Art buffs, historians and Francophiles will love this one—an inside look at Claude Monet’s kitchen in Giverny, France. It offers priceless insight into the mind and soul of one of the world’s most profound artists.
It’s the kind of magical place that’s worth schlepping across the world to see and then imagining yourself preparing a chocolate chai martini on the counters, just to sip it in the perfectly romantic adjoining rooms.
Monet’s kitchen at Giverny looked out at one of his two beautiful gardens located about 50 miles to the northwest of Paris. These are the scenes he famously painted.
After moving to the property in 1883, he painstakingly renovated the land and home’s interior to please Alice, his wife.
The home was active with Monet and family members from the tail end of the 19th century through around 1926 when Monet died. The kitchen was obviously the heart of the home.
Even after the house fell into disrepair after Claude’s death, the tilework and kitchen items remained in good condition.
Many of the display details, including the copper pots and pans, were really Alice and Claude Monet’s cookware. You can just imagine them cooking nearly magical meals in this room.
Close your eyes. Can you smell a rich butter sauce in the background? We can.
The hooks to hang copper and vintage cast iron skillets remain as well as the cupboards holding French seasonings, tea pots and utensils. It’s a perfect time capsule and a window into the creativity of one of history’s most revered artists.
Monet’s kitchen is by far one of the best light, bright rooms we’ve ever seen.
Just look at all the attention to detail! Rich brass spigots, handrails and water pitchers are juxtaposed against copper appliances that are works of art themselves.
The hand-made blue and white tiles are each creations of love and brilliance—no machine printing was used to create these porcelain masterpieces that adorn almost every inch of wall space. We also love the bordering around the hearth and gorgeous blue-hued translucent gingham curtains on the kitchen door.
Even the serving dishes offer detailed paintings that seem worthy of studying (and we’d love to).
If you’re thinking of heaving to Giverny to tour the property yourself, book tickets in advance. Over 500,000 people journey to this museum destination each year. Admission is free for children seven and under, and tickets start at 7.50 euros.
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Images via Our Old House.
