As you know, there are international days for (almost) everything: family day, forest day, dance day, Italian cuisine day, jazz day, castle day... So no one is surprised to learn that International Museum Day will be celebrated on May 18, 2025. No one's surprised, and all art lovers are delighted: here's another good excuse to visit your favorite museum, or discover a cultural nugget along the way.
May 18 has therefore been dedicated to museums since 1977: more than a hundred countries around the world take part in this cultural event, which honors art institutions and highlights the challenges they face.
For art and culture lovers, it's a chance to stroll the aisles of museums, rediscover permanent collections and temporary programs, and share their love of art with friends and family.
Looking for a museum (or two) to visit on May 18? Look no further: Paris is brimming with museums of all kinds, and Sortiraparis.com is here to offer you a selection of the capital's best art venues. From the must-sees to the most secret addresses, discover our guide to the museums to see in Paris that day.
Musée d'Orsay: booking, prices, free admission, tips and current exhibitions
Would you like to visit the Musée d'Orsay, one of Europe's most visited museums and home to the world's largest collection of Impressionist paintings? We'll be happy to give you all the tips and tricks you need, as well as the works to discover, the current exhibitions, and the rates and free admission available, so you can make the most of your visit in the best possible conditions. [Read more]
Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris: programming, opening hours, history... All you need to know
The Musée de l'Orangerie is famous for Monet's Water Lilies. But the museum holds many other treasures... Here's everything you need to know to visit. [Read more]
Center Pompidou: prices, opening hours, access... All you need to know about the Musée d'Art Moderne
The Centre Pompidou, a museum of modern and contemporary art in the heart of Paris, awaits you every day (except Tuesdays) for a plunge into art in all its forms. Explore its history and exhibitions, and immerse yourself in the artistic universe of one of the world's most visited museums! [Read more]
Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (MAM): An artistic journey from the 20th to the 21st century
The Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, open since 1961 and located in the heart of the City of Light, a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, invites visitors to discover over 15,000 works reflecting the wealth of artistic creation of the 20th and 21st centuries. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, this museum transports us into the world of contemporary art. It's free to visit! [Read more]
Discover the treasures of the Paris Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle - program
The Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris with its Jardin des Plantes is an emblematic institution of the capital, founded in 1793. Accessible all year round, this museum offers an insight into the world's rich natural heritage. From plants and magnets to fossils and experiments, immerse yourself in the fascinating world of nature. [Read more]
The Musée du Quai Branly in Paris: a journey to the heart of the world's cultures
The Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac, just a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, offers a fascinating journey through the world's cultures. This unique museum, nestled in a green setting, is a must for lovers of ethnography and cultural discovery. [Read more]
The Petit Palais in Paris and its hidden treasures, the free museum, opening hours and exhibitions
The Petit Palais, home to the Musées des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, is a true architectural masterpiece. Designed by Charles Girault for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, this museum is a treasure trove. And since admission is free, you'd be wrong not to take advantage of it. [Read more]
The Musée des Arts et Métiers: a historical journey through the greatest inventions
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is the kind of fun, family-friendly museum we love. Come and discover the world's greatest technical and technological inventions, housed in a historic monument. [Read more]
The Musée Grévin, the wax statue museum where you can meet stars in Paris
The Musée Grévin has a lot to offer the whole family. The famous museum on Boulevard Montmartre awaits you with its ever-growing roster of stars. The constantly redesigned scenography offers an enriched, modern and more interactive visit than ever before. [Read more]
Musée du Louvre: discover the artistic and tourist heart of the capital
The Musée du Louvre, one of the capital's must-see museums, promotes French and European culture through its many masterpieces on display, as evidenced by the 8 million visitors a year who come to contemplate the smile of the Mona Lisa or the fervor of Liberty Guiding the People. A place steeped in history, where art has been flourishing for two centuries already, to discover if you're staying in Paris! [Read more]
The Hôtel de la Marine in Paris, the sublime monument on Place de la Concorde
