22 Museums in Paris for Families | 2024 (with Photos)

Uncover the cultural treasures and artistic masterpieces in the City of Lights as we take you on a journey through 22 unmissable museums in Paris, France.

In this article, we delve into world-renowned galleries and hidden gems, showcasing everything from ancient artifacts and classical paintings to cutting-edge contemporary art.

Get ready to explore the heart and soul of Paris through its extraordinary museums, each offering a unique experience that will leave you in awe.

Table of Contents

1. Musée du Louvre - World's Largest Museum

2. Musée d'Orsay

3. Centre Pompidou - Musée National d'Art Moderne

4. Musée de l'Orangerie

5. Musée Picasso

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1. Musée du Louvre - World's Largest Museum

As the largest museum in the world and one of the most visited Paris museums, the Louvre Museum is an unmissable destination for art enthusiasts.

Home to the iconic Mona Lisa and thousands of other renowned works, its impressive collection spans from ancient civilizations to the 19th century.

Visitors can explore the former royal palace, marvel at the stunning objets d'art, and appreciate masterpieces by artists like Jacques Louis David, and Leonardo da Vinci.

2. Musée d'Orsay

Housed in a former railway station, the Musée d'Orsay boasts an incredible collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Here, visitors can admire works by Claude Monet, Van Gogh, and other renowned artists.

The museum offers a unique glimpse into the artistic movements of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Additionally, the museum features photography, and sculpture, adding to the diversity of its collection.

Some of the most famous pieces in the Musée d'Orsay include Van Gogh's Starry Night Over the Rhone, Manet's Olympia, and Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen.

The grandeur of the former railway station provides a stunning backdrop for the museum's great collection, which attracts millions of visitors each year.

3. Centre Pompidou - Musée National d'Art Moderne

This contemporary and modern art museum, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, is a must-visit destination in the heart of Paris.

The Centre Pompidou hosts a vast collection of modern art, featuring works by prominent artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Kandinsky. With its innovative architecture and ever-changing exhibitions, the museum offers a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.

With its innovative architecture and ever-changing exhibitions, the museum offers a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors, drawing them into the world of art through interactive displays, temporary exhibitions, and captivating art installations.

4. Musée de l'Orangerie

Nestled in the picturesque Place de la Concorde, the Musée de l'Orangerie houses an extraordinary collection.

Visitors can marvel at Claude Monet's famous Water Lilies, a series of monumental paintings displayed in two oval rooms specially designed by the artist himself.

The museum also showcases works by other celebrated artists, including Cézanne, Matisse, and Renoir. The Musée de l'Orangerie is one of the best museums in the city for those interested in impressionist art and its influence on modern art.

In addition to the Water Lilies, the museum's permanent collection includes over 20th-century masterpieces from the likes of Picasso, Modigliani, and Chagall, as well as important works of cubism, fauvism, and surrealism.

5. Musée Picasso

Dedicated to the life and work of Pablo Picasso, this national museum boasts an extensive collection of the artist's paintings, sculptures, and drawings.

The Picasso Museum offers an unparalleled insight into the creative process and evolution of one of the 20th century's most influential artists. Temporary exhibitions and art workshops further enrich the visitor experience.

As one of the most famous museums in France, the Picasso Museum showcases a wide range of his artwork, from early sketches and Cubist masterpieces to later, more experimental pieces.

This collection allows visitors to witness the development of Picasso's style and technique, as well as his significant contributions to modern art.

6. Musée Rodin Institut de France

Set within an elegant 18th-century mansion, the Rodin Museum pays tribute to the life and work of Auguste Rodin, one of the most important sculptors in history.

The museum's collection features more than 6,000 sculptures, including masterpieces like The Thinker and The Kiss. The museum's tranquil gardens also showcase several of Rodin's large-scale works, making it an essential stop on any Paris museum tour.

The Rodin Museum features works similar to the art you would find in the Musée du Louvre.

It's great for modern sculpture enthusiasts and features a collection of Rodin's works from the modern art period.

Visitors to Musée Rodin can admire the artist's expressive sculptures, which capture human emotions and movements in a way that was revolutionary for its time.

7. Musée du Quai Branly

Situated near the Eiffel Tower, the Quai Branly Museum is dedicated to the indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

Designed by Jean Nouvel, the museum's striking building houses a vast collection of over 300,000 objects, including sculptures, textiles, and masks.

One of the highlights of the Quai Branly Museum is its lush garden, which provides a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The garden of musée du Quai Branly features a wide variety of plants and trees from around the world, including bamboo, palm trees, and ferns, and provides a peaceful setting for visitors to relax and contemplate the museum's diverse collections.

8. Petit Palais - Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris

Located across from the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais is home to the city's fine arts collection.

The museum showcases works from ancient Greece to the 20th century, including pieces by Rembrandt, Rodin, and Cézanne. The Petit Palais's stunning architecture, featuring a beautiful courtyard garden, adds to the charm.

