a museum for applied art and design in Paris. The museum was opened in 1905 in the west wing of the Louvre and now holds a collection of around 150,000 objects, of which 6,000 are presented to the public in its exhibitions. It is subdivided into chronological departm
  13. Textile Arts and Decorative Arts Museum13

    Textile Arts and Decorative Arts Museum

     Lyon
    The Musée des Tissus et des Arts décoratifs is a museum in Lyon that is housed in two 18th century hôtels particuliers and actually consists of two museum: the Museum of Textiles (Musée des Tissus) and the Decorative Arts Museum (Musée des arts décoratifs). The museum holds a very large collection o
  14. Louis Vouland Museum14

    Louis Vouland Museum

     Avignon
    The Louis Vouland Museum, located in Avignon, is a decorative arts museum that showcases the artistry of the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum is housed in a hôtel particulier, a type of grand townhouse, which was designed by Villeneuve-Esclapon.
  15. Museum of Ceramics15

    Museum of Ceramics

     Desvres
    The Museum of Ceramics, located in Desvres in the Pas-de-Calais department in the Hauts-de-France region, is a municipal museum dedicated to the history of faience. Previously known as the Museum of Faience, it was renamed in 2012. The museum holds the label 'Museum of France', a mark of its significance and quality.
  16. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature16

    Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

     Paris
    The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (Museum of hunting and nature) in Paris is a private museum that holds the collections of the Fondation de la Maison de la Chasse et de la Nature. Exhibits focus on the relationships between humans and the natural environment through the traditions and practice
  17. Earthenware and Fine Arts Museum17

    Earthenware and Fine Arts Museum

     Nevers
    The Earthenware and Fine Arts Museum, also known as the Earthenware Museum of Nevers, is a French museum located in Nevers, in the Nièvre region. The museum's primary focus is on earthenware and painting, offering visitors a unique insight into these art forms. It is an ideal destination for art enthusiasts and those interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of Nevers.
  18. Musée des Arts et Métiers du Livre18

    Musée des Arts et Métiers du Livre

     Montolieu
    The Musée des Arts et Métiers du Livre de Montolieu was established by Michel Braibant, a passionate bookbinder and bibliophile. This museum is a testament to his love for books and the art of bookbinding, offering visitors a unique insight into the history and craft of bookmaking.
  19. Belleperche Abbey19

    Belleperche Abbey

     Cordes-Tolosannes
    Belleperche Abbey, situated in Cordes-Tolosannes in the Tarn-et-Garonne department of France, is a former Cistercian monastery. This historical site offers a glimpse into the monastic life of the past and is a significant part of the region's cultural heritage.
  20. Palais Galliera, The City of Paris Fashion Museum20

    Palais Galliera, The City of Paris Fashion Museum

     Paris
    Musée Galliera, or Palais Galliera, The City of Paris Fashion Museum is a museum in Paris that is dedicated to fashion. The museum has only 550 m² of exhibition space available in five rooms in the relatively small Palais Galliera. The collection includes 30,000 garments of the last three centuries,
  21. Musée de l'imprimerie de Lyon21

    Musée de l'imprimerie de Lyon

     Lyon
    Musée de l'imprimerie de Lyon is a museum in Lyon that is dedicated to the heritage of printed books and graphic arts. The museum holds various collections that show the beginnings of Western printing from the 15th century to the 20th century.
  22. Museum of Tapestries22

    Museum of Tapestries

     Aix-en-Provence
    The archbishop palace holds an amazing collection of tapestries that will really catch your eye - some motives are quite bizarre.
  23. Gobelins Manufactory23

    Gobelins Manufactory

     Paris
    The Gobelins Manufactory is a traditional and renowned tapestry manufactory in Paris that was founded in 1607 as a private company and continued from 1667 as a Royal Tapestry Manufactory. From 1792 until today, the factory has been owned by the French state. Today it is a workshop where the tapestri
  24. Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode24

    Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode

     Marseille
    Musée des Arts décoratifs, de la Faïence et de la Mode (The Museum of Decorative Arts, Earthenware and Fashion) is a museum in Marseille that is housed in Château Borély. The musuem holds a collection that is displayed of 2,500 works, including furniture, ceramics, glasses, tapestries, works of art,
  25. The Paul Dupuy Museum25

    The Paul Dupuy Museum

     Toulouse
    The Paul Dupuy Museum (Musée Paul Dupuy) is a museum in Toulouse that is housed in a mansion house from the 17th century and named after collector Paul Dupuy. A highlight in the museum is the ancient clock collection, but the museum also includes many drawings and prints by regional artists, adverti
  26. Musée national Adrien-Dubouché26

    Musée national Adrien-Dubouché

     Limoges
    The Musée national Adrien-Dubouché is a French national museum that is dedicated to Limoges porcelain and the history of ceramics. It is located in Limoges, a city in the Haute-Vienne department of France. The museum is part of the Cité de la céramique - Sèvres et Limoges public establishment. It was founded in 1845 by Tiburce Morisot, the prefect of Haute-Vienne and father of the painter Berthe Morisot.
  27. Musée de l'éventail27

