# Musée Guimet — Paris, France

> The Musée Guimet holds the finest collection of Asian art in Europe — 45,000 objects spanning India, China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Himalayan region. Founded in 1889 by industrialist Émile Guimet, the museum moved to its present neoclassical building on Place d'Iéna in 1945 when France's Asian collections were consolidated under one roof.

## Visitor facts
- Opening hours: Daily except Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Admission: €14 standard admission
- Free entry: Free first Sunday of each month · Under 18 EU free
- Address: 6 Place d'Iéna, 75116 Paris, France
- Time needed: 2 hours
- Official website: https://www.guimet.fr/en
- Facts verified: 2026-06-30

## Highlights
- Shiva Nataraja (Dancing Shiva) — Chola dynasty · c. 1100
- Bodhisattva from Mathura — Kushan period · c. 2nd century
- Chinese Buddhist Stele — Northern Wei · c. 500
- Khmer Vishnu — Angkor period · c. 12th century

## FAQ
**What is Musée Guimet famous for?**
The finest collection of Asian art in Europe — Khmer sculpture from Angkor, Chinese Buddhist art, Japanese screens, and Indian bronzes. Less crowded than the Louvre and essential for Asian art lovers.

**How long should I spend at Musée Guimet?**
Plan 2 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.

**What is Musée Guimet best known for?**
The world's finest museum of Asian art outside Asia — 45,000 objects from India, China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia in a neoclassical building in the 16th arrondissement. Key highlights include Khmer sculpture from Angkor — stone deities and temple fragments, Indian art — bronzes, sculpture, and miniature painting, Chinese art — jade, bronze, ceramics, and Buddhist art.

**How do I get tickets for Musée Guimet?**
€14 standard admission Free first Sunday of each month · Under 18 EU free. Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.guimet.fr/en

**How does the Musée Guimet compare to the Musée Cernuschi?**
The Guimet is vastly larger and more comprehensive — 45,000 objects versus Cernuschi's 12,000, with superior Khmer and Indian collections. The Cernuschi, near Parc Monceau, specialises in Chinese art in an intimate mansion setting. Visit Guimet first; Cernuschi is a pleasant supplement for Chinese art lovers.

**Is the Musée Guimet good for a first visit to Asian art?**
Excellent — the chronological and geographic layout provides a clear introduction to Asian art history. Start on the ground floor with Indian and Khmer sculpture, then move to Chinese and Japanese galleries upstairs. Allow 2 hours for a meaningful overview; specialists can spend a full day.

**Can I visit the rooftop Japanese garden without a ticket?**
No — the Japanese garden and tea pavilion on the rooftop are inside the museum and require admission. They are included with the standard ticket and provide a serene break between gallery floors.


Source: https://worldmuseumguide.org/museums/musee-guimet/ — World Museum Guide, independent and ad-free.