In addition to its extensive permanent collection, the Petit Palais, like Rodin Museum, frequently hosts other exhibitions as well, highlighting various artistic movements and periods, as well as individual artists.

This dynamic exhibition schedule ensures that visitors always have something new and exciting to explore during their visit. This is what makes it one of the best museums in the city.

9. Musée National des Arts Asiatiques - Guimet

Known as the Musée Guimet, this Paris museum houses an extensive collection of art spanning from India to Japan.

With over 50,000 objects on display, including sculptures, ceramics, and textiles, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the diverse artistic traditions of Asia.

The museum's peaceful Japanese garden and tea pavilion provide a tranquil retreat from the bustling city.

One of the highlights of the Musée Guimet is its extensive collection of Buddhist art, which includes some of the finest examples of sculpture and painting from India, China, and Southeast Asia.

The museum's galleries are arranged thematically, allowing visitors to explore different aspects of Asian culture, from the religious iconography of Hinduism and Buddhism.

10. Musée Marmottan Monet

This intimate museum, located in a former hunting lodge, holds the largest collection of Claude Monet's works, including the famous Water Lilies and Impression, Sunrise.

The Musée Marmottan Monet also showcases works by other Impressionist artists, such as Berthe Morisot and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. A visit to this charming museum is a must for fans of Monet.

Additionally, The Musée Marmottan Monet features a collection of illuminated manuscripts, Napoleonic memorabilia, and medieval art, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural traditions of France.

11. Musée des Arts Décoratifs

Situated in the prestigious Hôtel de Ville, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs celebrates the art of design, from medieval times to the present day.

The museum's collection includes furniture, ceramics, glassware, and textiles. Visitors can explore the evolution of design through the museum's beautifully curated rooms, making it one of the best Paris museums for design enthusiasts.

Additionally, the museum offers a comprehensive view of French art and design, from the Renaissance to the contemporary period.

With a focus on decorative arts, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs showcases the development of design and craftsmanship over the centuries, providing visitors with an in-depth understanding of the aesthetic and cultural values of French society.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring the work of contemporary designers and artists, allowing visitors to explore current trends and innovations in design.

Overall, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and evolution of design.

12. Palais de Tokyo

As one of the largest centers for contemporary art in Europe, the Palais de Tokyo is an essential destination for modern art lovers.

The museum focuses on cutting-edge art, hosting innovative exhibitions by contemporary artists from around the world.

For anyone who loves to see a good art installation, this museum is for you. In addition to its innovative exhibitions, the museum is also known for its lively workshops and events, offering visitors a chance to engage with art in a hands-on way.

The museum's unique location, next to the Seine and across from the Eiffel Tower, makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

With its emphasis on modern art, the museum is a must-visit museum in Paris for those interested in the latest trends in the art world.

13. Musée de Cluny - Museum of the Middle Ages

The Cluny Museum, housed in a former medieval abbey, showcases a collection of medieval art and artifacts.

Among the museum's highlights are the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries and the remarkable stained glass windows from the Middle Ages.

A visit to this museum offers a fascinating journey through the rich history and culture of medieval Europe, as well as an opportunity to explore the intricate and complex artistic traditions of this fascinating period in history.

Musée de Cluny is one of the premier tourist attractions in Paris for anyone interested in art and history, and it provides a rare opportunity to experience this unique cultural heritage up close and personal.

14. Grand Palais

This historic exhibition space, built for the Paris International Exhibition of 1900, hosts an array of temporary exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

The Grand Palais's stunning Beaux-Arts architecture and majestic glass-domed roof make it a must-see Parisian landmark in line with the Eiffel Tower.

The museum's diverse programming, featuring fashion and photography, ensures there is always something new and exciting to discover.

The Grand Palais has become an important venue for contemporary art exhibitions, featuring works by both established and emerging artists. In addition to its art, the museum also hosts major fashion events, such as Paris Fashion Week, and important photography exhibitions.

Its collection of temporary exhibitions and cultural events makes it a hub of creativity and innovation in the heart of Paris. The Grand Palais has also become a popular destination for its ice-skating rink, which is installed every winter under its iconic glass roof, providing a unique and enchanting experience for visitors.

15. Musée Nissim de Camondo

This elegant mansion-turned-museum showcases a stunning collection of 18th-century French decorative arts, assembled by the Camondo family.

The museum offers a rare glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Parisian high society during the Belle Époque, featuring exquisite furniture, paintings

Visitors can explore the sumptuously furnished rooms, complete with original period details, for a truly immersive experience that transports them back in time to a bygone era of glamour and luxury.

This museum is a true gem of the Parisian museum scene, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step inside the home of one of the city's most prominent and influential families of the Belle Époque.

16. Musée de Montmartre

The Montmartre Museum, nestled in the heart of the French capital, offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and cultural history of the district.