Do you know the Hôtel de la Marine? Let's discover this restored treasure of Parisian heritage, enthroned on the Place de la Concorde! [Read more]
Palais Galliera, the fashion museum for all haute couture lovers in Paris
The Palais Galliera, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, is a museum dedicated to fashion and the history of clothing. Special evenings, major events, exhibitions: find out what's new at this magnificent cultural spot. [Read more]
The Musée de l'armée in Paris, a witness to military history in the heart of the Hôtel des Invalides
The Musée de l'Armée, located in the heart of the Hôtel des Invalides, takes us to the heart of military history through its permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. Find out more about this emblematic museum in Paris's 7th arrondissement. [Read more]
Musée Rodin in Paris: a temple of art dedicated to the sculptor Auguste Rodin near Les Invalides
We're all familiar with The Thinker... But it's not Rodin's only masterpiece! To find out more about this master of sculpture, visit his museum in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. [Read more]
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the must-see Parisian museum dedicated to design and fashion
Just a stone's throw from the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre Pyramid, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs occupies the Rohan and Marsan wings of the Palais du Louvre, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that are a must-see for all Paris design enthusiasts. [Read more]
Palais de Tokyo: opening hours, prices, reservations... All you need to know about the Paris museum
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Palais de Tokyo, a jewel of contemporary art located in the heart of Paris. Opening times, prices, reservations, nearby transport... Everything you need to know before your visit! [Read more]
Musée de l'Homme: discover the origins, evolution and future of the human species
At the Trocadéro, the Musée de l'Homme invites you to discover the evolution of Man (with a capital "H"), from the first humans to the men of today, on an interactive and educational tour. [Read more]
The Cinémathèque française: the temple of cinephiles in the heart of the Bercy district
For Parisians and lovers of the 7th art, the Cinémathèque française is a must-see cinema landmark in Paris: a cinema and museum dedicated to the history of cinema. [Read more]
Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie: scientific discoveries and fun for all the family
The Cité des sciences et de l'industrie is packed with fun and educational exhibitions for the whole family to discover, in the heart of the Parc de la Villette. It's the perfect place to learn all about the world around us! [Read more]
Musée national de la Marine in Paris: an art venue for learning and travelling at the Trocadero
The Musée National de la Marine invites you to discover the treasures and challenges of the sea through its permanent collections. Read the latest museum news and plan your next visit. [Read more]
Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
The Musée Carnavalet invites you to discover the history of the capital. Discover what awaits you in Paris' oldest museum, which has the advantage of being free... [Read more]
Cité de la Céramique: Sèvres porcelain factory and national ceramics museum (92)
For an artistic getaway just outside Paris, head for Sèvres, where a unique museum invites you to explore the art of ceramics in all its forms, from antique pieces to the most refined porcelain. [Read more]
Musée Dalí Paris: a museum of surrealist works
Sponsored - Dalí Paris presents over 300 works from a private collection acquired from Salvador Dalí and major collectors. Surrealist paintings, sculptures, engravings, objects and furniture bring to life the eclectic ideas of an insatiable explorer, fascinated by atomic science, Antiquity and the Renaissance, alchemy and religion. [Read more]
The little-known Musée Jacquemart-André and its fine art collection in Paris
The Musée Jacquemart-André is a beautiful, little-known museum in Paris. It holds many treasures, including Rembrandt's Pilgrims to Emmaus, Sandro Botticelli's Virgin and Child and Donatello's Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, all collected by Nélie Jacquemart and her husband Edouard André in the 19th century. [Read more]
The Museum of Vintage Lighting: a Hidden Treasure Concealed Within a Boutique-Workshop in Paris
In the heart of the Latin Quarter lies a charming little free museum — a hidden gem that allows visitors to step back in time. Tucked away inside a boutique-workshop, the Vintage Lighting Museum offers delightful discoveries and fascinating stories waiting to be uncovered! [Read more]
The Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie Comparée, the Museum's nugget in the Jardin des Plantes
You've heard of the Muséum and the Galerie de l'évolution, but what about the Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie comparée, nestling at the entrance to the Jardin des Plantes on the Gare d'Austerlitz side? From living creatures to extinct dinosaurs, discover the world of bones in this sublime museum, well worth a visit. [Read more]
Paris: On the Île Saint-Louis, this library hides three museums, one of which is dedicated to Chopin.
