35 Best Museums in Paris | 2024 (with Photos)
Paris is known worldwide for its iconic landmarks and beautiful culture. One aspect that adds to the city's charm is its vast array of museums.
This romantic city has more than 130 museums, and its rich history and culture offer endless possibilities for exploration. From ancient and medieval art to contemporary and modern art, Paris has some of the best museums in the world.
In this article, we will discuss the 35 best museums in Paris that everyone should visit. Get ready to discover the magical world of Paris museums.
Most Recommended Thing to Do
Eiffel Tower
Top Choice Hotel
Ritz Paris
Our Top Choice Restaurant
Le Jules Verne
Our Top Choice Bar for Nightlife
Le Comptoir Général
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn offer ideal weather for exploring.
Average Temperature
Average temperature in Paris, France is usually mild.
Transportation Options
Metro, buses, trams, taxis, bicycles, scooters, walking, ferries.
Average Cost ($, $$, $$$)
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My Top Recommendation
First Paragraph: To truly immerse yourself in the romantic charm of Paris, spend a leisurely afternoon strolling along the Seine River, hand in hand with your loved one, while taking in the breathtaking views of the iconic Eiffel Tower and historic bridges that provide a picture-perfect backdrop for a memorable day.
Second Paragraph: Indulge your taste buds in the culinary delights of Paris by exploring the vibrant local markets, such as Marché des Enfants Rouges, where you can savor freshly prepared French delicacies and interact with passionate local vendors, creating an authentic experience that will leave you with a lasting connection to the city of love.
What You'll Need to Bring
Passport, comfortable walking shoes, appropriate clothing for the season, travel adapter, camera, money or credit cards, language guidebook, maps or GPS device, travel insurance, a good book or entertainment for the journey, toiletries, medication.
What Not to Miss
- Eiffel Tower, renowned landmark and symbol of Paris.
- Louvre Museum, housing famous artworks including the Mona Lisa.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral, Gothic masterpiece located on Île de la Cité.
- Montmartre, charming neighborhood known for its artistic history.
- Seine River cruise, offering beautiful views and a unique perspective of the city.
- Champs-Élysées, iconic avenue lined with shops, cafes, and theaters.
- Sainte-Chapelle, stunning medieval chapel with intricate stained glass windows.
- Le Marais, trendy district with narrow streets, trendy shops, and historic sites.
- Versailles Palace, opulent palace known for its gardens and Hall of Mirrors.
- Parisian cafes, indulge in the city's culinary scene and people-watching.
What to Avoid
Scams and pickpocketing.
Table of Contents
1. Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum, known locally as the Musée du Louvre, is one of the most visited museums in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year.
One of the Musée du Louvre's most famous and iconic artworks is Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa", also known as "La Gioconda."
The famous "Mona Lisa" is a portrait of a woman with a serene expression, depicted against a landscape background.
The painting is widely considered to be one of the most famous works of art in the world, and its subject and meaning have been the subject of much speculation and interpretation over the years.
The Louvre Museum also includes single artist showcases, private collections, and hidden gem galleries.
2. Musée d'Orsay
The Musée d'Orsay is a popular museum in Paris that houses an impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum is located in a former train station and is known for its stunning Beaux-Arts-style architecture and world-class art exhibitions. The museum boasts the world's largest collection of French paintings from 1848 - 1914. During this period, Paris was the art capital of the world.
The Musée d'Orsay is home to impressionist and post-impressionist art, including works by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.
3. Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is a must-visit museum for fans of modern art. It houses the Musée National d'Art Moderne, which has over 100,000 works of art and is one of the largest collections of modern art in Europe.
The permanent collection is on the 4th and 5th floors. There are works of Fauvism, Dada, Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art, and contemporary art on display.
4. Musée de l'Orangerie
The Musée de l'Orangerie is known for its impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art installations, including works by Monet and Renoir.
Located near the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée de l'Orangerie is often less crowded than the others and tickets are a great price. This Paris museum is located in the beautiful Tuileries Gardens and is home to the famous Water Lilies series by Claude Monet.
In fact, some historians call this space the "first art installation", as the room was created for Monet's Water Lillies.
5. Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin or Rodin Museum is dedicated to the work of the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin. The Rodin Museum is housed in a stunning mansion and has a collection of over 6,000 sculptures, including The Thinker and The Gates of Hell.