    Musée de l'éventail

     Paris
    The Musée de l'Éventail is a Fan Museum located within the Atelier Anne Hoguet, a workshop for fan-making and restoration in Paris. The museum is dedicated to fans in general as well as fan-making and presents its exhibitions in two rooms. The former showroom is furnished in Henry II style with a fi
  28. Musée des Arts et Métiers Traditionnels28

    Musée des Arts et Métiers Traditionnels

     Salles-la-Source
    The Musée des Arts et Métiers Traditionnels is situated in Salles-la-Source, a charming town in the Aveyron department of the Occitanie region in France. The museum is housed in a former woolen cloth mill dating back to the 1830s, which is noted for its remarkable architecture. This historical setting provides a unique backdrop for the museum's collections, adding an extra layer of interest for visitors.
  29. Musée de l'Affiche de TOUlouse - MATOU29

    Musée de l'Affiche de TOUlouse - MATOU

     Toulouse
    Musée de l'Affiche de TOUlouse - MATOU is a musuem in Toulouse that is devoted to advertising posters. The musuem holds a collection of nearly 20,000 advertising posters and organises 3 or 4 temporary exhibitions a year.
  30. Musee Maison de L'Armateur30

    Musee Maison de L'Armateur

     Le Havre
    The Maison de l'armateur is a historical 18th-century house located in Le Havre. It was once owned by several merchants before it was transformed into a museum of decorative arts. The museum has been open to the public since 2006, offering visitors a glimpse into the past through its collection of decorative arts.
  31. Museum Échevinage31

    Museum Échevinage

     Saintes
    The Échevinage Museum is a significant cultural institution in the city of Saintes, located in the Charente-Maritime department of France. It is one of the city's main museums, offering visitors a chance to explore a range of art collections primarily from the 19th century.
  32. Agathois Jules Baudou Museum32

    Agathois Jules Baudou Museum

     Agde
    The Agathois Jules-Baudou Museum is a municipal museum situated in the heart of Agde, a city in the French department of Hérault, Occitanie region. The museum specializes in arts, popular traditions, and fine arts, offering a rich cultural experience to its visitors.
  33. Musée Aristide Bergès33

    Musée Aristide Bergès

     Lorp-Sentaraille
    The Aristide-Bergès Museum, located in Lorp-Sentaraille, France, is a unique institution dedicated to the exploration and celebration of paper, graphic arts, and printing. Visitors can expect to delve into the rich history and intricate processes of paper production, as well as the evolution of graphic arts and printing techniques. The museum offers a comprehensive look at these industries, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in art, history, and manufacturing.
  34. Musée des Beaux-Arts34

    Musée des Beaux-Arts

     Mirande
    The Musée des Beaux-Arts et des Arts décoratifs de Mirande is a museum located in the town of Mirande, in the Gers department of France. It showcases a diverse range of artworks, including paintings from French, Italian, and Dutch schools. In addition to these, the museum also houses collections of ceramics and faience from the South-West of France. These collections provide a comprehensive overview of the artistic heritage of these regions, making it a worthwhile destination for art enthusiasts.
  35. Musée du Domaine Départemental de Sceaux35

    Musée du Domaine Départemental de Sceaux

     Sceaux
    The Musée du Domaine Départemental de Sceaux is situated in the heart of the Parc de Sceaux. It is home to collections that portray the art of living in the Île-de-France region from the time of Louis XIV to Napoleon III. The museum's collections are presented in the current Château de Sceaux, built between 1856 and 1860 for the Trévise family.
  36. The French Playing Card Museum36

    The French Playing Card Museum

     Issy-les-Moulineaux
    The French Playing Card Museum, located in Issy-les-Moulineaux, holds the unique distinction of being the only museum in France dedicated to the art and history of playing cards. Established in 1981 and inaugurated in its current premises in 1997, the museum offers a comprehensive look into the world of playing cards, making it a unique destination for card enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
  37. Musée de la Céramique Architecturale37

    Musée de la Céramique Architecturale

     Auneuil
    The Musée de la céramique architecturale d'Auneuil, situated in the Oise department of the Hauts-de-France region, was founded in 1885. Its primary purpose was to showcase the ceramic collections produced by the Boulenger factory. This museum offers a unique insight into the history and craftsmanship of architectural ceramics in the region.
  38. 38

    Museum-Glass Art Center

     Blaye-les-Mines
    The Museum/Glass Art Center in Carmaux, Tarn, Midi-Pyrénées, is a unique institution dedicated to the exploration of glass as a medium in contemporary art and history. The museum is housed in the building of the first glassworks and offers a blend of heritage and contemporary glass art, where collections rhyme with creations.
  39. 39

    International Museum of Naive Art

     Vicq
    The International Museum of Naive Art, also known as Midan, is a unique destination for art enthusiasts. Located in Vicq, Yvelines, at 15 rue de la Mairie, it is one of only four museums in France dedicated to naive art. This private French art museum offers a unique insight into this particular art form, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in exploring different facets of art.
  40. 40

    Théâtre-Musée des Capucines

     Paris
    The Théâtre-Musée des Capucines (Théâtre musée des Capucines-Fragonard) is a museum in Paris that is dedicated to perfume. The museum was created in 1993 by the Fragonard perfume company in a former theater called the Théâtre des Capucines that dates back to 1889. It exhibits 19th-century copper dis