Musée Cognacq-Jay – An Homage To The Age of Enlightenment

You'll discover a rags-to-riches tale extraordinaire at the Cognacq-Jay Museum in Paris. Like this — a poor traveling salesman and his dressmaker wife end up not only creating one of the greatest department stores in Paris, but also become one of the wealthiest couples in France. Together, they amass a stunning collection of art now seen at the Cognacq-Jay Museum, an homage to the Age of Enlightenment.

Let's journey to the heart of the Marais, to a hôtel particulier (we call it a mansion) — a listed historic monument — that houses the magnificent art collection of Ernest Cognacq, founder of La Samaritaine department store, and his wife, Marie-Louise Jay. The couple adored 18th-century arts and decorations and expanded their collection over a 27-year period, ending in 1927, just a year before Ernest's death.

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Experience the Splendor Of Versailles

Versailles with Priority Access + Classic Lunch
Skip the long lines to experience the grandeur of Versailles on a guided tour. Stroll through the stunning gardens then meet up for lunch on the Grand Canal. Hotel pick-up is included.
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Half-Day, Skip-the-Line Tour of Versailles
If you don't have a full day, this popular half-day tour of Versailles includes priority access with an expert guide. The small-group ensures personal attention and includes transportation right from your hotel.
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Versailles with Priority Access + Classic Lunch
Skip the long lines to experience the grandeur of Versailles on a guided tour. Stroll through the stunning gardens then meet up for lunch on the Grand Canal. Hotel pick-up is included.
More information…

Musée Cognacq-Jay in Paris

Boucher Retour de Chasse de Diane François Boucher, Retour de Chasse de Diane

On his death, Ernest Cognacq's entire collection was bequeathed to the City of Paris with the understanding it would remain available to the public. First opened in 1929, the Cognacq-Jay Museum was initially on Boulevard des Capucines, next to the luxury branch of his Samaritaine department store. In 1990, the museum was moved to the 16th-century Hôtel Donon in the Marais.

The Cognacq-Jay collection features masterpieces from the 18th-century with paintings by Canaletto (real name, Giovanni Antonio Canal), Giovanni Tiepolo, François Boucher, and Jean-Honoré Fragonard; and pastels by Georges La Tour and Jean-Baptise Perronneau. There are also sculptures, porcelains, intricate miniatures, and elaborate furniture from the wealthiest estates of the 1700s.

If you've been only once, it's time to go again. The museum was fully renovated in 2015, with the help from Lacroix. You know? Christian Lacroix, the fashion designer? The Cognacq-Jay Museum is one of 14 museums managed by the City of Paris.

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Skip-the-Line at the Louvre Museum

The Louvre's Greatest Masterpieces
Skip the lines make the most of your time in Paris with a whirlwind tour of the must-see works of art in the Louvre on this professionally-guided tour. The top choice.
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Louvre Skip-the-Line Tour
Head straight to the front of the line, then journey through art history on a 3-hour private Louvre visit. On this complete tour, an expert guide reveals subtle details about the artwork.
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The Louvre's Greatest Masterpieces
Skip the lines make the most of your time in Paris with a whirlwind tour of the must-see works of art in the Louvre on this professionally-guided tour. The top choice.
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History of the Cognacq-Jay Family

Ernest Cognacq Portrait of Retour de Chasse de Diane

Théodore-Ernest Cognacq did not start life with a silver spoon in his mouth. Born in 1839 on the Il de Re, off the Atlantic coast, his father died when he was just 12 years old. The family was left destitute and Ernest was forced to leave school to work as a traveling salesman. He moved to Paris, where he found work at a department store and met his future wife, Marie-Louise Jay. In 1867, he opened his own shop in the Marais on Rue Turbigo. It wasn't a success — in fact, he went bankrupt. Ernest regrouped by working as a street hawker beneath Pont-Neuf.

By the age of 30, he had managed to save enough money to sublet a location where Rue du Pont-Neuf and Rue de la Monnaie join the Pont Neuf. His plan was to attract customers from the nearby Les Halles market, and this time his plan was successful. Cognacq leased the space and hired two employees. He also married his life partner, Marie-Louise, who at the time was working in the dressmaking department of Le Bon Marché department store.

The hardworking couple eventually opened La Samaritaine department store. The business prospered, thanks to their innovative retail techniques like clearly-displayed prices, daily promotions, and the revolutionary idea that customers could try on clothes before purchasing. In 1882, sales were 600,000F (francs). In 1895, 40,000,000F and by 1925, sales broke a billion francs.

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Go Deeper Into France: Day Trips From Paris

Small-Group Loire Valley Chateaux & Wine Tasting Trip from Paris
Journey to the magical castles of the Loire Valley in on a day trip that also features a guided tasting of the best regional wines. This small-group tour travels in a luxury Eurovan.
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Mysterious Mont Saint-Michel
The magnificent floating island of Mont Saint-Michel is a sight to behold. Travel through the picturesque Normandy countryside with an expert guide on a day trip from Paris that includes a cider tasting
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Small-Group Loire Valley Chateaux & Wine Tasting Trip from Paris
Journey to the magical castles of the Loire Valley in on a day trip that also features a guided tasting of the best regional wines. Your small group travels in a luxury Eurovan.
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Canaletto Venice Canaletto, Vue du Canal de Santa Chiara

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In 1883 (with sales at about 1,000,000F), Ernest Cognacq met Belgian architect Frantz Jourdain, a pioneer of Art Nouveau. Jourdain redesigned the interiors of the first La Samaritaine, as well as the Cognacq residence at 65 Avenue du Bois de Boulogne (now Avenue Foch). In 1905, he designed the second La Samaritaine store and boldly featured Art Nouveau elements with visible metal frames and a facade with enameled rock panels and mosaics. (The storefront was updated to an Art Deco style in about 1927.)

With their untold fortune, the Cognacqs focused not only on collecting, but also on philanthropic activities. In 1907, Ernest established a local history museum on Ile de Re. Marie-Louise established Jaysinia, an Alpine botanical garden in her home region of Haut-Savoie. Together, they founded the Fondation Cognacq-Jay (still in existence); they opened a children's nursery, a medical centre, a nursing home, a school, a maternity clinic and an orphanage.

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Perfume atomiser, shaped as a pistol Perfume atomiser, shaped as a pistol

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In 1920, the Cognacqs created the Prix Cognacq-Jay (also still in existence) awarded by the Academie Française to assist large families around the world. The Cognacqs were not able to have children of their own. Upon their death, a nephew inherited the empire.

The store went into decline the 1970s. Fortunately, UNESCO listed the La Samaritaine building facing the Seine (on Quai du Louvre) as a World Heritage Site in 1991. A decade later La Samaritaine was purchased by the luxury group LVMH. After 135 years of operation, the iconic department store suddenly closed its doors in 2005, from one day to the next. Plans have been afoot since then to convert it into a luxury destination with retail, residences, dining, whatever. Finally, in 2021, an opening date of June 19 was set.

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Musée Cognacq-Jay Resources

Cognacq-Jay Museum Salon Salon at Musée Cognacq-Jay

  • 8 rue Elzevir
  • 3rd Arrondissement
  • Metro – Saint Paul
  • Admission is free to the permanent collection
  • Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 6:00
  • Metro – Saint-Paul on Line 1, Chemin-Vert on Line 8, Rambuteau on Line 11
  • Museum Website

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