Marmottant Monet Museum

Until March 2, 2025, the Musée Marmottan Monet presents the exhibition “Le trompe-l'œil, de 1520 à nos jours”. This retrospective explores the history of realistic representation in art and highlights a little-known facet of the museum's collections, as well as Jules and Paul Marmottan's attraction to this pictorial genre.

The term “trompe-l'œil” was introduced by Louis Léopold Boilly in 1800, although its origins go back to Antiquity, with Pliny the Elder's anecdote about the painter Zeuxis. This artistic genre, which plays with the viewer's perceptions, has taken many forms over the centuries: from vanities to hunting trophies, from earthenware to decorative furniture, and even as a political tool during the French Revolution.

Over 80 works, from the 16th to the 21st century, from public and private collections in Europe and the USA, will be on display, illustrating the evolution of this fascinating technique. Among the artists featured are Boilly, Gysbrechts, Harnett, Fornasetti, Pistoletto and many others.

To get there, leave the hotel and head for the Pont Marie metro station (line 7). Take line 7 towards La Courneuve-8 Mai 1945 and get off at Opéra station (approx. 10-15 minute journey). At Opéra, change to line 3 (the yellow line), direction Pont de Levallois - Bécon. Get off at Jasmin station, which is about 5-10 minutes' walk from the Musée Marmottan Monet.