Narrowing my itinerary and desire to see some palatial homes/buildings in Paris, I'm torn between the Hotel de la Marine and the Musee Jacquemart-Andre. I like the architecture aspect but I'm especially interested in the material culture - furniture, art, etc. Any opinions out there on the experience visiting either one? Thank you
While I’ve not been to the Hotel Marine, the Jacquemart-Andre is a favorite of mine. It can be extremely crowded if there is a special exhibition. The cafe is very good and the desserts there are wonderful. Yep, not art but one has to eat!
Hôtel de la Marine will be much more opulant, which isn't to say that Jacquemart-André isn't impressive. Both have restaurants but I am partial to the tearoom at JMA.
I have not been to Jacquemart Andre recently but remember it as having special exhibit and being basically an art museum. The Hotel de la Marine is a chateau -- ornate private rooms and spectacular public rooms.