The Musée des Arts Decoratifs is a branch of MAD, a private not-for-profit organisation that develops links between industry and culture, design and production, and provides art education and professional training. The museum has been located in the Pavillon de Marsan in the west wing of the Louvre Museum since 1905. It houses a vast collection of decorative art and design pieces dating from the middle ages to the present day. The rooms are divided by chronology or by a particular theme, such as glassware or Japan, and are filled with furniture, tableware, carpets, silverware, jewellery and more. A series of rooms is dedicated to different periods of French history, from the late 15th century to the early 20th century.

The extensive collection comprises over 150,000 objects, of which 6,000 are permanently exhibited, documenting the French art of living, the skills of their craftspeople, and the passion of their respective collectors. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions.