There is no shortage of reasons to come and discover this charming museum that is still very little known: whether you are passionate about history, an art lover, a gourmet or just love beautiful places to visit in Paris, the Museum of Montmartre and its green setting awaits you 12 rue Cortot.
Created in 1960, the museum is housed in the oldest building of Montmartre. Constructed in the 17th century, it was built long before the district became one of the favourite visiting spots of tourists from all over the world and it certainly had no idea that, 4 centuries later, it would still be standing!
Today, this old, but very well preserved building, houses the collections of the Association of Old Montmartre (created in 1886), whose mission is to preserve the artistic, historical or ethnological testimonies of what was, for a long time, a small village north of Paris.
Paintings, posters, illustrations, photographs and testimonials: the Association's collections include works by Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, Kupka and Steinlen (including the original of his famous Black Cat poster).
As yes, this place was in the 19th century a mecca of art history: Auguste Renoir rented a workshop here in 1876 and painted famous works such as the Bal du Moulin de la Galette (the restaurant of the same name located a few steps away) and La Balançoire, two paintings that served as references for the redevelopment of the gardens in 2012.
Other prestigious residents were also attracted by the charm of this place: Émile Bernard, Francisque Poulbot or the Fauvists Othon Friesz and Raoul Dufy.
It was the meeting place for all artistic Paris, the atmosphere of the time is still palpable thanks to the preservation of the workshop of the "infernal trio" formed by Suzanne Valadon, her son Maurice Utrillo and her companion André Utter. With its old stove, mezzanine and wood panelling, this preserved house of creation plunges us directly into 1912.
Just a stone's throw from The Place du Tertre, three gardens also surround the Montmartre Museum, offering exceptional views of the vineyard and the vast plain north of Paris. Composed of fruit trees (pear and almond trees) but also shrubs and flowers (lilacs, roses and climbing hydrangeas), the gardens invite you to soak up the past of Montmartre: its famous cabarets Le lapin Agile and the Moulin Rouge, its artistic effervescence with, just next door, the Bateau-Lavoir where Picasso painted his famous Demoiselles d'Avignon, a painting that revolutionized the history of art.
To end this inspiring visit, the Café Renoir welcomes you for a sweet or savoury break: with its pretty glass conservatory evoking the atmosphere of a winter garden, it's the ideal place for a light lunch or to enjoy a snack while disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of the city.
So, ready to put yourself in the shoes of Amélie Poulain to discover this treasure of Montmartre? To prepare your visit it's here.
And as you leave this inspiring museum, don't hesitate to go and see the "I love you wall", this big fresco reproducing the most famous declarations of love in 300 different languages. The perfect place to declare your love and, if you want to keep a trace of this beautiful moment, a gift store derived from this very artistic wall is just in front of it.
Valérie from Comme des Français
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