Eugène Delacroix left his Rue Notre-Dame-de-Lorette's studio to get closer to the Church of Saint-Sulpice, as he was commissioned to decorate a chapel, now called the Chapel of the Holy Angels. Seriously ill, the artist was determined to finish his work at the chapel, and needed to live closer to his working site.
Following efforts to prevent the destruction of the studio so as to make room for a parking garage, the Society of Eugène Delacroix formed in 1932. The Society rented the studio and the apartment.
In 1952, when the building was put up for sale, the society,unable to buy the premises, presented its collection to the French State, which created the Eugène Delacroix National Museum in 1971. The apartment's three rooms, bedroom, living room and library, plus the studio, are open to visitors. The dining room conains the documentation which can be consulted only by appointment.
A significant part of Delacroix 's furniture was lost after his death. However, some of the pieces were re-acquired, and dispalyed along with his works of art, including small paintings, drawings, lithographs, plus letters and miscellaneous keepsakes. The bedroom, where Delacroix died on August 13, 1863, contains a portrait of Jenny Le Guillou, his faithful servant.
Here are also three frescoes, painted by Delacroix for Valmont Abbey, plus an easel and painting tables which once belonged to him.
Practical information
How to get there
Metro line 4: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
RER C : Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame
Bus: 39, 48, 63, 95
Opening
Open every day except on Tuesdays and public holidays from 9.30am to 5pm
Fees
Permanent collections:
Full fare: 4 euros
Reduced Tariff: 2.60 euros (18-25 years included, ...)
and, for all, every Sunday
Free: under 18 years old, teachers in activity, members of the Company of the Friends of the national museum Eugene Delacroix, artists professional, titular journalists of the chart of press... and, for all, every first Sunday of each month.
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