The building of the museum

In 1860, the village of Monceau, like many districts bordering Paris, was annexed to the city. This annexation was part of a vast town planning project assigned by Napoleon III to the Prefect, Baron Haussmann. This project would drastically change the face of Paris: many former districts were destroyed and straight roads were designed to run from the outskirts to the centre.

It was here, in the district of the Monceau plain, that the imperial aristocracy chose to buy plots and have mansions built providing an ostentatious display to passers-by. Zola wrote in his novel, La Curée (“The Kill”):  “It is a display, a profusion, an overwhelming amount of wealth.” 

     

It was on the newly designed Boulevard Haussmann that Edouard André bought a plot on which to build his mansion. He assigned the project to Henri Parent, a specialist in traditional architecture. In 6 years, Parent completed a vast and beautiful building, greatly inspired by classical models in its perfectly symmetrical design, and in the style of its façades.

However, the originality of the building derives from the fact that it is elevated on earthwork, and the mansion’s façade overlooking the boulevard is set back from the other façades. This creates a break, which attracts the attention of passers-by.

Another interesting distinctive feature was access to the mansion. Visitors had to use a partly covered ramp gradually sloping upwards in a semi-circle. They were then surprised to find the façade of the formal courtyard. The horse-drawn carriage, which had brought them, could go back down a symmetrical road on the other side. This avoided congestion at evening receptions.

The façade facing the courtyard originally had a glass and metal veranda. The courtyard was enclosed at the other side by the stables.