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

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Published by My de Sortiraparis, Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on April 22, 2026 at 06:19 p.m.
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.

Le musée d'art moderne et ses collections à ParisLe musée d'art moderne et ses collections à ParisLe musée d'art moderne et ses collections à ParisLe musée d'art moderne et ses collections à Paris

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:

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Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
Next days
Saturday: from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Sunday: from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Tuesday: from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Wednesday: from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Thursday: from 10:00 a.m. to 09:30 p.m.
Friday: from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    11, avenue du Président Wilson
    75116 Paris 16

    Route planner

    Accessibility info

    Prices
    Free

    Recommended age
    For all

    Official website
    www.mam.paris.fr

    More information
    The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm.

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