Eugène Delacroix is considered one of the most influential artists of the 19th century and a leading figure of the Romantic movement in France. His works, known for their bold use of color and dramatic intensity, were pivotal in the transition from Neoclassicism to Romanticism in European painting.
The building, now the museum, was Delacroix's home from 1857 until his death in 1863. During his time there, he created many of his famous works, including studies for murals and large-scale paintings. The museum is housed in the Hôtel de Saint-Simon, a historic building that Delacroix moved into after living in other places in Paris. It remains one of the artist's primary residences in the city.
After Delacroix's death, the building passed into private hands, and it wasn't until the mid-20th century that the idea of establishing a museum dedicated to his life and work gained traction.