The Louvre (classical art), the Musée d'Orsay (Impressionism) and the Centre Pompidou (modern art) are the main must-see museums. For families with children, it is recommended to visit the Grévin Wax Museum and the Science Museum. It is always advisable to book skip-the-line tickets in advance.
A visit to the City of Lights is not complete without delving into the culture and art it has to offer. Based on my experience after dozens of visits to the French capital, I have compiled a comprehensive list of museums in Paris that you should not miss – from classical art at the Louvre to modern exhibitions at the Louis Vuitton Museum. Here you will find personal recommendations, ratings, and most importantly – links to tickets that will save you hours of waiting in line.
🏆 5 museums you shouldn't miss
🧐 Golden tip for visiting the Louvre
The line for the Mona Lisa can be exhausting and ruin the experience. My recommendation? Book a ticket Hosted Access (“Login with a host”).
This allows you to enter through a side entrance, skip the usual line, and get directly to the work with a guide who knows the shortest route.
The exhibitions currently taking place in Paris
Before we start going from museum to museum, I thought you might be interested in knowing what the hottest exhibitions are in the City of Lights right now. So here's a list of the top ten:
If you would like to know what other exhibitions are currently taking place in Paris, you are welcome to click the button below.
After you've checked out what exhibitions are happening while you're in Paris, it's time to provide you with information on all the museums you shouldn't miss. To make your choice easier, I've arranged the museums by category. You're welcome to start scrolling down to discover which museums are in each category.
🏛️ Fine Arts and Classics
Palace of Versailles
The iconic royal palace of Louis XIV showcases the splendor of classical French architecture. Don't miss the famous Hall of Mirrors, the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, and Marie Antoinette's estate (the Trianon).
- The most magnificent palace in France
- Spectacular gardens (especially in summer)
- Outside Paris (requires train travel)
The Louvre Museum
The world's largest and most famous art museum, housed in a historic royal palace. Must-sees include Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo and the Nike of Samothrace, alongside the Egyptian and Greek antiquities wings.
- The largest museum in the world (Mona Lisa)
- Infinite masterpieces
- Very busy – must book in advance
Musee d'Orsay
Housed in an impressive train station, built for the 1900 World's Fair, the museum displays the world's largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Don't miss Van Gogh's "Starry Night Over the Rhone" and masterpieces by Monet, Manet, and Renoir.
- Rare Impressionist Collection (Van Gogh)
- Located in a beautiful train station
- Long lines at the entrance
Rodin Museum
An elegant Parisian mansion dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin. Among the notable works you will find the monumental sculptures “The Thinker”, “The Kiss” and “The Gates of Hell” scattered throughout a magical and relaxing sculpture garden in the heart of Paris.
- A magical and relaxing sculpture garden
- Less crowded than the big museums
- A large part of the museum is outdoors.
Hotel de la Marine
A magnificent 18th-century palace located on the Place de la Concorde, showcasing the splendor of the French aristocracy. The meticulously restored guest rooms, the loggia overlooking the square, and the impressive Al Thani Collection are must-sees.
- A magnificent palace in the heart of Paris
- Great view of Place de la Concorde
- Lesser known, but very impressive
Jacquemart-André Museum
A magnificent private art collection housed in a magnificent Haussmannian mansion. Highlights include Italian Renaissance art by Botticelli and Donatello, alongside masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Flemish artists.
- Private collection in a magnificent mansion
- Great cafe on site
- Relatively small museum
The Orangery Museum
Located in the Tuileries Gardens, the museum is dedicated to Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Its central and most famous work is the series of panoramic paintings of “Water Lilies” by Claude Monet, which is displayed in two dedicated elliptical halls.
- Monet's Water Lilies (a must!)
- Located within the Tuileries Gardens
- Very small and crowded at times
Marmottan-Monet Museum
Located in the prestigious 16th arrondissement, the museum houses the world’s largest collection of Claude Monet’s works. Don’t miss the landmark painting “Impression, Sunrise” that gave the Impressionist movement its name.
