Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design de Bordeaux

Museum in Bordeaux

Musée Des Arts Décoratifs De Bordeaux — Musée des arts décoratifs de Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Dark Attsios

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design, known locally as MADD, is one of the must-see places in Bordeaux for travellers interested in craftsmanship, elegance, and contemporary creativity. Set within the Hôtel de Lalande, a grand townhouse built between 1775 and 1779, the museum offers a fascinating journey through centuries of French decorative arts. Even during its temporary closure for renovation, MADD remains a highlight of any walking tour of Bordeaux thanks to its graceful façade and ongoing off-site exhibitions that continue to capture the city's artistic spirit.

Stepping into MADD is like moving through time: its collections-spanning medieval artifacts to cutting-edge design-reveal how taste, technology, and daily life have evolved across generations. The museum’s blend of history, architecture, and modern innovation makes it a deeply engaging space for anyone curious about how objects shape culture.

History and Significance of Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design
Things to See and Do in Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design
How to Get There
Practical Tips on Visiting Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design
Where to Stay close to Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design
Is Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design
Nearby Attractions to Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design

History and Significance of Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design

MADD is housed in the Hôtel de Lalande, an exquisite 18th-century mansion originally built for Pierre de Raymond de Lalande, a parliamentary counsellor. Over its long life, the building has been a private residence, police headquarters, and home to a municipal prison added in the former garden in 1885. It transitioned into a museum in 1924, becoming the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in 1955.

In 2013, under the direction of Constance Rubini, the institution embraced contemporary design, transforming into MADD Bordeaux. This shift broadened its scope to include not only historic decorative arts but also modern and experimental design. Today, its collections hold more than 33,000 objects, reflecting both local heritage and international creativity.

Things to See and Do in Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design

Inside the museum, visitors can explore a rich array of furniture, ceramics, glassware, silverwork, musical instruments, and graphic arts that illustrate the story of French decorative design. Highlights include exceptional 18th-century Bordeaux faience, refined Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces, and an evolving selection of contemporary design objects.

The museum also manages the Jeanvrot collection, which features artifacts related to the Bourbon Restoration and colonial history. Even while major renovations are underway, MADD continues to host off-site exhibitions, workshops, and design-focused events across Bordeaux, ensuring that visitors and locals stay connected to its creative mission.

How to Get There

MADD is located at 39 Rue Bouffard in central Bordeaux, a short walk from tram lines A and B. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place. Parking is available in nearby public car parks around Place Pey-Berland and Gambetta, though walking is often the easiest way to reach the museum. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you. Travellers arriving through Bordeaux Airport can reach the city centre by tram or shuttle before continuing on foot. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Bordeaux on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design

Best time to visit Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design: Visit mid-morning or mid-afternoon for quieter galleries once it reopens.
Entrance fee in Euros: Varies by exhibition; reduced rates available.
Opening hours: Will be announced closer to the museum’s reopening in early 2026.
Official website: madd-bordeaux.fr
How long to spend: 1-2 hours depending on interest.
Accessibility: Renovations aim to improve full accessibility throughout the museum.
Facilities: Café and boutique expected to reopen with the renovated space.
Photography tip: Capture the refined exterior façade of the Hôtel de Lalande from Rue Bouffard.
Guided-tours: Offered for major exhibitions and thematic programs.
Nearby food options: Plenty of cafés and bistros around Place Pey-Berland and Rue du Palais-Gallien.

Where to Stay close to Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design

For a comfortable stay near the museum and Bordeaux’s historic centre, consider Hôtel de France for its central convenience. Another elegant option is Yndo Hôtel, offering boutique luxury in a historic building. Travellers seeking contemporary comfort may enjoy Mama Shelter Bordeaux with its lively design and excellent location.

Is Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design Worth Visiting?

Yes. Even during its temporary closure, MADD remains an essential part of Bordeaux’s cultural landscape through its off-site exhibitions. Once it reopens, its combination of elegant architecture, rich collections, and dynamic design programming will make it one of the best places to visit for anyone interested in the evolution of style and craftsmanship.

FAQs for Visiting Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design

Is the museum open right now?
MADD is temporarily closed for renovations until early 2026.

Are exhibitions still available during the closure?
Yes, the museum offers off-site exhibitions and cultural programs around Bordeaux.

What kind of objects does the museum display?
Its collection spans furniture, ceramics, glassware, metalwork, graphic arts, and contemporary design.

Can you visit the interior of the Hôtel de Lalande?
Access will resume when the museum reopens in 2026.

Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes, MADD often offers family-friendly exhibitions and workshops.

Nearby Attractions to Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design

Cathédrale Saint-André: Bordeaux's iconic Gothic cathedral with a separate bell tower.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux: One of France's oldest art museums.
Palais Rohan: The historic city hall surrounded by elegant gardens.
Place Gambetta: A lively urban square with cafés and shops.
Tour Pey-Berland: A Gothic bell tower offering panoramic views over the city.

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Design de Bordeaux appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

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