A Day in the Life of an 18th-Century Parisian Aristocratic Family

This exhibition is the first one I experienced with sight, sound, and scent. I was immediately sent back in time by the atmosphere: birds chirping, the chimes of antique clocks, horses and carriages on cobblestones and the faint smells of tobacco and potpourri in the rooms of Monsieur and Madame. 

The rooms are set up to suggest an experience rather than just a display. The exhibition is dimly lit to protect the delicate items from light; screens are used instead of glass to avoid glare. If the rooms seem cluttered, this shows the consumerism of the privileged class. (As a side note, many items come from the 18th century Musée Nissim de Camondo, which will reopen in 2030).

While QR codes play a functional role at the exhibit, I highly recommend visiting the MAD site before you go for the “Cartels of the Exhibition“. The cartels/labels offer more depth on particular items if you are a history buff as I am.  Tip: Use your browser to switch to English.

When I watch the series Bridgerton or a Jane Austen adaptation, I’m often struck by how impeccably clean and perfectly dressed the characters seem. Perhaps, I have seen them in their nightclothes for a fleeting, minuscule moment. This exhibition pulls back the curtain, revealing some of the reality of their intimate rituals—from the ritual of the bath to the priority, at times, of whiter clothes over cleanliness (their’s or the clothes, I wasn’t sure).

It also highlights the financial realities of the Enlightenment period.

Have you ever noticed that in these period novels or series, couples often married strictly for money? It was typically the woman who brought the dowry, only for the husband to eventually squander the family fortune at the gaming table. You will learn some details about these games and gambling habits in the last display of the exhibit.

It is rare to find an exhibition that caters to the younger visitor. At MAD’s 18^th century mansion exhibit, I spotted a young boy and girl, roughly ten years old, clearly absorbed in the hunt for clues. The “investigation” adds a layer of fun to the visit; just note that the labels are positioned quite low to the ground. They should look for the special emblem of a girl on a chair.

For those planning a family trip, you can read about the  investigation and the objects to look for in advance. The official MAD brochure describes the activity as “An investigation in the 18th century” (ages 7–12)—a perfect way to follow, the lady’s maid, Lison, through the exhibition and help her solve the mysterious disappearance of Filou, Madame’s dog.