When I began working on the 111 Museums in Paris that You Should Not Miss guidebook, I visited countless museums, each offering its own fascinating perspective. But it was the Musée de Montmartre—where the neighborhood artists’ bohemian lifestyle comes to life—that truly captivated me. I longed to be transported back to that era, to witness firsthand the creative energy that once pulsed through these streets.

This curiosity deepened as I explored various artists’ studios. Each visit sparked the same questions: What happened here? Where did they gather? Who were their friends? The more I discovered, the clearer it became—these artists weren’t working in isolation. They were deeply connected, constantly inspiring and challenging each other. Their studios weren’t just places of work; they were vibrant meeting places where artistic ideas took shape and evolved.

Nowhere else in the world can you visit as many preserved artists’ homes and studios as you can in Paris. The city offers a truly unique experience—one that allows you to step directly into the personal worlds of painters, writers, and sculptors who shaped its extraordinary cultural legacy. So, why not take you on a journey through these spaces? Together, we’ll go back in time and experience the creative energy that made Paris the beating heart of the art world.

In this three-part exploration, we’ll begin with the Romantics—visionaries like Eugène Delacroix, Ary Scheffer, and Victor Hugo, whose friendships, rivalries, and collaborations defined the passionate spirit of 19th-century Paris. From there, we’ll move into the world of Symbolism and the groundbreaking innovations of sculptors such as Auguste Rodin and Antoine Bourdelle, along with the visionary painter Gustave Moreau, whose dreamlike imagery and intricate detail offered a unique reinterpretation of myth and spirituality.. Finally, we’ll follow the artistic pulse to Montmartre and Montparnasse, where pioneers like Pablo Picasso, Constantin Brâncuși, and Amedeo Modigliani reshaped modern art and turned Paris into the global epicenter of creativity.

So, let me take you on this journey through time—into the very spaces where art was not just made but redefined and where Paris’s enduring legacy as the capital of art truly began.

 

The Romantic Era: Eugène Delacroix (1798–1863), Ary Scheffer (1795–1858), and  Victor Hugo (1802–1885) – Friends, rivals and creative visionaries.

Our journey begins with three towering figures of Romanticism—Eugène Delacroix, Ary Scheffer, and Victor Hugo—whose friendships, rivalries, and collaborations were not just personal dynamics but crucial influences that helped shape the artistic spirit of 19th-century Paris. Their mutual admiration, creative tensions, and differing visions of art fueled quiet rivalries that pushed them toward new artistic heights, often resulting in groundbreaking works that defined the Romantic movement.

Eugène Delacroix and Ary Scheffer represented two distinct facets of the Romantic movement. Eugène Delacroix’s dramatic, politically charged paintings, such as Liberty Leading the People, challenged artistic conventions with bold colors and dynamic energy. In contrast, Ary Scheffer’s introspective works, like The Ghosts of Paolo and Francesca, concentrated on personal emotion and philosophical reflection, often imbued with a sense of spiritual searching. Their rivalry, though subtle, was palpable, propelled by their competing visions: Delacroix’s outward passion versus Scheffer’s inward contemplation.

Meanwhile, Victor Hugo‘s friendship with Eugène Delacroix was marked by mutual respect and creative tension. Hugo admired Delacroix’s visual storytelling, while Delacroix was captivated by the depth and drama of Hugo’s literary worlds. However, their differing views on the role of art—Hugo’s socially-driven narratives versus Delacroix’s focus on aesthetic beauty—created an ongoing intellectual rivalry that subtly influenced their work.

Although George Sand admired both and they were part of the same artistic circles, Scheffer and Hugo pursued diverging paths within Romanticism. Hugo’s grand, revolutionary narratives often contrasted with Scheffer’s more personal and spiritual explorations of sorrow and introspection. Their rivalry was rooted not in personal conflict but in the competition between two creative ideals: social revolution versus private reflection.

