Must-see museums in Paris: the ultimate guide for art lovers

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Published on April 24, 2024 at 10:41 p.m.
Paris is the capital of art, with hundreds of museums of all kinds. Faced with such a vast choice, it's easy to lose your head! So why not start with the capital's must-see museums?

Some places have been around forever: whatever their age, they are so iconic that they seem to have always been part of the landscape. So much so, in fact, that we eventually stop noticing them and forget about them. What a shame! In Paris, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the abundance of things to do, it's easy to overlook the best-known and most popular sites, starting with the must-see museums that we think we know by heart.

What if we were to embark on a great adventure, rediscovering these emblematic places? Our journey takes us to the four corners of the capital, to the must-see museums of Paris. Let's play the tourist and put on our innocent eyes to visit Paris as if for the first time. Let yourself be surprised by these must-see art venues, which may well have a few more surprises in store for you...

From the world-famous Louvre to the zany Musée Grévin, from the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle to the Centre Pompidou and the Musée Carnavalet, take your pick from our selection of must-see museums in Paris.

Visuels Musée du LouvreVisuels Musée du LouvreVisuels Musée du LouvreVisuels Musée du Louvre Musée du Louvre: discover the artistic and tourist heart of the capital
The Musée du Louvre, one of the capital's must-see museums, promotes French and European culture through its many masterpieces on display, as evidenced by the 8 million visitors a year who come to contemplate the smile of the Mona Lisa or the fervor of Liberty Guiding the People. A place steeped in history, where art has been flourishing for two centuries already, to discover if you're staying in Paris! [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument - palais gallieraVisuels musée et monument - palais gallieraVisuels musée et monument - palais gallieraVisuels musée et monument - palais galliera Palais Galliera, the fashion museum for all haute couture lovers in Paris
The Palais Galliera, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, is a museum dedicated to fashion and the history of clothing. Special evenings, major events, exhibitions: find out what's new at this magnificent cultural spot. [Read more]

La Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier Bercy The Cinémathèque française: the temple of cinephiles in the heart of the Bercy district
For Parisians and lovers of the 7th art, the Cinémathèque française is a must-see cinema landmark in Paris: a cinema and museum dedicated to the history of cinema. [Read more]

Visuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine musée des arts et métiersVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine musée des arts et métiersVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine musée des arts et métiersVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine musée des arts et métiers The Musée des Arts et Métiers: a historical journey through the greatest inventions
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is the kind of fun, family-friendly museum we love. Come and discover the world's greatest technical and technological inventions, housed in a historic monument. [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument Centre PompidouVisuels musée et monument Centre PompidouVisuels musée et monument Centre PompidouVisuels musée et monument Centre Pompidou Center Pompidou: prices, opening hours, access... All you need to know about the Musée d'Art Moderne
The Centre Pompidou, a museum of modern and contemporary art in the heart of Paris, awaits you every day (except Tuesdays) for a plunge into art in all its forms. Explore its history and exhibitions, and immerse yourself in the artistic universe of one of the world's most visited museums! [Read more]

Musée de l'Orangerie à Paris : programmation, horaires, histoire... Tout ce qu'il faut savoir  - IMG20220927161721 (1)Musée de l'Orangerie à Paris : programmation, horaires, histoire... Tout ce qu'il faut savoir  - IMG20220927161721 (1)Musée de l'Orangerie à Paris : programmation, horaires, histoire... Tout ce qu'il faut savoir  - IMG20220927161721 (1)Musée de l'Orangerie à Paris : programmation, horaires, histoire... Tout ce qu'il faut savoir  - IMG20220927161721 (1) Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris: programming, opening hours, history... All you need to know
The Musée de l'Orangerie is famous for Monet's Water Lilies. But the museum holds many other treasures... Here's everything you need to know to visit. [Read more]

Visuel Paris musée d'OrsayVisuel Paris musée d'OrsayVisuel Paris musée d'OrsayVisuel Paris musée d'Orsay Musée d'Orsay: booking, prices, free admission, tips and current exhibitions
Would you like to visit the Musée d'Orsay, one of Europe's most visited museums and home to the world's largest collection of Impressionist paintings? We'll be happy to give you all the tips and tricks you need to know about the museum, the works of art to discover, the current exhibitions, and the prices and free admission options available, so you can make the most of your visit in the best possible conditions. [Read more]

Le Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris : Un voyage artistique du XXème au XXIème siècleLe Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris : Un voyage artistique du XXème au XXIème siècleLe Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris : Un voyage artistique du XXème au XXIème siècleLe Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris : Un voyage artistique du XXème au XXIème siècle Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (MAM): An artistic journey from the 20th to the 21st century
The Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, open since 1961 and located in the heart of the City of Light, a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, invites visitors to discover over 15,000 works reflecting the wealth of artistic creation of the 20th and 21st centuries. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this museum transports us into the world of contemporary art. It's free to visit! [Read more]

Le musée de l'Homme - collections permanentes - image00055Le musée de l'Homme - collections permanentes - image00055Le musée de l'Homme - collections permanentes - image00055Le musée de l'Homme - collections permanentes - image00055 Musée de l'Homme: discover the origins, evolution and future of the human species
At the Trocadéro, the Musée de l'Homme invites you to discover the evolution of Man (with a capital "H"), from the first humans to the men of today, on an interactive and educational tour. [Read more]

Visuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiersVisuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiersVisuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiersVisuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiers Discover the treasures of the Paris Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - program
The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris with its Jardin des Plantes is an emblematic institution of the capital, founded in 1793. Accessible all year round, this museum offers an insight into the world's rich natural heritage. From plants and magnets to fossils and experiments, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of nature. [Read more]

L'Hôtel de la Marine, le sublime monument à découvrir L'Hôtel de la Marine, le sublime monument à découvrir L'Hôtel de la Marine, le sublime monument à découvrir L'Hôtel de la Marine, le sublime monument à découvrir The Hôtel de la Marine in Paris, the sublime monument on Place de la Concorde
Do you know the Hôtel de la Marine? Let's discover this restored treasure of Parisian heritage, enthroned on the Place de la Concorde! [Read more]

Musée du Quai Branly visuel - jardin Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac  -  A7C2083Musée du Quai Branly visuel - jardin Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac  -  A7C2083Musée du Quai Branly visuel - jardin Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac  -  A7C2083Musée du Quai Branly visuel - jardin Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac  -  A7C2083 The Musée du Quai Branly in Paris: a journey to the heart of the world's cultures
The Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, just a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, offers a fascinating journey through the world's cultures. This unique museum, nestled in a green setting, is a must for lovers of ethnography and cultural discovery. [Read more]

Petit Palais - Collection permanente  -  fresquePetit Palais - Collection permanente  -  fresquePetit Palais - Collection permanente  -  fresquePetit Palais - Collection permanente  -  fresque The Petit Palais in Paris and its hidden treasures, the free museum, opening hours and exhibitions
The Petit Palais, home to the Musées des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, is a true architectural masterpiece. Designed by Charles Girault for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, this museum is a treasure trove. And since admission is free, you'd be wrong not to take advantage of it. [Read more]

Foules, l'exposition interactive de la Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie - nos photosFoules, l'exposition interactive de la Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie - nos photosFoules, l'exposition interactive de la Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie - nos photosFoules, l'exposition interactive de la Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie - nos photos Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie: scientific discoveries and fun for all the family
The Cité des sciences et de l'industrie is packed with fun and educational exhibitions for the whole family to discover, in the heart of the Parc de la Villette. It's the perfect place to learn all about the world around us! [Read more]

Visuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine Invalides musée de l'arméeVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine Invalides musée de l'arméeVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine Invalides musée de l'arméeVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine Invalides musée de l'armée The Musée de l'armée in Paris, a witness to military history in the heart of the Hôtel des Invalides
The Musée de l'Armée, located in the heart of the Hôtel des Invalides, takes us to the heart of military history through its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Find out more about this emblematic museum in Paris's 7th arrondissement. [Read more]

Visuel Paris Palais de TokyoVisuel Paris Palais de TokyoVisuel Paris Palais de TokyoVisuel Paris Palais de Tokyo Palais de Tokyo: opening hours, prices, reservations... All you need to know about the Paris museum
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Palais de Tokyo, a jewel of contemporary art located in the heart of Paris. Opening times, prices, reservations, nearby transport... Everything you need to know before your visit! [Read more]

Le Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentes Musée national de la Marine in Paris: an art venue for learning and travelling at the Trocadero
The Musée National de la Marine invites you to discover the treasures and challenges of the sea through its permanent collections. Read the latest museum news and plan your next visit. [Read more]

Musée des Arts décoratifs, collection permanente  -  A7C1515Musée des Arts décoratifs, collection permanente  -  A7C1515Musée des Arts décoratifs, collection permanente  -  A7C1515Musée des Arts décoratifs, collection permanente  -  A7C1515 The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the must-see Parisian museum dedicated to design and fashion
Just a stone's throw from the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre Pyramid, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs occupies the Rohan and Marsan wings of the Palais du Louvre, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that are a must-see for all Paris design enthusiasts. [Read more]

Musée Carnavalet rénové et repensé, les photos Musée Carnavalet rénové et repensé, les photos Musée Carnavalet rénové et repensé, les photos Musée Carnavalet rénové et repensé, les photos Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
The Musée Carnavalet invites you to discover the history of the capital. Discover what awaits you in Paris' oldest museum, which has the advantage of being free... [Read more]

Le Musée Grévin, nouvelle génération - les photosLe Musée Grévin, nouvelle génération - les photosLe Musée Grévin, nouvelle génération - les photosLe Musée Grévin, nouvelle génération - les photos The Musée Grévin, the wax statue museum where you can meet stars in Paris
The Musée Grévin has a lot to offer the whole family. The famous museum on Boulevard Montmartre awaits you with its ever-growing roster of stars. The constantly redesigned scenography offers an enriched, modern and more interactive visit than ever before. [Read more]

Le Musée Rodin, ses collections et son jardin - IMG20231016111245Le Musée Rodin, ses collections et son jardin - IMG20231016111245Le Musée Rodin, ses collections et son jardin - IMG20231016111245Le Musée Rodin, ses collections et son jardin - IMG20231016111245 Musée Rodin in Paris: a temple of art dedicated to the sculptor Auguste Rodin near Les Invalides
We're all familiar with The Thinker... But it's not Rodin's only masterpiece! To find out more about this master of sculpture, visit his museum in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. [Read more]

Art, history, science, world cultures, artists' houses: the options are numerous, and they should satisfy every curiosity! Where should you start your cultural journey in Paris?

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