Ten of the Best Museums in Paris

Discover the cultural treasures of Paris with our guide to the city's top 10 museums, from the iconic Louvre and Musée d'Orsay to hidden gems like the Petit Palais and Musée Carnavalet. Explore art, history, and innovation in these must-visit destinations.

Ten of the Best Museums in Paris
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Paris, the world’s cultural epicentre, is home to a dazzling variety of museums that captivate art lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers alike. Here are ten of the city’s must-visit museums that promise an unforgettable experience:

The Louvre

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum, home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. With collections from ancient Egypt to 19th-century Europe, this iconic museum is unmissable, crowned by its glass pyramid entrance.

All You Need to Know About the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum in Paris, renowned for its art and history, houses over 35,000 masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.

Musée d’Orsay

This museum, set in a former railway station, houses an impressive collection of 19th-century art, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. Its grand clock windows offer stunning views of the Seine.

Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay

Centre Pompidou

Known for its bold, inside-out design, this modern art haven features works by Picasso, Duchamp, and Kandinsky. The rooftop terrace offers sweeping views of Paris.

Centre Pompidou
Centre Pompidou, Credit: Sergio Grazia

Musée Rodin

This museum celebrates Auguste Rodin’s works. Don’t miss The Thinker, displayed amidst the serene gardens.

Musée Rodin
Musée Rodin, Credit: Pauline Hisbacq

Musée de l’Orangerie

Famous for Monet’s Water Lilies, this museum creates an immersive experience with its oval galleries. Its collection also includes works by Cézanne and Renoir.

Musée de l’Orangerie
Musée de l’Orangerie

Musée du Quai Branly—Jacques Chirac

This museum, set in a lush garden near the Eiffel Tower, showcases art and artefacts from non-European cultures.

Musée du Quai Branly—Jacques Chirac
Musée du Quai Branly—Jacques Chirac, Credit: David Lefranc

Musée Picasso

Located in a beautiful 17th-century mansion, this museum houses an extensive collection of Picasso’s paintings, sculptures, and sketches.

Musée Picasso
Musée Picasso

Petit Palais

Combining art and architecture, the Petit Palais features works by artists like Delacroix and Courbet. The courtyard café is perfect for a relaxing break.

Petit Palais
Petit Palais

Musée Carnavalet—History of Paris Museum

Dive into Paris’s rich history at this recently renovated museum, which features revolutionary artefacts and recreations of Parisian life.

Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris
Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris, Credit: Jean-Baptiste Woloch

Musée des Arts et Métiers

A treasure trove for science enthusiasts, this museum displays inventions like Foucault's Pendulum and early vehicles in a stunning historical setting.

Musée des Arts et Métiers
Musée des Arts et Métiers

Paris’s museums are more than repositories of art—they are portals into the city’s essence. Whether gazing at timeless masterpieces in the Louvre or exploring scientific marvels at the Arts et Métiers, these museums guarantee a journey through creativity and culture.