Quick Tips for Visiting Museums in Paris
Paris Museum Pass: If you plan to visit several museums, consider buying the Paris Museum Pass*. It gives you access to 50+ sites and can save both money and time.
Best times to visit: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Free days: Many museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month - a great tip for budget travelers.
1. Louvre Museum
No list of Paris museums is complete without the Louvre. As the largest art museum in the world, it houses over 35,000 works, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Even the building itself — a former royal palace — is breathtaking.
Why visit? To see some of the most iconic artworks in history and experience the grandeur of French culture.
Official Website | See on Google Maps | Tickets*
2. Musée d’Orsay
Set inside a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Think Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Degas. The building’s grand clock windows also provide great photo opportunities.
Why visit? It’s the ultimate destination for fans of Impressionism and a must-see for art lovers.
Official Website | See on Google Maps | Tickets*
3. Centre Pompidou
With its bold, inside-out architecture, the Centre Pompidou is hard to miss. Inside, you’ll find Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for amazing views of Paris.
Why visit? To dive into modern art and enjoy one of the city’s coolest viewpoints.
Official Website | See on Google Maps
4. Musée de l’Orangerie
A smaller but magical museum, the Orangerie is best known for Monet’s monumental Water Lilies murals, displayed in specially designed oval rooms. The museum also houses works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Modigliani.
Why visit? To be surrounded by Monet’s Water Lilies in an intimate, peaceful setting.
Official Website | See on Google Maps | Tickets*
5. Rodin Museum (Musée Rodin)
Dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, this museum is set in a beautiful 18th-century mansion with tranquil gardens. Masterpieces like The Thinker and The Kiss are displayed both indoors and outdoors.
Why visit? For an art experience that combines sculpture, architecture, and nature.
Official Website | See on Google Maps
6. Musée Picasso
Housed in the historic Hôtel Salé, the Musée Picasso showcases over 5,000 works by Pablo Picasso, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. It offers an incredible journey through the artist’s creative evolution.
Why visit? To explore the life and works of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.
Official Website | See on Google Maps | Tickets*
7. Musée Carnavalet
For something different, head to the Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris itself. From medieval artifacts to memorabilia from the French Revolution, it’s a fascinating look at how the city has evolved. Best of all, entry is free.
Why visit? To understand the soul and story of Paris through its history.
Official Website | See on Google Maps
Conclusion
Paris is overflowing with museums, but these 7 must-visit museums capture the city’s artistic and cultural essence. From the global icons of the Louvre and d’Orsay to more intimate gems like the Rodin Museum and Carnavalet, each offers a unique window into the spirit of Paris. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, make sure to add at least a few of these museums to your itinerary — they’re an essential part of experiencing the City of Light.
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