From model to collector
Vierny met Maillol at fifteen and built an important collection herself.
Moonik — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Guilhem Vellut from Paris, France — CC BY 2.0 · Shev123 — CC0 · Kalepom — CC0
A private museum in Saint-Germain, built around the work of the French sculptor Aristide Maillol and the collection of Dina Vierny, who was his model and later became a collector and dealer. Vierny's story is half the museum: she met Maillol at fifteen and became the principal model for his sculpture in his final years, then assembled an important collection of her own including works by Matisse, Dufy, Kandinsky and Russian artists, and founded this museum in 1995. Today it shows its permanent holdings alongside major temporary exhibitions, which are usually the main reason to visit — shows devoted to particular artists that draw large audiences. Practical points: check the programme before going, since the temporary exhibition normally determines the value of the visit and the ticket may vary with it. The museum is relatively small and needs no more than ninety minutes. The location in Saint-Germain is near the Musée Rodin and the Invalides.
Vierny met Maillol at fifteen and built an important collection herself.
The collection goes beyond Maillol to major modernist names.
The major temporary shows are what the museum is known for today.
Rue de Grenelle, 7th arrondissement, Paris
Musée d'OrsayFew museums have a building that rivals their collection; Orsay is one of them. 7 minutes walk4.7
Musée RodinThe loveliest museum in Paris is neither its biggest nor most famous: the countr8 minutes walk4.6
Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés**The oldest church in Paris**, originally an abbey founded by King Childebert I9 minutes walk4.6
Les InvalidesThe gilded dome glinting in every Paris panorama belongs to Les Invalides: the r11 minutes walk4.6
Tomb of NapoleonBeneath the highest golden dome in Paris, in an open circular crypt designed so 11 minutes walk4.8Looking for halal food near Musée Maillol? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
New JawadHalalNew Jawad is an Indo-Pakistani restaurant on Avenue Rapp, a short walk from the 23 minutes walk · $$$4.4
Ministry of SpiceHalalModern halal Indian cooking, the sit-down option for an unhurried dinner. About 14 minutes walk · $$$
Berkeley GardenHalalHalal Indian cooking that suits families and group dinners, about eight minutes'22 minutes walk · $$$
Chez le LibanaisHalalA small counter on Rue Saint-André des Arts, one of the busiest pedestrian stree16 minutes walk · $4.5Al DarHalalAl Dar is a Lebanese restaurant in the Latin Quarter, a few minutes on foot from24 minutes walk · $$4.1It is good but not the strongest reason. The museum is known today for its temporary exhibitions, some among the most important in Paris and drawing queues. Check what is on and decide on that basis — you may find a show worth the trip on its own, or a gap between shows that is not.
In the Jardin du Carrousel beside the Louvre: a group of his bronzes stands in the open air and can be seen free at any time. If the sculptor alone interests you, that is a good starting point.