Think of Paris museums and we bet the Louvre’s pyramid or that famous smile springs to mind. Of course, Da Vinci's masterpiece is well worth a visit (although she’s smaller than you'd think), but this special city’s museum scene has so much more to offer.
Visit the OG grand dame at Musée du Louvre
Yes, La Joconde is here, but don't let her monopolise your time. While tourists jostle for selfies, there are half a million (literally) other works of art to appreciate. From the 26th-century BCE Great Sphinx of Tanis to the miraculously reconstructed Winged Victory of Samothrace, most of the must-sees aren't behind bulletproof glass.
Step into a former train station at Musée d'Orsay
Paris’s second-most-visited museum, this stunning former railway station immerses you in French paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography from 1848 to 1914, including the world’s most extensive Impressionist art collection. With masterworks by Degas, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, and Monet, every room is a delight.
Admire architectural rebellion at Centre Pompidou
Housed in a building that looks like an inside-out factory, this architectural rebellion boasts Europe's largest collection of modern art – including masterpieces by the likes of Bacon, O'Keeffe, and Kandinsky. Enjoy eye-popping views across the city from the top floor restaurant – book ahead for sunset drinks and watch the city turn golden.
Discover a contemporary art sanctuary at Foundation Louis Vuitton
Frank Gehry's glass ship in the Bois de Boulogne looks like it sailed straight out of the future. Designed and built to showcase works collected by LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, this impressive gallery hosts blockbuster contemporary art exhibitions from the likes of Basquiat, Warhol, and Giacometti. Worth the trip beyond the périphérique.
Discover bygone Paris at Musée Carnavalet
Parisophiles: this one’s for you. The oldest museum in Paris, housed in two majestic mansions in the Marais, tells the story of Paris through the ages. Discover the extraordinary (and huge) collection – from café signs from the Belle Époque to a shoe belonging to Marie Antoinette. Our advice? There are more than 100 rooms, so pace yourself.
Step inside an art collectors’ time capsule at Musée Jacquemart-André
Imagine having so much art you need a mansion to show it all off… Introducing Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, whose private home has been transformed into this stunning museum. Their collection spans Italian Renaissance masterpieces to Dutch Golden Age paintings, displayed exactly as they lived with them. Pretty cool.
Get a medieval history lesson at Musée de Cluny
This museum of medieval art is perched on top of Roman baths in the Latin Quarter. The famous 'Lady and the Unicorn' tapestries are the stars, but don't miss the Roman frigidarium (cold room) underneath. (Think Game of Thrones, minus the dragons). Psst: While you’re in the area, why not check out our Latin Quarter neighbourhood guide?
Find yourself in fashion heaven at Palais Galliera
Paris equals fashion – and this is where its history comes alive. Housed in a Renaissance-style palace, the museum's temporary exhibitions are a fashionista’s dream. Think Chanel retrospectives and deep dives into French style through the ages. The building alone is worth the visit, dahling.
Top tips for visiting galleries and museums in Paris
Lots of museums are closed on either Monday or Tuesday, so check before you head out. To beat the worst of the crowds, look out for the late-night openings favoured by locals. Lots (but not all) of these museums are included with the Paris Museum Pass, so it’s worth checking out if you plan to visit a few.
Where to stay in Paris.
Le Jardin de Verre by Locke is a great base for exploring Paris’ best museums and galleries. A converted Baroque mansion in the Latin Quarter with serviced apartments, a co-working space, restaurant, cocktail bar, two stunning courtyards and a gym, it’s just the spot for kicking back between sights.
.jpg?width=2000&format=webp&quality=80)
.jpg?width=2000&format=webp&quality=80)