On Île Saint-Louis, the Polish Library of Paris not only holds a remarkable collection of literary works but also features three intimate museums dedicated to Chopin, Mickiewicz, and Bolesław Biegas—perfect for those eager to explore France's rich cultural ties with Poland. [Read more]
Secret museums in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: hidden places that are a must-see
Looking for secret museums in Paris? We reveal the most beautiful hidden nuggets of the capital and Île-de-France, from artists' houses to cabinets of curiosities, perfect for escaping the crowds and making beautiful discoveries. [Read more]
The Musée Gustave Moreau, the painter's timeless home and studio in Paris
The Musée Gustave Moreau is a confidential Parisian museum nestled in the 9th arrondissement, where you can visit the artist's apartment and studio, and admire his famous staircase and numerous works of the Symbolist movement. [Read more]
Guided tour of Hôtel de la Païva, a mysterious residence with erotic decorations
The Champs-Elysées harbor many secrets, including the home of the Marquise de la Païva, a former courtesan who had an opulent mansion built, also known as the "Louvre of the ass"... Coming for a visit? [Read more]
The Maison de Balzac, home of the famous writer, and its secret garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower
The Maison de Balzac, one of the famous writer's homes, is one of the capital's literary gems, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This house-museum also boasts an incredible garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower, as well as a café. [Read more]
The Musée Bourdelle, a free museum-workshop dedicated to the sculptor in Paris
The Musée Bourdelle, dedicated to the famous sculptor, awaits you in the 15th arrondissement, with an itinerary designed for adults and children alike. As an added bonus, there's a café-restaurant perfect for prolonging the visit. [Read more]
Unusual Paris: the incredible Musée des Moulages at Hôpital Saint-Louis
Want to immerse yourself in unusual Paris? We'd like to introduce you to the incredible and fascinating Musée des Moulages, located in the heart of the Hôpital Saint-Louis. Inside this unique place? A collection of over 4,900 medical waxes tracing the history of dermatological diseases, listed as a Monument Historique in 1992. [Read more]
Maison Gainsbourg and its museum in Paris: opening date for bookings
30 minutes of immersion in Serge Gainsbourg's incredible home, where everything has remained unchanged since his death on March 2, 1991. This is the moving and incredible experience that the Maison Gainsbourg has been offering since September 20, 2023. For the occasion, we pushed open the doors of the Maison Gainsbourg. We tell you all about this visit, a real plunge into the singer's intimacy, guided by Charlotte Gainsbourg's voice. And find out when the next reservations will open. [Read more]
The Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy: an unusual and enchanting museum in Paris
Enjoy a magical immersive experience in Paris at the Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy, a museum that plunges you into a funfair atmosphere. A place that appeals to young and old alike! [Read more]
Maurice Ravel House-Museum: the Boléro composer's haven of peace in Montfort-l'Amaury (78)
In Montfort-l'Amaury, in the Yvelines department, Maurice Ravel's home can be visited like a jewel box, untouched since the composer's death. With rare objects, carefully selected furnishings and a piano ready to sound, you can enjoy an intimate visit to the place where his music was born. [Read more]
The Pharmacy Museum: Paris’s Most Hidden and Unexpected Free Exhibit Space
Nestled within a historic townhouse just steps from Parc Monceau, one of Paris's most discreet museums awaits— the Museum of Pharmacy. Visitors can explore the fascinating history of the site for free, now home to the National Order of Pharmacists and an eclectic collection of curiosities. [Read more]
The Musée des Plans Reliefs, a unique collection in Paris
The Musée des Plans Relief, located in the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, houses some 100 relief plans of fortified towns. Once used for military purposes, they are now preserved in their original state at the Invalides, where you can discover these immense models of French towns. [Read more]
The Château de Fontainebleau's hidden Chinese museum
Did you know that the Château de Fontainebleau houses a Chinese Museum? Discover this unique collection of murals, furniture, sculptures and textiles. Created in 1863 by Empress Eugénie, this hidden museum is housed in the château's Gros Pavillon. Its spaces feature some 800 objects of art and furniture, mainly gifts from China, Japan and Thailand. [Read more]
Musée Jean-Jacques Rousseau: visit the famous philosopher's house museum in Montmorency (95)