The museum includes a collection of works by famous artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec, Renoir, and Modigliani, who were drawn to Montmartre's bohemian atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the museum's beautifully curated rooms, which showcase the district's rich artistic and cultural heritage. The museum's picturesque garden offers sweeping views of Paris, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Whether you're an art lover or a history buff, the Montmartre Museum is one of the best museums in Paris for its unique collection and idyllic setting.

17. Musée de la Chasse

The Musée de la Chasse, located in the heart of the French capital, offers a collection of art and artifacts related to hunting and natural history.

A visit to this unique Paris museum provides a fascinating insight into a world of interesting art related to the history of hunting, as well as its impact on society and culture over the centuries.

The museum's collections include a diverse range of hunting-related objects, from ancient hunting tools and weapons to art installations exploring the relationship between humans and animals.

18. Arab World Institute

The Arab World Institute, designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, showcases the rich history and modern achievements of the Arab world.

The museum's collection includes precious objets d'art, exquisite decorative arts, and temporary exhibitions that celebrate the diversity of Arab culture.

19. Musée du Luxembourg

This museum, nestled in the beautiful gardens of a former palace, is a must-visit museum in Paris for its interesting exhibitions and its exquisite Italian museum-style setting.

Artists such as Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh have graced the museum's exhibition rooms, offering visitors an unforgettable experience.

One of the unique features of this museum is its ability to transport visitors to different times and places. The museum's setting, with its stunning architecture and peaceful gardens, offers a respite from busy central Paris.

As visitors walk through the museum's galleries, they can't help but be captivated by the enchanting atmosphere created by the carefully curated artwork and serene surroundings.

20. Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art

The Cartier Foundation, an innovative cultural center, is dedicated to promoting contemporary artists and their works through thought-provoking art installations, installations, and exhibitions of popular art.

These mediums are used to explore a wide range of contemporary themes and issues, from social justice and environmental activism to identity politics and globalism.

The foundation is also known for its dedication to supporting emerging and mid-career artists from around the world.

By providing a platform for these artists to showcase their works, the Cartier Foundation is helping to shape the future of the modern art world, promoting fresh perspectives and challenging established norms.

21. Musée Jacquemart-André

The elegant Musée Jacquemart-André, housed in a magnificent Hôtel de Ville, boasts impressive private collections of fine arts, decorative arts, and Asian art from renowned collectors Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart.

Visitors can admire masterpieces by artists like Jacques Louis David while marveling at the stunning architecture of the mansion.

The private collection, donated by Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, includes works by celebrated artists such as Jacques Louis David and Jean-Honoré Fragonard.

Visitors can also admire the impressive architecture of the mansion, with its stunning Renaissance-style interiors, grand staircase, and ornate ceilings.

22. Jeu de Paume

Lastly, the Jeu de Paume, located near the Place de la Concorde, is a modern art museum that focuses on photography and media art.

Its modern art exhibitions provide a unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of visual culture.

The museum's collection boasts an impressive array of modern and contemporary art, with a particular focus on photographic works.

Its exhibitions provide a unique perspective on the ever-evolving world of visual culture, with topics ranging from street art and pop art to video installations and cultural artifacts.

The Jeu de Paume is one of the best museums in Paris for lovers of modern art, alongside other iconic museums like the Centre Pompidou, Palais de Tokyo, and Musée d'Orsay.

FAQs Regarding Museums in Paris

Let's take a look at the questions most frequently asked by people eager to understand which museum they should visit when they come to Paris.

What are two famous museums in Paris?

Two of the most famous Paris museums are the Louvre Museum, home to the iconic Mona Lisa and an impressive collection of art and artifacts, and the Musée d'Orsay, which houses an extensive collection of Impressionist art by renowned artists such as Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh.

What is Paris' most visited museum?

The most visited museum in Paris is the Louvre Museum, which is also the largest museum in the world. The Louvre's vast collection of iconic masterpieces makes it an unmissable destination for art enthusiasts.

Is Musée d'Orsay worth seeing?

Yes, the Musée d'Orsay is definitely worth seeing. It is one of the best museums in Paris and is famous for its stunning collection of Impressionist art, including works by Monet, van Gogh, and Renoir.

The museum itself is housed in a beautiful former railway station, adding to its charm and appeal.

Are museums free in Paris?

Many Paris museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month, while some smaller museums are free all year round.

Additionally, Paris residents under 26 years old, and EU residents under 26 years old can enjoy free access to many museums.

It's essential to check individual museum websites for specific admission policies and prices.

Summing Up: Museums in Paris for Families

So, there we have it. Paris is a city that embraces its rich artistic and cultural heritage, boasting an astonishing collection of museums that cater to all tastes and interests.

This article has guided you through 22 museums in Paris that are ideal for family visits. We've featured iconic institutions like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, as well as lesser-known gems such as the Musée de la Chasse and the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art.

With a diverse range of collections and exhibitions, Paris truly is an art lover's paradise.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Paris and immerse yourself in the city's captivating art scene today.