The City of Paris' Museum of Modern Art (MAM): An artistic journey from the 20th to the 21st century

The Paris Museum of Modern Art, opened in 1961 and tucked in the heart of the City of Light, just steps from the Eiffel Tower, invites visitors to discover more than 15,000 works that reflect the richness of 20th- and 21st-century artistic creation. Open Tuesday to Sunday, this museum whisks us into the world of contemporary art. Go check it out—admission is free!

Nestled in the eastern wing of the Palais de Tokyo, the building housing the Musée d'Art Moderne (also known as the MAM) is, above all, a tribute to 1930s architecture and Art Deco. Its exterior decoration, centered on Apollo, the god of the arts, will captivate you even before you step inside. Once inside, visitors plunge into the major currents of 20th‑century art: Cubism, the Paris School, abstraction, New Realism, and much more.

Here, visitors can marvel at the works of such illustrious artists as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Juan Gris, Alberto Giacometti and Yves Klein. MAM's modern treasures, including the first version of Matisse's "La Danse" and Raoul Dufy's "La Fée électricité", offer an exceptional panorama of modern art.

The museum also offers :

Temporary exhibitions spotlighting the major 20th-century artists.
An programming open to young creators and the artistic currents of the 21st century.
Audio guides in French, English and German to enrich the visitor experience.
The option to dine at the Forest restaurant with its sublime view of the Eiffel Tower.
A bookstore to deepen our knowledge.

It is worth noting that :

The permanent collections are free for all.
Temporary exhibitions are subject to a charge, but free for under-18s.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.
On Thursdays, temporary exhibitions are open until 9.30pm.
Please note that some collection rooms may be closed.

Taking the time to visit the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris is like taking an initiatory journey through contemporary art, letting yourself be carried away by the artistic currents of the past and present, and thus enriching your culture and sensibility. It's an experience we recommend, especially as access to the permanent collections is free.

What to discover:

Leonor Fini: the Argentine-born surrealist painter is on display at Paris's Musée d'Art Moderne
Surrealism enthusiasts have a date at the Musée d'art moderne de Paris from March 26 to August 15, 2027 to discover a major exhibition devoted to the Argentine-born painter Leonor Fini. [Read more]

Simone Fattal exhibition at MAM Paris: myths, exile and submerged cities
The MAM Paris presents "Des villes au fond d’un lac," the first Paris-based monographic exhibition devoted to Simone Fattal, running from 18 September 2026 to 24 January 2027. Paintings, ceramics, collages, and books trace more than five decades of her work. [Read more]

Kerry James Marshall reveals his stories in an exhibition at the Paris Museum of Modern Art.
American artist Kerry James Marshall is in the spotlight at the Museum of Modern Art: his exhibition The Histories explores the place of African Americans in U.S. history. On view from September 18, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]

What to do with children at the Musée d'Art Moderne Family activities, tours and mediation
Located on the banks of the Seine, not far from the Eiffel Tower, Paris' Musée d'Art Moderne (or MaM) is a must-see for modern art enthusiasts. Families, even young children, can enjoy a playful introduction to modern art. [Read more]

Kandinsky: where can you see the abstract painter's works in Paris?
He is one of the pioneers of abstract art: Wassily Kandinsky left his mark on the art world of the 20th century and continues to fascinate art lovers. Find out where the painter's paintings are exhibited in Paris. [Read more]

Niki de Saint Phalle: where can you see the famous artist's works in Paris?
Niki de Saint Phalle is one of the world's best-known modern artists. Her art is still exhibited and admired, more than 20 years after her death. Here's where to see Niki de Saint Phalle's work in Paris. [Read more]

Henri Matisse in Paris: where to see the works of the painter in the capital?
Precursor of fauvism, impressionist, modern artist... Henri Matisse has left a lasting impression on the art world. What if we (re)discovered his works thanks to the Parisian museums? [Read more]

Pierre Soulages: where to see the works of the master of abstract art in Paris?
Renowned French artist Pierre Soulages passed away on October 26, 2022. His work, however, remains immortal: to admire the paintings and engravings of this great artist, head for the museums of contemporary art in Paris. [Read more]