 

Eugène Delacroix: A studio of passion and movement

Eugène Delacroix was a master of vivid colors and dramatic compositions, and his atelier in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, now the Musée Delacroix, is as enchanting as his work. Nestled just off the picturesque Place de Fürstenberg, one of the most beautiful squares in Paris, the space feels like a hidden sanctuary.

In his own words, Eugène Delacroix once wrote:

It’s easy to understand why. The large windows flood the room with soft, natural light—an ideal setting for an artist so attuned to the power of color and movement. His studio was more than just a workspace; it was a vibrant meeting place for creative minds. Writers and poets such as Victor Hugo and George Sand often gathered here, united in their desire to break free from the constraints of the classical tradition.

This space wasn’t merely a workshop but a hub of artistic and intellectual exchange where discussions of art, politics, and literature shaped the heart of the Romantic movement. Every corner of his studio seems to hum with the echoes of these passionate debates, from the artist’s role in society to the interpretation of historical events, making it clear why Eugène Delacroix’s influence continues.

www.musee-delacroix.fr/en/

Ary Scheffer: a hidden oasis of quiet introspection 

While Eugène Delacroix’s energy was bold and expressive, Ary Scheffer offered a quieter, more introspective vision of Romanticism. His home and atelier, now the Musée de la Vie Romantique, sits in the heart of the Nouvelle Athènes neighborhood, once a trendy intellectual hub in the 9th arrondissement.

A small paved road leads you to an intimate space—Ary Scheffer’s studio lies to your right, while a former party space sits to your left, where lively discussions and music once echoed through the night. Beyond these buildings, a lush garden unfolds, guiding visitors toward the main house, a charming retreat that exudes tranquility.

This home wasn’t just a place for quiet reflection—it was one of the most influential salons of the era. The original piano, the cast-iron stove, and Ary Scheffer’s paintings still stand, silent witnesses to a rich past where intellectual vibrancy remains palpable. These gatherings were not mere social events; they were the stage for passionate exchanges that continually pushed the boundaries of creation.

I can almost hear the lingering notes of Frédéric Chopin‘s piano filling the room while intellectuals like George Sand, Théophile Gautier, and Alfred de Musset debated art and philosophy. Frédéric Chopin, who disliked performing before large crowds and preferred the intimacy of salons, found this place to be the perfect setting to play, far from the pressures of public concerts that weighed on him.

While Ary Scheffer’s style was subtler than Eugène Delacroix’s, his exploration of human emotion and historical themes made him an essential figure of the Romantic movement. His gatherings were more than social events; they were a true nerve center of Romantic intellectual life, where art, literature, and music intertwined, shaping the era’s spirit.

www.museevieromantique.paris.fr/en

Victor Hugo: a genius beyond the written word

Like many, I had always considered Victor Hugo primarily a literary genius—a towering figure of poetry, novels, and plays. But stepping into his residence at Place des Vosges revealed dimensions of his creativity I had never anticipated.

What struck me most was Victor Hugo’s remarkable talent for design and craftsmanship. Every room in his home reflects his boundless imagination, from intricately carved woodwork to bold decorative choices that seamlessly blend Eastern and European influences. A passionate collector of antiques, he was often seen searching for unusual furniture, which he would dismantle and reassemble in unexpected ways—transforming an armoire into a table, for example. I am in absolute awe of how his imagination touched every aspect of his life, extending far beyond his writing to shape his very surroundings. His home was more than just a writer’s residence; it was a living testament to a mind that never ceased to push the boundaries of creativity.

His wife, Adèle Hugo, said:

I can almost envision the lively gatherings of artists and thinkers—Franz Liszt, Honoré de Balzac, and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres—sharing ideas, debating passionately, and fueling the intellectual vibrancy of the Romantic era. His connection with Eugène Delacroix was particularly profound. The painter’s dramatic works seemed to mirror the intensity and depth of Victor Hugo’s literary worlds, revealing a mutual admiration that transcended disciplines.