The Rodin Museum collection comprises over 6,600 sculptures, drawings, and photographs by Rodin, as well as works by other artists, including his mistress and protégée Camille Claudel.
The permanent collection of the Rodin Museum includes some of Rodin's most famous works, such as "The Kiss" and "The Burghers of Calais," which showcase the artist's innovative approach to sculptures.
6. Musée National Picasso Paris
The Musée National Picasso Paris is dedicated to the works of the famous Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso. The Picasso Museum has a collection of over 5,000 of his works, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics.
In addition to Picasso's works, the Picasso Museum also features works by other artists who were close to him or who influenced his artistic style.
One of the most interesting things about the Picasso Museum is that it also showcases the artist's personal collection of works by other artists, including Cézanne, Matisse, and Renoir.
This provides visitors with a glimpse into the mind and artistic tastes of one of the most important artists of the 20th century, making the Musée Picasso ****a must-visit destination for art lovers visiting Paris.
7. Musée de Cluny
The Cluny Museum, or the Musée de Cluny, is a medieval museum that focuses on French history and culture from the Middle Ages. It boasts one of the best collections of medieval arts and crafts in the world.
The Cluny Museum is housed in a stunning building that dates back to the 14th century and has a beautiful collection of stained glass windows, tapestries, and religious artifacts.
If you want to see the famous "Lady with the Unicorn" series from the 15th century, the Cluny is the place to be. Stop by the Île de la Cité while you're in the area.
8. Musée des Arts Décoratifs
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is dedicated to decorative arts, fashion, and design. The museum has a collection of over 150,000 objects, including furniture, ceramics, modern art, and jewelry.
It also hosts great art workshops with souvenirs. This Paris museum is a great pick for lovers of modern art, the history of fashion, and design.
9. Musée du Quai Branly
The Musée du Quai Branly is dedicated to non-European art and culture, with a focus on Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. If you want to expand your knowledge of world art, this is undoubtedly one of the best museums in Paris.
The brand-new Quai Branly Museum opened in 2006 to house the ethnology collection that once belonged to the Museum of Man, plus a number of objects from the former National Museum of the Arts of Africa and Oceania.
10. Grand Palais
The Grand Palais is a stunning exhibition space that hosts temporary exhibits and cultural events throughout the year. The galleries of the Grand Palace are sprawling, immersive, and striking to behold.
The Grand Palais building itself is a work of art, with its beautiful glass roof and Beaux-Arts-style architecture. This stunning art museum is located in the heart of Paris, just a short walk from the Champs-Élysées.
11. Petit Palais
The Petit Palais is the little sister of the Grand Palace. The Petit Palais museum was built for the 1900 International Exhibition, and it features stunning Beaux-Arts-style architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.
The collection comprises over 1,300 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, spanning from antiquity to the early 20th century.
The mansion's 3,700 square meters of exhibition space is used to display a wide range of the most famous artists in history, such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Renoir.
It also has a permanent collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the ancient to the modern era.
12. Palais de Tokyo
The Palais de Tokyo is a contemporary art museum that focuses on modern sculpture, installation art, and contemporary artists. The Paris Modern Art Museum is located in the eastern wing of the Palais de Tokyo.
The palace was built in 1937 for the Paris International Exhibition dedicated to Art and Technology in Modern Life. The museum has a great collection of works and hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
13. Musée National des Arts Asiatiques-Guimet
The Musée National des Arts Asiatiques-Guimet is home to one of the largest collections of Asian art outside of Asia and celebrates Asian culture.
With a focus on the arts of China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia, this museum is a must-visit for tourists looking to broaden their horizons.
This museum is located opposite the Eiffel Tower on the other side of the Seine.
14. Musée Marmottan Monet
The Musée Marmottan Monet is dedicated to the works of Claude Monet, with a collection of over 300 of his paintings, including his famous water lilies series.
Monet's style of painting, known as Impressionism, was characterized by the use of bright, vivid colors and loose brushstrokes that aimed to capture the changing effects of light and atmosphere.
Claude Monet was also known for his love of nature and his ability to capture the beauty of the natural world in his paintings. The Musée Marmottan Monet also has a collection of works by other impressionist painters.