- The largest collection of Claude Monet
- Upscale and quiet neighborhood (16th arrondissement)
- A little far from the city center
Montmartre Museum
A complex of ancient buildings and picturesque gardens that showcase the bohemian history of the famous neighborhood. A must-see is the restored studio of artist Suzanne Valladon and a stroll through the Renoir Gardens overlooking the local vineyard.
- Rustic atmosphere and magical gardens
- The history of Parisian bohemia
- Steep climb (but worth it)
🔳 Modern and contemporary art
Center Pompidou
A striking and unique architectural structure (although quite ugly in my opinion), housing Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art. Don't miss masterpieces by Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse, Warhol, and the spectacular view of Paris from the top floor.
- Modern art and panoramic views
- Unique and colorful architecture
- Some of the galleries are sometimes under renovation.
Trading Exchange (Pinault)
A circular historic building that has been spectacularly preserved by architect Tadao Ando, and now displays the contemporary art collection of François Pinault. The impressive central rotunda and the ancient frescoes under the glass dome are a must-see.
- A magnificent new museum in a historic building
- Very central location (Le Halle)
- Very modern art (not for everyone)
Louis Vuitton Museum
A Frank Gehry architectural masterpiece, shaped like a giant glass sailing ship, nestled in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne, the museum hosts changing exhibitions of top-notch modern and contemporary art and offers beautiful views from its terraced balconies.
- Breathtaking architectural structure
- World-class rotating exhibitions
- Far from the city center (Bois de Boulogne)
Picasso Museum
Housed in the luxurious Hôtel Salle in the Marais district, it houses the world’s largest collection of Pablo Picasso’s works – over 5,000 works. The collection presents all the artist’s creative periods, from the Blue and Rose Periods, through Cubism to his later works.
- The largest Picasso collection
- Located in the heart of the Marais in a beautiful building
- Focuses on only one artist
🧸 Children and family
Grévin Wax Museum
A historic Parisian institution founded in 1882, it features over 200 life-size wax figures of celebrities, politicians and historical figures. Don’t miss the spectacular audio-visual show in the original Palais des Mirages.
- A wonderful and fun experience for the whole family
- Impressive and historic interior design
- Relatively expensive tickets
Arts and Crafts
Europe's oldest museum of technology, engineering and inventions, uniquely housed within an ancient and impressive monastery. The must-see exhibit is Foucault's original pendulum, alongside Clement Ader's first model of an airplane and a rare astronomical collection.
- A fascinating history of inventions
- The famous Foucault pendulum
- Less suitable for very young children
Evolution Gallery
Located within the Jardin des Plantes complex, it mesmerizingly presents the story of the evolution of life on Earth. The highlight and symbol of the place is the impressive giant procession of life-size stuffed animals in the center of the hall.
- An impressive life-size animal parade
- Great location in the botanical gardens
- Requires a lot of walking
Museum of Science and Industry
A huge and interactive science center located in Parc La Villette and especially adapted for children. The place offers fascinating exhibitions on space, the human body, communication and technology, and it is highly recommended to visit the planetarium and the real submarine “The Argonaut” displayed outside.
- Interactive and perfect for curious children
- Huge complex with lots of activities
- Far from the city center (Park La Villette)
The chocolate museum
A sweet culinary and educational experience that unfolds the history of the cocoa bean from the Aztec Empire to the present day. It is especially recommended to participate in chocolate-making workshops taught by professional chocolatiers and taste a huge variety of chocolate types.
- Including chocolate tasting
- Possibility of creative workshops
- Relatively small museum
Museum of Illusions
An experiential and interactive center designed to test your sense of sight, logic, and spatial perception. Don't miss the "anti-gravity" room, the vortex tunnel, and the Infinity Room, which provide unforgettable images.
- Great photos for Instagram
- Fun for all ages
- Relatively short visit (about an hour)
👠 Fashion and Design
Dior Gallery
A breathtaking and elegant exhibition dedicated to the rich heritage of the fashion house Christian Dior. The most prominent and photographed piece is the central staircase surrounded by hundreds of colorful miniature models of dresses, alongside a fascinating glimpse into the original design studio.
