The Hôtel d'Heidelbach, now renamed 'Maison Guimet,' has reopened after months of renovation led by designer Constance Guisset. Located at 19 Avenue d'Iéna, just steps from the Musée Guimet in Paris, the early 20th-century mansion will welcome visitors for the Nuit des musées on May 23. The guided tour includes reception rooms, an impressive collection of Chinese ceremonial furniture, and a Japanese garden with a tea pavilion, ending with a tea tasting. The renovation was intentionally sober, reversible, and modular, aiming to enhance rather than overhaul the space.
This reopening matters because it transforms a historic private mansion into a distinct cultural destination that complements the Musée Guimet, rather than serving as a mere annex. The site’s unique identity—blending French 18th-century decor with Chinese ceremonial furniture and a Japanese tea pavilion—offers visitors a contemplative, immersive experience. The renovation also introduces a new program of tea tastings and literary events, expanding the museum's public engagement. For the Nuit des musées, free entry and a Korean-themed program highlight the venue's potential as a vibrant cultural hub.