15. Musée du Luxembourg
The Musée du Luxembourg is located in the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens and hosts temporary exhibitions and visual art throughout the year.
The museum focuses on contemporary art and hosts exhibits of both established and emerging artists.
16. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is a unique museum that explores the relationship between humans and animals.
The museum has a collection of over 7,000 objects, including hunting weapons, taxidermy, and art inspired by nature.
17. Musée de la Vie Romantique
The Musée de la Vie Romantique is a charming museum located in a historic house in the heart of Paris.
The museum explores the Romantic period in France and has a collection of paintings, furniture, and family portraits from the era.
18. Musée de l'Armée
The Musée de l'Armée is a military museum that explores French military history from the Middle Ages to the present day. The museum has a great collection of historical paintings, uniforms, and weapons.
This is one of several Military-themed museums in Paris.
19. Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie
The Musée de la Franc-Maçonnerie is a unique museum that explores the history and symbolism of Freemasonry. The museum has a collection of objects related to Freemasonry, including regalia, documents, and furniture.
20. Musée Carnavalet
The Musée Carnavalet is a museum dedicated to the history of Paris, from its origins to the present day. This is one of the best Paris museums for local history and culture.
The museum has a collection of objects and artifacts related to the city's history, including paintings, furniture, and cultural artifacts.
21. Musée des Arts et Métiers
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is a museum dedicated to the history of science and technology. The museum has an impressive collection of scientific instruments, mechanical devices, and machines.
22. Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace
The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace is a museum dedicated to aviation and space exploration. The museum has a big collection of planes, helicopters, and spacecraft, including the Concorde and the Ariane rocket.
23. Musée Grévin
The Musée Grévin is a wax museum that features over 200 life-like wax figures of famous personalities from history, art, and culture. The wax museum is a fun and interactive experience for visitors of all ages.
24. Musée de la Poupée
The Musée de la Poupée is a museum dedicated to dolls and toys. The museum has a collection of over 500 dolls from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as toys and games from the same era.
This museum is a lot of fun for fans of spooky dolls and the history of games.
25. Musée Nissim de Camondo
The Musée Nissim de Camondo is a museum that showcases the opulent lifestyle of the French elite in the early 20th century. The museum is located in a beautiful mansion in the heart of Paris and has a collection of furniture, art, and decorative objects from the period.
26. Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
The Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. The museum has a collection of over 12,000 modern artworks by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Vincent van Gogh, and Andy Warhol.
27. Place de la Concorde in Paris
Place de la Concorde is one of the most famous public squares in Paris, France. It is located at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées and covers an area of 8.64 hectares (21.3 acres).
Originally called Place Louis XV, it was designed in the mid-18th century by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel and was named after King Louis XV. The square was later renamed during the French Revolution to signify a new era of peace and concord.
At the center of the Place de la Concorde stands the famous Obelisk of Luxor, a 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk that was given to France by the Egyptian government in the early 19th century.
The obelisk weighs over 250 tons and is decorated with hieroglyphics honoring the pharaoh Ramses II.
28. Eiffel Tower
Next up, it’s this famous structure. You probably don’t need telling that the Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.
It was named after its designer, Gustave Eiffel, and was completed in 1889 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
Standing at 324 meters (1,063 feet) tall, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest man-made structure in the world when it was built and remained so until the completion of the Chrysler Building in New York in 1930.
The tower is made of iron and consists of four pillars that converge at the top to form a single point. It has three levels that are open to the public, each accessible by elevator or stairs.
The first level offers views of the surrounding city and has a glass floor section that allows visitors to look down at the ground beneath their feet. The second level provides even more expansive views and features a restaurant.
The third and highest level offers panoramic views of Paris and its surroundings. The Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of France and is one of the most visited landmarks in the world.
29. The Louis Vuitton Foundation
The Louis Vuitton Foundation, also known as the Fondation Louis Vuitton, is a Vogue art museum and cultural center located in Paris, France. It was designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry and opened in 2014.
The museum's building is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a complex network of glass sails that appear to float above a reflecting pool. The building's design was inspired by traditional Parisian architecture, as well as the cultural and artistic heritage of France.
The museum is dedicated to promoting the art and culture of France and features a wide range of exhibitions, installations, and performances. It also has a research and development program, as well as educational programs for both adults and children.
