14 Must-Visit Museums in Paris for Art and History Lovers
Paris isn’t just the “City of Light”—it’s a global beacon for art and history lovers. It has over 130 museums throughout the city, so you’re never more than a stone’s throw from masterpieces spanning centuries. In 2023, 47.5 million visitors explored these cultural treasures, solidifying Paris’ reputation as the world’s most visited museum city, according to Road Genius.
Parisian museums showcase everything from breathtaking Impressionist masterpieces to groundbreaking modern art, serving as gateways into human creativity and history—not just repositories of artifacts. Here are 14 must-visit museums that will inspire you with their rich heritage.
Orangerie Museum
For Claude Monet enthusiasts, the Orangerie Museum is a must-see. It’s famous for its large-scale Water Lilies paintings, displayed in oval rooms designed by Monet. Although compact, the museum also showcases works by Picasso, Rousseau, and Modigliani in its well-curated exhibits.
To make the most of your time, consider purchasing a joint ticket for the Louvre and Orangerie Museum, which will create an art-filled day in Paris.
Picasso Museum
Nestled in the elegant Hôtel Salé, the Picasso Museum reports that it houses over 5,000 pieces from Pablo Picasso’s incredible career, including paintings, sculptures, and rare manuscripts. This museum allows you to explore the evolution of Picasso’s artistry across different mediums. Compared to the crowded Louvre and Orsay, the museum provides visitors a serenely quiet environment, resulting in pleasant extended museum visits.
Showcasing masterpieces from antiquity to the early 20th century, the collection includes treasures like Greek vases and Dutch paintings, including Rembrandt’s iconic Self-Portrait with Dog. The permanent collection is free to explore, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking culture on a budget.
Petit Palais
The Petit Palais was constructed during the 1900 Universal Exhibition to become the Museum of Fine Arts of the City of Paris. The venue showcases Renaissance artworks alongside Art Nouveau designs in its broad assortment.
One of its highlights is that admission to the permanent collection is free, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers. After exploring, take a peaceful coffee break in the museum’s enchanting garden courtyard.
Rodin Museum
The Rodin Museum, located in the Hôtel Biron, showcases the thought-provoking sculptures of Auguste Rodin. Iconic works like The Thinker and The Kiss are displayed inside the museum and in its serene gardens, as reported by Trip Advisor.
Few visitors frequent the outdoor area because it provides an empty, tranquil setting, which makes it suited for meditation. Springtime presents the ideal period to visit the gardens because they appear most vibrant.
Marmottan Monet Museum
The Marmottan Monet Museum in Paris shelters the world’s most extensive collection of Claude Monet’s paintings, including Impression Sunrise, alongside the painting that originated the Impressionist art movement. Tourists can explore multiple works of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists at the museum and experience Monet’s masterpiece collection.
Fans of Monet and Impressionist artwork should visit this close and quiet museum that stands out against larger venues.
Centre Pompidou
A visual icon with high-tech architecture, the Centre Pompidou is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. It houses the most extensive collection of modern art in Europe, featuring works by artists like Kandinsky and Warhol that showcase pivotal movements in art history.
Beyond the exhibits, the rooftop offers a stunning view of Paris you won’t want to miss.
Museum of Modern Art of the City of Paris
The museum showcases contemporary art through works of Braque and Picasso and presents various local artists to visitors. The free admission costs allow anyone to explore this destination, which is an ideal spot for art enthusiasts.
A walk beside the Seine River will complete your sightseeing adventure after stopping at these locations.
Museum of Decorative Arts
The Museum of Decorative Arts is located within the Louvre’s structure, presenting remarkable insights about functional art through its displays. Thematic fine pieces, including elegant furniture, eye-catching jewels, and elaborate fibers, all demonstrate the skilled work of artists who lived in that historical period.
The museum’s exhibits span centuries, offering visitors a window into the evolution of design and its role in everyday life. The Paris Design Week season enhances the museum experience because visitors can witness unique design-based exhibitions.
Maillol Museum
The Maillol Museum provides an intimate setting for an eclectic mix of art, blending paintings, sculptures, and decorative pieces. It showcases works by well-known artists such as Maillol, Canova, and Modigliani.
After your visit, explore the nearby boutiques in this chic neighborhood for a well-rounded experience.
Palais Galliera
Fashion enthusiasts will delight in the Palais Galliera, a museum dedicated to the history of fashion. Its rotating exhibitions feature iconic haute couture designs, offering a glimpse into the glamour and artistry of Parisian fashion.
Be sure to book tickets in advance, as special exhibitions tend to sell out quickly.
European House of Photography
For photography lovers, the European House of Photography is a true gem, offering a treasure trove of dynamic and thought-provoking exhibitions from some of the most renowned photographers around the globe. Photography dominates the complete space of this Parisian establishment, which stands independently among cultural establishments in the city.
Explore a diverse range of exhibits that push creative boundaries, from classic works to contemporary photography. Plan your visit on a Wednesday evening for an added bonus, as the museum offers free admission, making it the perfect midweek cultural outing.
Orsay Museum
Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, the Orsay Museum is a dream destination for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art fans. Its collection includes works by Van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir. After dropping below one million during the health crisis, attendance at the renowned museum rebounded to nearly 3.9 million in 2023, according to Statista.
The museum’s unique architecture and exquisite collection transport you back to 19th-century France. Check out Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône, a visitor favorite.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is the world’s largest art museum and houses over 480,000 artworks, as My Paris Pass reported. Its iconic collection includes masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Founded in 1793, the museum attracted over 8.7 million visitors in 2024, solidifying its status as the most visited museum on Earth.
A visit to the Louvre is a journey through history, from ancient Egyptian relics to Renaissance paintings, all housed in a stunning former royal palace. To make the most of your visit, purchase tickets in advance to skip the long lines, especially during peak tourism seasons.
Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection
Opened in 2021, the Bourse de Commerce is a contemporary art museum that features works from the private collection of François Pinault, one of the world’s leading art collectors. The building itself is a masterpiece, blending historic architecture with modern design, as reported by TripAdvisor.
Check out its rotating temporary exhibitions to see some of the most cutting-edge pieces in the contemporary art world.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Read More:
