7 Must See Museums in Paris
Paris is a city that loves art, culture and history. As you wander through its streets you’ll find iconic landmarks, cafes full of life and some of the best museums in the world. Here we’ll look at the 7 must see museums in Paris you can’t miss. Whether you’re an art lover, history geek or just curious, these museums will be an adventure.
1. The Louvre Museum: A Treasure
No list of museums in Paris can start without The Louvre. As the biggest museum in the world it’s home to some of the most famous artworks, including the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and The Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The Louvre is an experience that takes you through history, art and culture, with over 35,000 pieces spread across 8 departments. The museum’s glass pyramid entrance is an iconic Parisian landmark and gives you a glimpse of what’s to come.
- Address: Rue de Rivoli, Paris
- Must-See: Mona Lisa, The Raft of the Medusa, Liberty Leading the People
Tip: Join a guided tour to avoid the queues and learn more about the masterpieces from the experts.
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2. Musée d'Orsay: The Impressionist’s Heaven
If you like Impressionist art, this is the place to be. Located in a beautiful old railway station, this museum has one of the biggest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks in the world. Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Manet are all here, so it’s an absolute must see for art lovers.
The main hall of the museum is flooded with natural light, the perfect setting to admire the paintings, sculptures and decorative arts.
- Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Paris
- Must-See: Starry Night Over the Rhône by Van Gogh, Bal du moulin de la Galette by Renoir, Self-Portraits by Van Gogh
Tip: Go during the week to avoid the crowds and visit the top floor for a great view of Paris.
3. Centre Pompidou: Modern Art with a Surprise
Centre Pompidou is the answer to modern and contemporary art lovers. The museum itself is an architectural wonder with its inside out design of exposed pipes and bright colours. It’s home to over 100,000 works by some of the biggest names in modern art, including Picasso, Duchamp, Dalí and Warhol.
As well as the amazing art collection, Centre Pompidou offers cultural activities, performances and a vast library. It’s the ultimate all-in-one experience that reflects Paris’s love of creativity and experimentation.
- Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, Paris
- Must-See: Niki de Saint Phalle’s Fountain, Miró’s Blue, Kahlo’s Frame
Tip: Go up to the top floor for the views.
4. Musée Rodin: The Sculpture Garden
Musée Rodin is a museum dedicated to the great sculptor Auguste Rodin. In an 18th century mansion, you’ll find some of his most famous works like The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell. The gardens are full of sculptures and perfect to stroll and relax.
Unlike the museums of Paris, Musée Rodin is more laid back. It’s not just about the art, it’s about the atmosphere and the charm of a quiet, lush garden with amazing sculptures.
- Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, Paris
- Must-See: The Thinker, The Burghers of Calais, The Gates of Hell
Tip: Spend time in the garden; it’s lovely in spring and has plenty of photo opportunities.
5. Musée de l’Orangerie: Monet’s Water Lilies
Musée de l’Orangerie is a small museum but full of amazing works, especially the Water Lilies series by Claude Monet. In the Tuileries Garden, this museum offers an up close look at some of the most beautiful art you will ever see.
The Water Lilies are in two oval rooms, you’ll feel like you’re in Monet’s garden in Giverny. Besides Monet, the museum also features works by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.
- Address: Jardin Tuileries, Paris
- Must-See: Water Lilies by Monet, Young Girls at the Piano by Renoir
Tip: Take your time and sit down to fully enjoy the Water Lilies; you won’t regret it.
6. Musée Picasso: Into the life of Picasso
Musée Picasso is another one for art lovers, with an impressive collection of works by the great Pablo Picasso. The museum, located in the historic Hôtel Salé, takes you into the life of Picasso. From his early sketches to his most famous Cubist works, this museum is a journey through Picasso’s career. The beautiful building is also a pleasure to visit, a lovely setting to discover the artist.
- Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, Paris
- Must-See: Portrait of Dora Maar, The Bathers, Self-Portrait
Tip: Go explore the Marais neighborhood afterwards; it’s lovely streets, cafes and boutiques.
7. Musée de Cluny: Into Medieval Paris
For history lovers, Musée de Cluny, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, is a must. In a medieval mansion, this museum has amazing artifacts from the Middle Ages: sculptures, tapestries, stained glass and more.
The best bit is the series of tapestries called The Lady and the Unicorn, some of the most beautiful surviving medieval art. And the museum has the remains of ancient Roman baths too!
- 28 Rue du Sommerard, Paris
- Must-See: The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, Roman Baths, Medieval Stained Glass
Tip: the garden is a lovely place to sit and soak up medieval Paris.
Overall: A Tour of Paris’s Best Museums
Paris is a city full of history and art and these best museums in Paris have something for everyone. Whether you want to look into the eyes of the Mona Lisa, be blown away by the colours of Van Gogh or relax with Monet’s Water Lilies these museums will give you a taste of the artistic soul of the city.
Visiting these 7 museums will give you a good round up of Paris’s cultural offerings – from the world famous collections of the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay to the weird and wonderful of Centre Pompidou and the peacefulness of Musée Rodin.
So next time you’re in Paris, get to these museums. They’re not just art, they’re the beating heart of Paris. Each one is different and together they make Paris the most cultural city in the world.
