15 Must-Visit Museums in Paris for Art and History Lovers
Art and culture are the name of the game in Paris, and the city is often touted as the global capital of it. The French capital, the largest in France, boasts more than 130 museums and a rich history of artistic and historical achievements, captivating over 13 million people each year. Statista reports that in 2023, the Louvre alone had over 7 million visitors, not to mention the rest of the city, which made Paris a cultural center. Museums of Paris are a must-visit, and if you are an art enthusiast, history buff, or curious traveler, then it is a must for you.
Below is a list of 15 museums in Paris you must tick off your list—from classical masterpieces to modern and contemporary art via unique historical and cultural collections. From the global to the Parisian heritage, each museum is an unmissable stop when venturing into the City of Light.
The Louvre
Considered one of the most famous museums in the world, the Louvre houses an unbelievable number of more than 38,000 works on display, featuring such recognized masterpieces as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
In the museum, you can get acquainted with antiquities, Islamic art, sculptures, and Renaissance paintings, and explore the epochs and civilizations. Walk through the glass pyramid that the architect I.M. Pei designed, which has become a landmark in Paris. Be prepared to spend a couple of hours, or even more, to enjoy a part of its collection.
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is the home of a superb collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings in a former Beaux-Arts railway station.
There, you’ll have the opportunity to observe celebrated works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, and Van Gogh, including his famous Starry Night Over the Rhône. Your visit to the museum is charming due to its grand interior, which features a towering golden clock overlooking the Seine.
Centre Pompidou
Known for its bold “inside-out” design with exposed pipes and ducts, the Centre Pompidou is a marvel of modern architecture. The National Museum of Modern Art is housed inside, and it is Europe’s most extensive collection of modern and contemporary art.
Besides bearing witness to artists such as Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp, the museum also has some of the most cutting-edge temporary exhibits. Don’t fall short of the panoramic view of Paris from the rooftop!
Musée de l’Orangerie
This museum, tucked away inside the Tuileries Gardens, is a haven for Impressionist and post-Impressionist artwork. Claude Monet’s Water Lilies are its crown jewel, mesmerizing at their fullest as a series shown in oval-shaped rooms with natural light filling the halls. Thus, for lovers of early modern art, the museum also stores the works of Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse.
Musée Rodin
This museum is dedicated to the work of renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin and is housed in the elegant Hôtel Biron. Most notable are the lovely sculptures, such as the Thinker and the Kiss, that dot the museum’s long galleries and gardens. The beautiful art and nature together offer a peaceful retreat.
Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
This museum, located near the Eiffel Tower, exhibits art and artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Its unique design, which evokes diverse collections, includes a lush vertical garden. In addition to tribal masks, the museum possesses a splendid collection of texts.
Petit Palais
The City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts is located in this architectural gem, built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition. Its permanent collection includes works by Cézanne and Courbet, among others, from antiquity to the early 20th century. The best part is that entrance to the permanent exhibits is free, making it inexpensive without compromising elegance.
Musée National Picasso-Paris
If you are an art enthusiast, you should not miss this museum, as it is home to the most extensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s works worldwide. It presents a comprehensive and varied view of the artist’s work, encompassing paintings, sculptures, and exhibitions that relate to their life and work. It is found in the Marais area, which is precisely where you should go if you have a minimal interest in modern art.
Musée Carnavalet
Paris’s history is preserved in its oldest museum, housed in a historic mansion. Its 45-year-old collection includes historic furniture, exquisite photographs, and even shop signs. The permanent collection is free to enter and offers a deep cut into Paris’ evolution.
Musée e l’Armée
An encyclopedic chronicle of French military history, this museum was founded at Hôtel des Invalides. It has exhibits from ancient armor to World War II artifacts. Napoleon Bonaparte’s tomb is also located within the museum grounds, and visitors pay their respects to him.
Musée Jacquemart-André
Enter the 19th-century mansion, where Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart acquired, to explore the impressive estate’s private art collection. It has Italian Renaissance masterpieces and French decorative arts. The opulent setting alone is worth the visit.
Musée des Arts et Métiers
Innovators and tinkerers will enjoy France’s National Museum of Science and Technology. Among the exhibits are historic inventions such as Foucault’s Pendulum and the story of technology told century by century. This educational and amusing visit is great for families with curious kids.
Palais de Tokyo
The Palais de Tokyo offers a wide range of diverse and changing exhibitions that are always interesting for those who love contemporary art. It hopes to introduce people to new artists and trends in modern art. It’s also an exciting option for experiencing Paris at night, with late opening hours (until midnight).
Musée de la Musique
This museum has a collection of more than 8,000 instruments sourced from across several centuries, and music lovers will love it. It is fascinating to learn about the history of music, from violins made by Stradivarius to early pianos. The museum is also a draw for its temporary exhibits and concerts.
Musée de l’Histoire de l’Immigration
Bodingly located in the Palais de la Porte Dorée, this museum relates the crucial and often overlooked history of immigration in France. It utilizes photographs, documents, and personal narratives to present a unique perspective on French identity and multiculturalism. It makes for a very thought-provoking and relevant addition to any Paris itinerary.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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