- Breathtaking design and display
- A fascinating history of fashion
- Tickets are selling out very quickly.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
An intimate museum housed in the historic studio where the legendary designer created his works for decades. Must-sees include Saint Laurent's original work desk, design sketches, and of course iconic models like the women's tuxedo and the Mondrian dress.
- The designer's original studio
- Iconic dress display
- Relatively small museum
📜 History, monuments and cultures
Army Museum (The Invalides)
A monumental 17th-century historical complex dedicated to the military history of France from the Middle Ages to the World Wars. The most famous site here, a must-see, is the magnificent and enormous tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte, located under the golden dome of the Duomo.
- Napoleon's impressive tomb
- Huge collection of weapons and armor
- Requires a long time for full coverage
Atelier des Lumieres
A groundbreaking digital art center housed in a former foundry in eastern Paris, the venue presents mesmerizing immersive exhibitions in which classic works of art are projected onto giant walls and floors, coming to life to a customized musical soundtrack.
- An amazing visual and musical experience
- Very suitable for children too
- Usually full, must book in advance
Quai Branly Museum
A unique building designed by architect Jean Nouvel at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, dedicated entirely to the art and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania and America. The famous green outer wall is a must-see, and the collection of tribal masks and ancient sculptures is a must-see in a mysterious atmosphere.
- Fascinating tribal art
- Beautiful garden and special building
- Dim lighting in some halls
Cheese Museum
A new interactive and experiential museum in the heart of the city, celebrating the glorious tradition of French cheesemaking. The visit includes fascinating demonstrations of production processes, an introduction to the various cheese regions in France, and of course – professional guidance and fine tastings.
- Culinary experience including tastings
- Located in the heart of Paris
- Relatively new and less well-known
🆓 Free museums
Carnival Museum
The official museum of the history of the city of Paris, housed in two magnificent mansions in the Marais district and recently underwent extensive renovation. Must-sees include the reconstruction of writer Marcel Proust's room, the paintings documenting the French Revolution, and the collection of antique street signs.
- History of Paris in a spectacular building
- Free admission to the permanent collection
- Some exhibits are in French only
Cognac Museum J.
A fine 18th-century art collection bequeathed by the founders of the Samaritan department store, displayed in a small, intimate, and well-designed mansion in the Marais. Highlights in the collection include paintings by François Boucher and Canaletto, alongside rare Enlightenment furniture, sculptures, and porcelain.
- An intimate and beautiful collection
- Inside a mansion in the heart of the Marais
- Very small (short visit)
Victor Hugo Museum
The original apartment where the famous writer lived for 16 years, located on the elegant Place des Vosges. Don't miss the unique Chinese lounge that Hugo designed himself, the restored bedroom where he died, and the collection of drawings he created with his own hands.
- Perfect location on Place de la Voise
- A glimpse into the life of the great writer
- Free admission (paid exhibitions)
The Petit Palais
The beautiful art museum of the city of Paris, housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building built especially for the 1900 World's Fair. The frescoes decorating the ceiling, the collection of antique jewelry, and the inner courtyard and magical garden in the center of the building are a must-see.
- An Art Nouveau building that is stunning in its beauty
- Hidden inner garden with cafe
- Long line sometimes (despite being free)
Museums and Monuments Card
If you plan to visit a large number of monuments and museums in Paris, it is worth considering buying the Museum cardIt will save you money and time.
Questions and Answers (FAQ)
What are the most popular museums in Paris?
These are the ten most popular museums in Paris:
- The Louvre Museum
- Musee d'Orsay
- Center Pompidou
- Army Museum (The Invalides)
- Quai Branly Museum
- Petit Palais
- The Orangery Museum
- Museum of Evolution
- Gervan Museum
- Rodin Museum
Are the museums open on Sundays and holidays?
What day are most museums closed?
What days can you visit museums in Paris for free?
Are there any museums in Paris that are open at night?
Is it worth taking a guided tour of museums in Paris?
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