Paris is not just about love and romance but also offers a journey through centuries of human creativity. It is home to some of the most incredible museums in the world that bring art, history, and culture to life. From the world-renowned Louvre to the impressionist paradise of Musée d'Orsay, there is a museum in Paris for you. Most of the museums in Paris are housed in beautiful old buildings that are worth a visit all on their own. In this blog, let’s discover popular and lesser-known institutions that promise a perfect cultural adventure in this magical city. Read on...
Discover Cultural Heritage of France at These Museums in Paris
Listed below are the most iconic museums to visit in Paris to dive into the city’s rich art, culture, and history:
1. Louvre Museum
Located in the heart of Paris, Louvre Museum is not just a landmark but a symbol of the cultural radiance of France. Established in 1793, the museum houses around 500,000 objects spanning from prehistoric times to the 19th century. It has 35,000 works of art on display, including masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The museum is housed in a former royal palace with a glass pyramid entrance, which is designed by Chinese American architect I. M. Pei. With nearly 9 million visitors each year, it tops the list of the world’s most visited museums.
Visiting Hours:
- Monday, Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Thursday – 9:30 AM to 9:45 PM
- Wednesday and Friday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €22
Tips for Visiting the Louvre Museum:
- Buy your ticket online in advance to bypass long queues
- Download the official Louvre app for a self-guided tour
- Don’t try to see everything in one day, pick a few wings to focus on
2. Musée d'Orsay
Musée d'Orsay is known for holding one of the largest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art in the world. The museum opened in 1986 and is housed inside a former railway station on the left bank of the Seine River. Here, visitors can see more than 5190 paintings and sculptures from 1848 to 1914, including iconic works by artists like Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne, and Van Gogh. The museum building itself is a key attraction in the city, boasting a large glass roof and a big clock that looks out over Paris.
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €16 to €18 (Free entry on first Sunday of each month)
Tips for Visiting Musée d'Orsay:
- Consider visiting late-night on Thursdays, when the museum is least crowded
- The fifth-floor restaurant offers incredible views over Paris
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3. The Centre Pompidou
Officially the Centre national d'art et de culture Georges-Pompidou, Centre Pompidou is an unmissable spot for art and culture lovers. Built in 1977, the complex boasts a stunning architectural design by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers. It houses the Musée National d'Art Moderne, which is the largest museum of modern art in the whole of Europe. It features works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Matisse, among others. Visitors can also explore Bibliothèque publique d'information (BPI) library and IRCAM, a center for music and acoustic research.
Visiting Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €15 to €17
Tips for Visiting the Centre Pompidou:
- The ticket includes access to the rooftop
- Don’t miss the vibrant atmosphere and street performances in the surrounding plaza
4. Musée de l'Orangerie
If you are seeking a serene art experience, head straight to Musée de l'Orangerie in Tuileries Garden. Opened in 1852, the museum is best known for its two oval rooms dedicated to monumental Water Lilies paintings by Claude Monet. These immersive panels are designed to surround the viewer, creating a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere. The museum also houses the Walter-Guillaume Collection, which includes Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by 140 artists including Cézanne, Renoir, Picasso and Matisse.
Visiting Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €12.50
Tips for Visiting Musée de l'Orangerie:
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the beautiful Tuileries Garden
- Consider visiting early in the morning when its less crowded
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5. Musée Rodin
Dedicated to renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin, Musée Rodin of Paris is another unmissable spot for art lovers. Founded in 1919, the museum is housed in the Hôtel Biron, where Rodin once lived and worked. It features world-famous sculptures like The Thinker and The Kiss within its elegant rooms and, most notably, in its stunning sculpture garden. The combination of incredible art and a peaceful garden setting makes it one of the most romantic and beautiful museums in Paris.
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6:30 PM (Last entry at 5:45 PM)
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €14 to €15
Tips for Visiting Musée Rodin:
- Allow plenty of time to explore the garden, especially on a sunny day
- The on-site café is a lovely spot to relax
6. Musée National Picasso-Paris
Located in the historic Hôtel Salé in the Marais district, the Musée National Picasso-Paris holds the world's most extensive public collection of artworks by Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. The museum features over 5,000 pieces spanning his entire career, offering unparalleled insight into his creative process through paintings, sculptures, drawings, and engravings. Whether you are a modern art enthusiast or a student seeking a comprehensive understanding of one of the 20th century's most influential artists, this museum deserves a spot on your itinerary!
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 6 PM (Last entry at 5:15 PM)
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €14
Tips for Visiting Musée national Picasso-Paris:
- Take advantage of audio guide, which offers valuable context about Picasso’s life and work
- Explore the shops and cafes in trendy Marais district after your visit
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7. Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac
Just next to the Eiffel Tower, Musée Du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac is dedicated to the indigenous art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Founded in 2006, the museum boasts a modern architecture by French architect Jean Nouvel that integrates seamlessly with a lush, wild garden for an immersive experience. It houses 370,000 objects and 700,000 iconographic pieces, comprising masks, statues, textiles, and jewelry that tell the stories of non-European civilizations. This museum is an excellent choice for families and travelers interested in anthropology and world cultures, offering a refreshing perspective beyond traditional European art.