The Maison-Musée Jean-Jacques Rousseau, better known as the Petit Mont-Louis in Montmorency, opens the doors to the refuge where the philosopher wrote his masterpieces. Between his study, his bedroom and contemporary art exhibitions, this listed historic monument combines heritage, philosophy and nature to offer an inspiring visit in the heart of Val-d'Oise (95). [Read more]
Musée Delacroix: a must-see museum for Eugène Delacroix lovers in Paris
Discover the Musée Delacroix, a jewel in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, dedicated to the famous painter Eugène Delacroix. Explore the fascinating history of the museum, from its rescue to its transformation into a cultural space, and immerse yourself in contemporary exhibitions. A must for art and history lovers! [Read more]
The Musée Zadkine: the sculptor's studio-museum near the Jardin du Luxembourg
On the edge of the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Musée Zadkine in Paris opens its doors to its permanent collection, free of charge, all year round, in the heart of a green setting populated by sculptures. Nestled at 100 bis rue d'Assas, the museum is the former home of iconic sculptor Ossip Zadkine, who lived there from 1928 to 1967. [Read more]
The Freemasonry Museum: an organization steeped in history and mystery
Discover the influence of Freemasonry on French society and history over the centuries, at the heart of the Grand Orient de France. Learn all about the mysteries of this organization! [Read more]
The Nissim de Camondo Museum in Paris in pictures
The Musée Nissim de Camondo, part of the Decorative Arts department, located on the edge of the Parc Monceau, is dedicated to French decorative art of the second half of the 17th century. [Read more]
Discover the free Legion of Honor Museum: a journey through the history of honors
Immerse yourself in the history of honors at the Musée de la Légion d'honneur et des ordres de chevalerie, housed in the magnificent Hôtel de Salm in Paris. [Read more]
La Villa des Arts, one of Paris's last artists' housing estates
La Villa des Arts, one of Paris's last remaining artists' housing estates, is open to the curious. Nestled on the hillside of Montmartre, you can climb up to discover an arty 19th-century island and discover new talent in the adjoining gallery. Tempting? Follow the guides, Dorothée and Barberine, from the association La Ville A Des Arts. [Read more]
Le M., Musée du Vin in Paris: tastings, restaurant, exhibitions, concerts & parties!
Did you know that Paris has its own wine museum? Located in the capital's 16th arrondissement, this historic institution invites you to stroll through its 15th-century vaulted cellars and discover all the secrets of wine culture. Renovated and renamed M. Musée du Vin, the venue promises a rich program of restaurants, tasting courses, taste experiences, temporary exhibitions, concerts and Parisian soirées. [Read more]
The Musée Clemenceau: a little-known historic site in Paris
Did you know? There's a little-known museum in Paris that plunges us into the private life of Georges Clemenceau. Nicknamed the Tiger, this former French minister left his mark on the history of the Third Republic. The Musée Clemenceau takes us into his apartment and garden, a timeless place! [Read more]
The Musée de la vie romantique in Paris, a green and charming place
In Paris, the Musée de la Vie Romantique is a confidential place, a real favorite for many of the capital's inhabitants. Take the opportunity to rediscover this charming museum, nestled in the 9th arrondissement. [Read more]
Choco-Story, the gourmet chocolate museum in Paris
Few can resist it: we love chocolate! Discover its history and secrets with Choco-Story, the ultra-gourmand and fun chocolate museum in Paris. [Read more]
The Musée d'Histoire de la Médecine in Paris: a unique showcase of medical curiosities
Curved knives, a hand prosthesis dating back to the 16th century, a trepanning box more than 500 years old, porcelain dentures from the 18th century or the first portable electrocardiograph... all these objects and instruments can be discovered at the incredible Museum of the History of Medicine, nestled at the headquarters of Université Paris Cité. Would you like a tour? [Read more]
La Maison de Fer de Poissy, the unusual museum nestled in the Parc Meissonnier
La Maison de Fer à Poissy, a monument dating from 1896, is an atypical museum on the town of Poissy, to be discovered in the heart of the Parc Meissonnier. Discover its unique industrial architecture and history, and immerse yourself in the evolution of the town of Poissy. [Read more]
Maison Boissier opens Galerie Vivienne boutique-museum
Maison Boissier has set up shop in Paris's Galerie Vivienne, unveiling its exceptional confectionery in a historic setting featuring a museum space dedicated to its heritage since 1827. We take you on a tour of this historic covered passageway. [Read more]
Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran: a plunge into the history of aviation
The Musée Aéronautique et Spatial Safran in Réau, near Melun, invites enthusiasts to rediscover the evolution of aeronautical propulsion since 1905. Why not visit this free museum, which is well worth the detour? [Read more]
The smoker's museum, between rites and culture
This week we take you to the Musée du Fumeur. Don't let your preconceived ideas get the better of you: this place isn't a cannabis cult. On the contrary, with its exhibits and plants, it will introduce you to the history of the smoker and the introduction of this practice in Europe. [Read more]
The Maison Zola, the Dreyfus Museum in Médan, Yvelines
In the heart of the Yvelines region, the Musée Dreyfus, in the grounds of the Maison d'Émile Zola, stands as a place steeped in literary and judicial history. Located in Médan, just an hour's drive from Paris, this historic house and museum is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of Émile Zola, as well as the Dreyfus Affair, two major elements of late 19th-century French culture. [Read more]
House-museum of painter André Derain (78): visit the studio and park of a pioneer of Fauvism
In Chambourcy, in the Yvelines region (78), the Maison-musée André Derain opens the doors to the intimacy of a giant of Fauvism, in a setting that blends heritage, creation and nature in technicolor. A rare visit, organized one weekend a month, where every detail plunges you into the vivid, vibrant palette of an emblematic artist. [Read more]
The Musée d'Ennery, an incredible secret location a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe in Paris
Among the capital's little secrets, the Musée d'Ennery is sure to delight lovers of Asian art. Nestled just off the world's most beautiful avenue, this museum, hidden away in a private mansion, takes us on a veritable journey back in time! [Read more]
The Maison Jean Cocteau in Milly la Forêt, a bucolic interlude between art and history in Essonne
We're off to Essonne, and more precisely to Milly-la-Forêt, to discover the former Maison du Bailli, a place steeped in history that was once the home of Jean Cocteau. Now a museum, the Maison des Illustres is waiting to welcome you. [Read more]
The Mont-Valérien military pigeon museum (92): the history of the carrier pigeon
Atop Mont-Valérien, in the heart of a military fortress, lies a little-known museum dedicated to pigeon racing, particularly within the army. An educational tour of the museum takes us on a journey through the history of carrier pigeons, from antiquity to the present day. [Read more]
The Petit Moulin des Vaux de Cernay is transformed into a cultural restaurant with terrace (78)
Alert friends, the famous little Moulin des Vaux de Cernay in the Vallée de Chevreuse in the Yvelines (78), is being revived and transformed into a cultural restaurant that combines a place to eat, have a drink and relax in the sun with a cultural gallery where you can enjoy ephemeral exhibitions in a place steeped in history. [Read more]
Datcha Tourguéniev: visit the Russian writer's home and museum in Bougival (78)
Ivan Tourguéniev's Datcha, a house-museum nestled in the woods of Bougival (78), whispers the life of a literary giant. Built in 1874, this Swiss-Russian residence, which has the Maison des Illustres label, was his refuge until his last breath. A literary treasure to be visited from March to the end of October, on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. [Read more]
Pavillon Carré de Baudouin: the free cultural venue in Paris
Pavillon Carré de Baudouin, the free cultural space in Paris's 20th arrondissement, has reopened its doors, offering a dynamic cultural program and renovated spaces. From contemporary art to unusual experiences, we're off to discover the place. [Read more]
With so many museums to see in a single day, you'd better get out your running shoes! And don't forget to book your evening to take advantage of the Nuit des Musées in Paris and Île-de-France.
Nuit des Musées 2025: the full program for this artistic nocturne in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Nuit des Musées returns this Saturday, May 17, 2025! This free cultural event is the perfect opportunity to (re)discover the museums of Paris and Île-de-France in a unique atmosphere, as night falls. For one evening only, the finest cultural establishments open their doors to you free of charge. It's the perfect time to plan your itinerary among a selection of exceptional evening visits. Here are the must-see highlights of this 2025 edition! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On May 18, 2025
Nuit des Musées 2025: the full program for this artistic nocturne in Paris and the Île-de-France region
