10 Must-Visit Museums in Paris for Every Traveler

Paris is undeniably one of the most enchanting cities in the world. With its charming bakeries, rich history, high-fashion boutiques, and, of course, its museums, the City of Light has it all. Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Paris boasts a vibrant museum scene that extends far beyond the Louvre. Whether you wish to immerse yourself in Claude Monet’s sunny masterpieces or delve into the fascinating history of French magic, there’s a museum in Paris that caters to your interests.

Here are the top 10 museums in Paris to explore on your next visit.

1. Musée des Arts et Métiers

• Address: 292 Rue Saint-Martin, 3rd arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday–Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Entry Fee: €12 per visitor

While Paris is renowned for its vast art museums, it also boasts numerous institutions focused on the scientific arts. The nickname 'the City of Light' stems from its significant contributions during the Age of Enlightenment, not just the illuminated streets. Established in 1794 by the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts, the Musée des Arts et Métiers chronicles technological advancements over time. With a collection of 80,000 items and 15,000 technical drawings—2,400 of which are currently on display—these are categorized into seven collections: materials, mechanics, energy, construction, transportation, communication, and scientific instruments. Notable exhibits include the original Foucault’s pendulum, the first mechanical calculator, early airplane prototypes, and the initial model of Liberty Enlightening the World (commonly known as the Statue of Liberty).

2. The Louvre

• Address: 93 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Entry Fee: €22 per visitor

The Louvre is renowned as one of the world’s most iconic museums, and rightfully so. It stands as the largest and most frequented museum globally, housing 35,000 works of art, including the famous Mona Lisa. While many visitors rush to see that masterpiece and leave, the museum offers a wealth of other iconic pieces worth experiencing. As the oldest museum in Paris, established 231 years ago, it showcases masterpieces like Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch, Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix, and Gabrielle d’Estrées and One of Her Sisters, attributed to an unknown artist around 1594. Covering an impressive 652,300 square feet, the building itself can be regarded as a work of art, especially with the addition of the Louvre Pyramid, designed by architect I.M. Pei in 1989. While reservations aren’t mandatory, they are highly recommended. For a more relaxed visit, consider going during the late-night openings on Wednesdays and Fridays; booking a small group, after-hours tour through Viator can also enhance your experience.

3. Musée d’Orsay

• Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 7th arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday–Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
• Entry Fee: €14 per person (at the entrance); €16 if purchased online

For a truly remarkable museum experience in Paris, visit the acclaimed Musée d’Orsay, located in a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts railway station alongside the Seine. This museum is dedicated entirely to French art from 1848 to 1914 and boasts the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works in the world. Here, art lovers can admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, and Vincent van Gogh. As the second most-visited museum in the city, following the Louvre, it’s advisable to make reservations, particularly since they’re required on the first Sunday of the month, when admission is free. The museum experiences lighter crowds during weekday evenings.

4. Fondation Louis Vuitton

• Address: 8 Av. du Mahatma Gandhi, 16th arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Entry Fee: €16 per visitor

The Fondation Louis Vuitton is a relatively recent addition to Paris’s esteemed museum landscape, having opened in 2014. Nestled within the expansive Bois de Boulogne park, this museum was designed by the Canadian American architect Frank Gehry and showcases the art collection of Bernard Arnault, CEO of the Louis Vuitton Group. The collection features works by notable artists such as Andy Warhol, Chantal Akerman, and Joan Mitchell. In addition to its impressive permanent collection, the Fondation regularly hosts dynamic temporary exhibitions featuring renowned contemporary artists.

5. Musée National Picasso-Paris

• Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 3rd arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Entry Fee: €16 per visitor

Throughout his 80-year career as an artist—encompassing painting, sculpture, ceramics, and more—Pablo Picasso created an astonishing 147,800 artworks. Established in 1985, the Musée National Picasso-Paris houses the largest collection of Picasso’s works in France, featuring around 5,000 pieces, many created during his time in Paris. Visitors can expect to see renowned works such as Paulo as a Harlequin, Portrait of Dora Maar, and Woman in the Garden. Additionally, the museum's location in the Hôtel Salé, a stunning example of a traditional French mansion completed in 1659, is worth the visit in itself, especially in the charming Marais district.

6. Palais de Tokyo

• Address: 13 Av. du Président Wilson, 16th arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Wednesday, Friday–Monday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday from 12 p.m. to midnight
• Entry Fee: €12 per visitor

Since its opening in 2002, the Palais de Tokyo has become the largest cultural venue in Europe dedicated to contemporary art. Its purpose is to showcase living, innovative artists from various fields, including notable figures like Pierre Joseph and Wang Du. A visit to the Palais de Tokyo offers an “anti-museum” experience; the raw, unfinished stone structure creates a gritty atmosphere designed more for socializing among artistic youth than for traditional museum-goers. The venue frequently hosts events and workshops and features several popular dining options: Café du Palais, known for its sustainable café offerings; Monsieur Bleu, serving classic French dishes; and the exuberant Bambini, which celebrates the Italian love of life through its menu.

7. The Museum of Magic

• Address: 11 Rue Saint-Paul, 4th arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Wednesday–Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Entry Fee: €15 per visitor

For a charming and eccentric museum experience, visit the Museum of Magic in Paris’s 4th arrondissement. This intimate museum spans seven rooms and showcases a variety of fascinating exhibits, including fun-house mirrors, optical illusions, antique wands and magician hats, wind-up toys, and over 100 automatons, or self-operating machines. Interestingly, the museum is located in the cellar of the former residence of Marquis de Sade, notorious for his cruel and unconventional sexual practices, which inspired the term “sadist.”

8. Musée Marmottan Monet

• Address: 2 Rue Louis Boilly, 16th arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Entry Fee: €14 per visitor

While fans of Claude Monet should definitely visit the Musée de l’Orangerie for his renowned water lily paintings, the Musée Marmottan Monet is equally deserving of a visit. It boasts the largest collection of Monet’s works, featuring over 100 of his impressionist and post-impressionist pieces, alongside works from his personal collection, including art by Renoir, Degas, and Gauguin. The museum showcases paintings created throughout Monet's life, with standout pieces like Impression, Sunrise, The Japanese Footbridge, and Rouen Cathedral at the End of Day, Sunlight Effect.

9. Hôtel de la Marine

• Address: 2 Pl. de la Concorde, 8th arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Saturday–Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
• Entry Fee: €17 per person for the intendants’ apartments; €9 per person for the salons and loggia; €23 for both areas

Overlooking the Place de la Concorde, this opulent museum occupies the former royal Garde Meuble, the office and repository that managed the treasures of the French monarchy, including jewels, tapestries, and paintings. After remaining closed to the public for 250 years, the Hôtel reopened in 2021. Now beautifully restored, visitors can admire period-appropriate furniture and decorations, as well as actors portraying Garde Meuble staff. The gift shop offers an array of 18th-century literature alongside French accessories and treats.

10. Musée Carnavalet

• Address: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 3rd arr. | Locate on Google Maps
• Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Entry Fee: Tickets begin at €5 per person

For an insightful dive into the history of Paris, the Musée Carnavalet is a must-visit. This museum traces the city's narrative from ancient times to today. History enthusiasts will encounter a range of exhibits, including a 6,000-year-old canoe unearthed from the Seine, exquisite Renaissance artwork, and artifacts illustrating the turbulent events of the French Revolution, such as a piece of the Bastille. Given its extensive collection, plan to dedicate several hours for a thorough exploration.

This article was initially published in 2024 and last updated on June 27, 2024, with the most current information.