Victor Hugo’s creative energy resonated in every detail of his home. It wasn’t just a reflection of his artistic talents but a testament to his relentless curiosity and influence on 19th-century Parisian culture. Including him in the story of Romantic Paris feels essential, as his legacy stretches far beyond literature, touching on visual arts, interior design, and the intellectual spirit of the era.

www.maisonsvictorhugo.paris.fr/en

 

A lasting legacy of romanticism: setting the stage for artistic revolutions 

Exploring the homes and studios of Eugène Delacroix, Ary Scheffer, and Victor Hugo revealed the true essence of the Romantic movement. These weren’t just places of creation; they were vibrant spaces where friendships, rivalries, and collaborations shaped the future of art and literature, inspiring generations to come.

The Romantic movement wasn’t merely a style but a revolutionary spirit, a drive to break free from convention, challenge tradition, and redefine the artist’s role in society.  That spirit still lingers in these preserved spaces, offering inspiration for anyone willing to listen to the echoes of creative passion that once filled their walls. It’s a connection to the past that continues to shape the present.

I hope this exploration inspires you to discover these studios and see them through a different lens. But the journey doesn’t end here. In the next chapter, we will explore the world of Symbolism and the Sculptors, tracing the innovations of Gustave Moreau, Auguste Rodin, and Antoine Bourdelle—artists whose groundbreaking work paved the way for a major artistic breakthrough. Alongside them, painters Jean-Jacques Henner and Guillaume Dubuffe continued to shape the creative landscape, leaving a distinctive mark on the evolution of French art.

The creative journey that began in these intimate studios didn’t fade; it evolved, expanded, and ultimately led to a turning point that forever transformed Paris and the art world. Stay with me as we continue to unravel the threads of this extraordinary legacy. Discover more in our guidebook: 111 museums in Paris That You Should Not Miss @amazon.com.

 

FAQs: Exploring Parisian Artists’ Studios

1.What is the origin of the name “Romantic movement”?
The Romantic movement takes its name from “romance,” initially referring to medieval tales of chivalry in Romance languages. By the 18th century, “romantic” came to describe the imaginative and emotional qualities of such stories. Emerging in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Romanticism reacted against Enlightenment rationalism, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and nature. The term was first applied to literature by German critics like Friedrich Schlegel before spreading to art, music, and philosophy, while the movement gained momentum in France, Britain, and beyond.

2. Why does Paris have so many preserved artists’ studios?
Paris has been a global center for art for centuries. Many studios have been preserved to honor the legacy of painters, sculptors, and writers who shaped its cultural history.

3. What makes Eugène Delacroix, Ary Scheffer, and Victor Hugo’s homes unique?
These were not just personal spaces but dynamic meeting places where artists, writers, and musicians exchanged ideas, influencing French art, literature, and beyond.

4. Can you visit these studios today?
Yes! The Musée Eugène Delacroix, Musée de la Vie Romantique (Ary Scheffer’s home), and Maison de Victor Hugo are open to visitors, offering a glimpse into 19th-century artistic life.

5. How did these salons influence art and literature?
These homes were hubs of creativity where discussions, collaborations, and rivalries shaped artistic movements from Romanticism to Symbolism and beyond.

6. What other artists’ studios can be visited in Paris?
In addition to Eugène Delacroix, Ary Scheffer, and Victor Hugo, you can explore the preserved studios of:

• Constantin Brâncuși (Atelier Brâncuși)
• Alberto Giacometti (Institut Giacometti)
• Ossip Zadkine (Musée Zadkine)
• Antoine Bourdelle (Musée Bourdelle)
• Gustave Moreau (Musée Gustave Moreau)
• Suzanne Valadon (Musée de Montmartre)
• Chana Orloff (Atelier Chana Orloff)
• Guillaume Dubufe (Musée Jean-Jacques Henner)

Each offers a unique insight into the artistic evolution of Paris, from Romanticism to Modernism.