Paris Museums and Galleries
Paris is a huge destination so deciding what museums and galleries to visit can be tough due to the sheer number of options.
Below I’ve included a few favourites including some free and lesser known options to help you make the most out of your Paris travels…
A note on the Louvre before we begin…
I don’t know how many times I’ve suggested to friends that they should NOT go to the Louvre. Often they only have a few days in the city and unless they’re particularly avid art lovers I’d wager they could make better use of their time. Do they listen to me? No. The Louvre is impressive but it can also be intimidating, over (and under) whelming, time consuming and crowded. But I get that as a first timer to Paris, you may feel it’s a must do. So if you’re wanting to go, by all means - do it! But there’s a few things you can do to make the most of it - find all my tips here. Now on to my recommended Museums and Galleries.
Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville De Paris
This mouthful of an art gallery is FREE and located in the Trocadero area near the Eiffel Tower. Given its proximity to Paris’ most famous site, I’m surprised how little known it is! The museum offers up some big names from the 20th century including Picasso, Matisse and Marcel Duchamp. Well worth an hour or so of your time!
Free admission, nearby Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe
More Info: https://www.mam.paris.fr/en
Musée Rodin
You visit Musée Rodin for its surroundings as much as for the art itself. Rodin was a sculptor famous for “The Thinker” and I would say his work has pretty broad appeal. His pieces are scattered all around the truly gorgeous mansion and gardens where I just sat and soaked in the atmosphere. Fun fact - the museum was also featured in a scene in the movie “Midnight in Paris” showing off its beauty. Insta girlies - this one’s for you.
Full Price Admission 13 euro, nearby Hotel des Invalides
More Info: https://www.musee-rodin.fr/en
Musée D’Orsay
Probably the most famous on my list, Musée D’Orsay is often touted as the common alternative to the Louvre. It is also smack bang in the centre of the city by the Seine, is also fairly large and bustling (although never to the extremes of the Louvre) and also contains a variety of famous artists most people will know - e.g. Monet and Renoir (note however it focuses primarily on the Impressionists, whereas Louvre covers way more centuries and styles). If you want to truly spend a few hours covering some big artistic hits, this is a solid choice. Hot tip - there’s some great photo ops using the massive clock face facing out to a glorious view of the city.
Full Price Admission 16 euro, nearby The Tuileries, Louvre, Hotel des Invalides
More Info: https://www.musee-rodin.fr/en
Musée Carnavalet
Another great freebie you will likely wander close to in your travels. Musée Carnavalet is located in the Marais and shows the history of Paris from antiquity to now (you guessed it - in another lovely old building). This museum has a lot of interesting exhibits you really sink your teeth into or you can just pick one area of interest to focus on if pressed for time. My faves included a collection of intricate old time-y shop signs and items from the Revolution.
Free admission, nearby Le Marais, Place des Vosges, Musee Picasso
More Info: https://www.carnavalet.paris.fr/en
Musée Picasso
Full disclosure, I haven’t made it to this one yet. But I really want to! Similar to the Musée Rodin - this museum is also in a lovely old building and features 5000 artworks by the man himself + others bit and bobs. I bet the gift shop is great too. That said, I would only recommend this museum to folks open to more modern takes on art. Check out a few of Picasso’s most famous pieces online first to make sure his style appeals to you before you fork out the price of admission.
Full Price Admission 14 euro, nearby Le Marais, Place des Vosges, Musee Carnavalet
More Info: https://www.museepicassoparis.fr/en
Other Paris Museums and Galleries I’m yet to explore
Want even more ideas? Here’s some others I’ve been especially keen to visit but yet to get to…
Le Musée de Montmartre - Soak up the Bohemian atmosphere and view a real artists studio from yesteryear
Musée De La Libération De Paris - for the history lovers, focused on WW2
Galerie Dior - the history and clothing itself spanning decades from Dior
Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection - contemporary art mixed with an amazing renaissance ceiling
Musée des égouts de Paris - Paris’s Sewer Museum. It’s exactly what it sounds like!
Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain - another for those who like their art more recent
Note that many museums in Paris are sometimes closed for big renovations and/or keep odd opening hours so check before you go to avoid any disappointment!
Want to see more of what to do in Paris? You find all my Paris blogs here.