The 17 Best Paris Museums – Short Descriptions
There’s no way you could visit all Paris museums in one trip – there are just too many of them! But if you’re looking for a short list of the best museums in Paris, here it is. Later, we’ll give you helpful advice on how to save money visiting them.
The Louvre Museum (Musée du Louvre)
It’s one of the largest and most famous museums in the world, home to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and countless other iconic artworks. With its labyrinth of galleries, it’s like a city within a city! The €17 ticket also allows you to visit the Musée Eugène-Delacroix within 48 hours.
The Musée d’Orsay
This beautiful museum is located in an old train station and is known for its extensive collection of impressionist paintings by Renoir, van Gogh, and others. It also has a lovely café with an outdoor terrace that’s perfect for people watching.
The Centre Pompidou
This contemporary art museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the arts. It’s also home to the largest public library in Paris!
The Musée de l’Orangerie
This small but mighty museum is home to Claude Monet’s famous Water Lilies paintings. Other featured artists are Matisse, Cézanne and Picasso. The building is located in the Tuileries Garden, which is also worth a visit – there are monuments, ponds and quiet places for a walk.
The Musée Rodin
This museum is dedicated to the work of famed French sculptor Auguste Rodin. It’s located in a beautiful 18th-century mansion and has an expansive garden with many of Rodin’s sculptures.
The Musée Picasso
As the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to the work of Pablo Picasso. It’s located in the artist’s former Parisian home and contains over 400 of his masterpieces.
The Musée de Cluny
This museum is home to the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, among other treasures. It’s located in the Latin Quarter, which is a great place to explore after visiting the museum.
The Musée du quai Branly
This museum is dedicated to the arts and cultures of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. It’s a great place to learn about the history and culture of these regions.
The Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
The Paris Museum of Modern Art is home to a large collection of modern and contemporary art. It’s located in the 16th arrondissement, which is a beautiful area of Paris.
The Musée Marmottan Monet
As the name suggests, this museum is home to the world’s largest collection of Claude Monet’s paintings. You’ll find it in a beautiful mansion in the 16th arrondissement.
This museum is dedicated to the history of Paris, from the Roman era up to the present day. It’s located in the Marais, which is one of the most historic and charming neighborhoods in Paris.
The Grand Palais
This iconic Parisian landmark is home to art exhibitions, concerts, and other events. It’s located on the Champs-Élysées, which is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Paris. Enjoy the surrounding gardens!
The Petit Palais
This smaller museum is also located on the Champs-Élysées. It’s home to a collection of art from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Some masterpieces include paintings by Botticelli, Raphael, and Rembrandt.
The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
This science museum is perfect for anyone interested in technology, science, and engineering. It’s located in the Parc de la Villette, which is another great place to explore with kids.
The Musée Grévin
This wax museum is perfect for anyone who loves celebrity culture. It’s located in the Grévin shopping center, which is also home to a cinema and a number of restaurants.
The Musée des Arts et Métiers
This museum in the 2nd arrondissement is dedicated to the history of science and technology. It contains a large collection of tools, machines, and other objects related to these fields.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs
This Paris museum of decorative arts is dedicated to the history of art and design. It’s located on Rue de Rivoli, which is one of the most famous historic streets in Paris.
As you can see, Paris museums are very diverse. They cover everything from traditional art to science exhibits. If you’re looking for a good museum to visit in Paris, there are plenty of options to choose from! These 17 are only the beginning.
The Paris Museum Pass – Save on Your Visit to the Louvre and More
If you’re planning on visiting a few museums while in Paris, the Paris Museum Pass is a great option. It gives you access to over 60 museums and monuments, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, and more. You can also get discounts at some restaurants and shops. The pass is available for two, four or six days – whatever the length of your trip, you’ll be able to visit everything you want.
A 2-day pass costs €52, which means you save money if you visit 4 or more museums. If you’d like to stay for 4 days, you can get a pass for €66 and visit 5 or more places at a bargain price. And a 6-day pass is €78 – it’s a better price than 6 separate museum tickets.
Other Ways to Save on Museum Entry Fees
People under 18 (and EU citizens under 26) enjoy free entry to most of the Paris museums we listed above. And if you visit on the first Sunday of the month, entrance to most state-run museums is free for everyone!
Sometimes, booking in advance is more expensive than getting a ticket last-minute at the museum. To take advantage of that, you’d need to visit during off-peak hours. Many museums are open until late on Wednesdays and Fridays, so you can avoid the crowds by visiting then.
Tour the Best Museums in Paris and Have Fun!
With so many incredible Paris museums to choose from, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit on your trip to the capital of France. But with a little planning, you can see the best of what Paris has to offer.
Do you have any favorite museums in Paris? Let us know in the comments below!
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