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 7 PM (Last entry at 5:15 PM)
- Thursday – 10:30 AM to 10 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €12
Tips for Visiting Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac:
- Dine at the rooftop restaurant (Les Ombres) with spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower
- Check for temporary exhibitions and cultural events hosted at the museum
8. Musée de l'Armée (Army Museum)
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Commonly known as the Army Museum, Musée de l'Armée is one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to military history. Housed within the magnificent Hôtel National des Invalides, the museum provides a deep dive into the past of the French military and its impact on the world. The collections at the museum cover antiquity through the 20th century, with extensive exhibits on the Napoleonic Wars and the two World Wars. The site also famously holds the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte under its gleaming golden dome.
Visiting Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM
Ticket Price Range: €15
Tips for Visiting Musée de l'Armée:
- The museum ticket includes access to Napoleon's tomb
- Keep at least half a day to see the main highlights
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9. Petit Palais
Often overlooked, Petit Palais is a beautiful museum of fine arts in Paris. It is housed in an opulent Beaux-Arts building constructed for the 1900 Universal Exhibition. The museum boasts a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Greek and Roman period to the early 20th century. Its garden and café are a key highlight at the museum, providing a peaceful space to relax.
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: Free (for permanent collection)
Tips for Visiting Petite Palais:
- The permanent collection at the museum is accessible for free
- The courtyard café is a hidden gem for a coffee break
10. Musée Marmottan Monet
Located in the quiet Bois de Boulogne district, Musée Marmottan Monet is an unmissable destination for anyone seeking an intimate experience of art in Paris. It holds the largest collection of works by Claude Monet, including the iconic painting Impression, Sunrise, which gave the Impressionist movement its name. The collection provides a deep and personal look into life and work by Monet, making it a rewarding visit for art lovers seeking a quiet, reflective experience.
Visiting Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Monday – Closed
Ticket Price Range: €14
Tips for Visiting Musée Marmottan Monet:
- Being slightly off the beaten path, it’s generally less crowded
- Check for special exhibitions focusing on other Impressionist artists
Tips for Visiting Museums in Paris
- Buy a Paris Museum Pass to save you both money and time
- Purchase your entry tickets online in advance skip the lines at most major sites
- Go on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially in the morning
- Check for free entry days, but expect larger crowds
- Take your time to truly appreciate the art and exhibits
Other Things to Do in Paris
- Visit the Eiffel Tower and enjoy breathtaking city views
- Explore the charming streets and artistic heritage of Montmartre
- Take a relaxing cruise along the Seine River in the evening
- Wander through the historic Latin Quarter and see the Shakespeare and Company bookstore
- Stroll through the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens
- Discover the grandeur of the Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior view) and Sainte-Chapelle
- Savor delicious pastries at a local patisserie
- Go on a day trip to the Palace of Versailles
- Explore the covered passages for unique shopping experiences
- Enjoy an evening performance at the Palais Garnier, the historic opera house
Paris is truly a paradise for those who love history and exploring new cultures. The museums in Paris offer something for every kind of traveler, whether you are a family looking for an educational adventure, a solo traveler seeking inspiration, a student of art history, or simply an art lover eager to stand before a masterpiece. Each visit leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the creative spirit that defines this beautiful city. For an enriching and memorable journey through the art and soul of Paris, book one of our France tour packages!
FAQ’s - Museums in Paris
The Louvre Museum is the quintessential choice for first-time visitors, as it houses many of the world's most famous masterpieces. For a more manageable but equally impressive experience, the Musée d'Orsay is a fantastic alternative.
Yes, the permanent collections of the Petit Palais and the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris are free to enter. Many national museums also offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month.
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (City of Science and Industry) is excellent for kids with its interactive exhibits. The Museum of Natural History and the Musée du Quai Branly are also great choices.
If you plan to visit more than three or four major museums in Paris over a few days, the Paris Museum Pass is generally worth it. It saves money and allows you to skip the long ticket lines.
You could spend days exploring the Louvre, but for a highlights tour, plan for at least 3-4 hours. It’s best to pick a few key areas to focus on to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
The Musée Rodin offers a unique experience by combining sculpture with a beautiful garden setting. Additionally, the Musée des Arts Forains (Fairground Arts Museum) provides a whimsical and interactive look at vintage carnival objects.
Yes, but large bags, backpacks, and luggage are usually not permitted. Most museums have a cloakroom or lockers where you must check larger items before entering the galleries.
All the major museums in Paris, including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, are equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms to accommodate visitors with mobility issues.
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