Best Museums in Paris

Many enjoyable experiences await you in Paris, the City of Lights, including some of the best museums in the world. Keep reading for our list of the best and most famous museums in Paris to visit.

Louvre

There is only one place to start a list of famous museums in Paris, which is the world's most renowned museum, the Louvre. Home to 35,000 pieces of art in a massive 60,000 square meters. No matter what your tastes in art are, you will find something to enjoy in the Louvre. Not just a famous museum, but also home to one of Paris's most iconic monuments, the beautiful Louvre Glass Pyramid is ideal for your Instagram-worthy pictures. It would take weeks to look at all the pieces in the Louvre, so the best way to visit is either with a guide or by creating your own wish list. Some must-see pieces are, of course, the Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo. Like most tourist attractions, there are some hectic times that are best avoided, like the weekends, for example. An excellent time to tour and appreciate the art at your own pace in a relaxed way is to visit during the week early in the morning before it gets crowded. Keep in mind that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays.

Location: Rue de Rivoli, Paris, Île-de-France, 75001

Musée Picasso

The Picasso Museum, which houses the world's richest public collection of works of the artist, is definitely one of the most famous museums in Paris you should visit. The exhibits include 297 paintings, 368 sculptures, 200,000 pieces of archives, and 92 illustrated books. Some of Picasso's masterpieces include Les Demoiselles, Musicians, and his Self Portrait. The Picasso Museum is located in the Hotel Sale building and is well worth a visit in itself, which is one of the most extravagant Parisian houses of the 17th century. You can also enjoy the beautiful gardens and rooftop café of this beautiful building. It costs €14 for entry, and it opens at 10:30 during the week and 9:30 at the weekends. A good time to visit is early in the morning as with all the famous museums in Paris, to avoid the crowds. It is easy to access by public transport, and you can take Line 1, Saint Paul, Line 8 Saint-Sebastian Froissart, or the Line 8 Chemin Vert metro to the museum. Try to book your ticket in advance to avoid queues.

Location: Musée national Picasso-Paris, 5 rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris

Musée d’Orsay

Set beautifully along the bank of the Seine River, the Musée d'Orsay is one of the most visited and famous museums of Paris. This impressive museum houses an amazing collection of must-see pieces, including Vincent van Gogh's Self-Portrait and the Lunch on the Grass by Edouard Manet. Not only famous for its impressionist art collection, the Musée d'Orsay also houses remarkable sculptures, such as the La Danse by Carpeaux and Hercules the Archer by Bourdelle. The second most popular of the famous museums in Paris opens at 9:30. A great way to see these collections is with an audio tour that costs €6, available in English, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Portuguese, and French.

Location: Musée d'Orsay, Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing 75007 Paris

Musée des Arts Forains

If you are looking for something a little different from the usual famous museums in Paris, then Musée des Arts Forains is well worth a visit. Musée des Arts Forains, or the museum of fairground arts in English, is exactly what it sounds like, a collection of carnival objects, including amusement rides, stalls, and other attractions and funfair objects dating back as far as 1850. You can't help but have fun when you step into this other world. To visit the unusual Musée des Arts Forains, you must book an appointment for a guided tour in advance.

Location The Musée des Arts Forains, 53 Av. Des Terroirs De France - 75012 Paris

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours for some of Paris's most famous art galleries and museums, such as the Musée d'Orsay and the Centre Pompidou?

The Musée d'Orsay is typically open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, except on Thursdays when it stays open until 9:45 PM. The Centre Pompidou usually operates from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day except Tuesdays. However, visitors are advised to check the official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information on opening hours, as they may vary.

Are there any free art galleries or museums in Paris where visitors can explore the works of renowned artists like Monet without having to buy tickets?

Yes, there are several free art galleries and museums in Paris where visitors can admire masterpieces by artists such as Monet. The Musée de l'Orangerie, located in the Tuileries Garden, offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Additionally, the Musée Carnavalet, dedicated to the history of Paris, is free to enter year-round. Visitors can enjoy works by Monet and other artists without spending a dime.

Could you provide information about Paris's art scene for first-time visitors, including notable museums like the Musée d'Orsay and attractions like the Eiffel Tower?

For first-time visitors to Paris interested in exploring the city's vibrant art scene, iconic attractions such as the Musée d'Orsay, home to an extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces including Monet's Water Lilies, are a must-visit. Additionally, art enthusiasts can explore contemporary art at the Centre Pompidou and admire decorative arts at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Don't forget to marvel at the Eiffel Tower and soak in the artistic ambiance of La Concorde and other historic landmarks scattered throughout the city.