Musée Pierre Marly: Eyewear Museum in Paris

Whenever we think about visiting Paris, everyone imagines themselves climbing the Eiffel Tower, going to Le Louvre, or strolling down the Champs Élyseés. Today, however, I’m going to give you another option, the eyewear museum, or “Musée des Lunettes et Lorgnettes Pierre Marly”, at number 380 of Rue Saint-Honoré.

As its French name would suggest, the museum holds an important collection of spectacles and glasses. More than 3000 models, from the Quevedos of the 18th century up to models worn by Marlene Dietrich or Elton John.

The name, Pierre Marly, refers to the famous eyewear designer who, from the 50s to the 70s, infused his designs with humour and, above all, a daring palette of never-before-seen colours, opening the gates to a new dimension in optics.

He was the instigator of the idea of specific models for every occasion and designed glasses for film stars of the era such as Audrey Hepburn and Sophia Loren.

His collections were known for their energy, creativity and sensuality, not just for the designs, but also for the materials used, which included leather, or wood...

Nico