15 Museums to See in Paris
Paris is not only renowned for its romantic ambiance and iconic landmarks but also for its rich cultural heritage showcased in its numerous museums. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply a curious traveler, Paris offers a plethora of museums to explore. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the must-see museums, hidden gems, and family-friendly destinations, complete with addresses and opening days.
5 Must-See Museums:
These are the ones that you’ve probably heard of but you’ve heard of them for a reason! For a first-time visitor, they’re essential to your Paris itinerary.
Louvre Museum
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Tuesdays
Arguably the most famous museum in the world, the Louvre is home to thousands of works of art spanning from ancient civilizations to the 19th century. Highlights include the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Musée d’Orsay
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Mondays
Housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is renowned for its collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Visitors can admire works by artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Renoir.
Centre Pompidou
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Tuesdays;
This avant-garde museum is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Its iconic exterior, characterized by colorful pipes and escalators, houses a diverse collection of works by artists like Picasso, Kandinsky, and Duchamp.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Address: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Tuesdays
Located in the Tuileries Garden, this museum is celebrated for its display of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series, as well as works by other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artists.
Musée Rodin
Address: 79 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Mondays
Set in a beautiful mansion and surrounding gardens, the Musée Rodin showcases the works of the renowned sculptor Auguste Rodin, including his most famous piece, “The Thinker.”
5 Hidden Gems:
If you’ve already visited Paris, chances are you’ve frequented a few of the museums in the list above. The following places are for a deeper dive into French culture and a fantastic way to spend a rainy day in Paris.
Musée de la Vie Romantique
Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Mondays
Tucked away in a charming neighborhood, this museum offers a glimpse into the Romantic era with its collection of paintings, sculptures, and memorabilia from the 19th century.
Musée Jacquemart-André
Address: 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Tuesdays
Housed in a lavish private mansion, this museum features an impressive collection of artworks amassed by Edouard André and his wife Nélie Jacquemart. Visitors can admire works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, and Fragonard in opulent surroundings.
After you’re utterly charmed by this romantic museum you should head to Montmartre, just a short walk away, and immerse yourself in the living artistry and a mural celebrating the words ‘I love you’.
Musée Marmottan Monet
Address: 2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Mondays; check website for specific hours.
While Monet’s Water Lilies may steal the spotlight at other museums, the Musée Marmottan Monet provides a more intimate experience with the artist’s works, along with an extensive collection of Impressionist paintings.
Musée de Montmartre
Address: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris, France
Opening Days: open all year round, from 10 am to 7 pm daily, including weekends
Nestled in the heart of Montmartre, this museum captures the artistic spirit of the area, once home to famous artists like Renoir and Valadon. Visitors can explore historic studios and lush gardens that inspired iconic works, offering a unique glimpse into Paris’s bohemian past and its vibrant artistic community.
Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
Address: 62 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Mondays and Tuesdays
A unique museum dedicated to the art of hunting and the relationship between humans and nature. Its eclectic collection includes taxidermy, artworks, and artifacts related to hunting traditions from various cultures.
5 Museums for Kids in Paris:
Museums are a great educational opportunity for kids to get to know a new culture and the history of a place. But let’s face it, you’ve got to keep them engaged! The following museums are geared to kids and families so that everyone has fun, learns and leaves with fantastic memories.
Paris is a kid-friendly city with many acitivites for them to enjoy. After walking around the parks and museums, no doubt you’ll have worked up an appetite so don’t miss the chance to book a kids’ cooking class in Paris!
Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
Address: 30 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Mondays
Located in Parc de la Villette, this interactive science museum offers a wide range of exhibits and activities designed to engage and educate children about various scientific concepts. Highlights include the Explora exhibitions, the planetarium, and the hands-on Cité des Enfants area.
Musée en Herbe
Address: 23 Rue de l’Arbre Sec, 75001 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Mondays
Catering specifically to younger visitors, Musée en Herbe presents art in a fun and accessible way through interactive exhibitions and workshops. Children can explore famous artworks and participate in creative activities that encourage imagination and expression.
The Natural History Museum (Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle)
Address: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Tuesdays
With its numerous branches, including the Gallery of Evolution and the Menagerie, the Natural History Museum offers a fascinating journey through the wonders of the natural world. Kids can marvel at dinosaur skeletons, exotic animals, and interactive displays that make learning about science and nature engaging and entertaining.
The Pompidou Center’s Children’s Gallery
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Tuesdays
While the Centre Pompidou is renowned for its modern and contemporary art, it also offers a dedicated space for children to explore art in a playful and hands-on manner. The Children’s Gallery features interactive installations, workshops, and activities that introduce kids to various artistic techniques and concepts.
The Musée de la Magie (Museum of Magic) and Musée des Automates (Museum of Automatons)
Address: 11 Rue Saint-Paul, 75004 Paris, France Opening Days: Open every day except Mondays and Tuesdays
Located in the Marais district, these two small museums provide a magical and whimsical experience for children. The Musée de la Magie showcases the history of magic with its collection of props, illusions, and secret devices, while the Musée des Automates features a charming display of antique automata and mechanical toys.
That’s the round up of museums, and it will definitely keep you busy in the city of light! Of course, while museums are a great way to delve into the foundation of a place’s culture, remember that in France, food is at the heart of everything. One of the most educative, interactive and fun experiences is to learn the cuisine of a culture through cooking classes. Join Cook’n With Class to learn patisserie, tour the vibrant markets or as a family activity.