The permanent collection of the museum includes works by contemporary artists such as Ellsworth Kelly, Gerhard Richter, and Jeff Koons. It also hosts art installations by international artists, making it a popular destination for art lovers from around the world.
The Louis Vuitton Foundation has become a popular attraction in Paris, both for its impressive architecture and its diverse range of cultural offerings.
It is located in the Bois de Boulogne Park, which is easily accessible by public transportation.
30. Bourdelle Museum
The Musée Bourdelle is an art museum located in the Montparnasse district of Paris, France. It is dedicated to the work of the French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, who lived and worked in the building that now houses the museum.
The museum's collection includes a vast array of sculptures, drawings, and photographs by Bourdelle, as well as works by his contemporaries and artists who were influenced by his style.
One of the highlights of the museum is its extensive outdoor sculpture garden, which features many of Bourdelle's larger works, including his famous bronze statue of Hercules.
31. Invalides Army Museum
The Musée de l'Armée, also known as the Army Museum, is a national military museum located in the Hôtel National des Invalides complex in Paris, France.
The museum was founded in 1905 and is dedicated to the military history of France. The collection includes a vast array of weapons, armor, uniforms, and other military artifacts from various time periods in French history.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, which is located in the crypt of the Hôtel des Invalides.
32. Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie in Paris
The City of Science and Industry, or Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie in French, is a science museum located in the Parc de la Villette in Paris, France.
The museum was opened in 1986 and is one of the largest science museums in Europe. The museum's collection covers a wide range of scientific topics, including physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy.
One of the highlights of the museum is the Cité des Enfants, an interactive exhibit designed specifically for children aged 2 to 12. The exhibit features a number of hands-on activities and games that allow children to explore scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.
33. Museum of Man, Paris
The Museum of Mankind, or Musée de l'Homme in French, is a museum of anthropology and ethnography located in the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, France.
The museum was founded in 1937 and has a collection that includes over 2 million artifacts from around the world. The museum's collection covers a wide range of topics related to human culture and civilization, including archaeology, ethnography, linguistics, and physical anthropology.
34. The Musée du Parfum
The Musée du Parfum, or the Perfume Museum, is a museum dedicated to the history and art of perfume located in Paris, France.
The museum is owned and operated by the fragrance house Fragonard and is housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.
The museum's collection includes a vast array of perfume-related objects, including antique perfume bottles, perfume-making tools, and fragrance extracts.
Visitors can learn about the history of perfume and the various techniques used to create fragrances.
35. The Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art
The Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art, or the Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain in French, is a contemporary art museum located in Paris, France.
The museum was founded in 1984 by the luxury jewelry brand Cartier and is housed in a building designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel.
One of the highlights of the museum is its "Nomadic Nights" series, which features concerts, performances, and other cultural events that complement the exhibitions on display.
The museum also has a bookshop and a café that serves organic and sustainable cuisine.
FAQs Regarding Museums in Paris
Let's look at the most frequently asked questions relating to the best museums in Paris.
What is Paris' most visited museum?
With over 10 million visitors per year, the Louvre is Paris' most visited museum. This Paris gem is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art and culture.
Is Musee d'Orsay worth seeing?
Yes, the Musée d'Orsay is worth the visit. Anyone interested in art and culture will enjoy a trip to the Musée d'Orsay. The museum is housed in a former train station and features a collection of artwork, including works by famous artists such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Van Gogh, and many more.
Which Paris museums are best for history buffs?
If you love history, you can check out the Military Museums in Paris, as well as the Museum of French History and the Museum of the History of Medicine. Moreover, the Hôtel de Ville and Italian Museum provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the city's history and artistic traditions.
Should I visit the Paris Modern Art Museum?
Yes, if you have time, the Modern Art Museum is a great place to visit. Located on the same bank of the Seine as the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Centre Pompidou, and just over the water from the Rodin Museum, this little museum crawl is a culture lover's paradise.
Summing Up: Best Museums in Paris
Paris is a city that boasts an impressive array of world-renowned museums, each offering a unique glimpse into the city's rich cultural heritage.
From the Musée National Picasso Paris to the Musée Marmottan Monet and everything else in between, the city is bursting with fabulous opportunities to explore art and culture.
For visitors looking to maximize their time and budget, the Paris Museum Pass offers excellent value and allows for access to multiple museums and attractions throughout the city.
