As you know, there are international days for (almost) everything: family day, forest day, dance day, Italian cuisine day, jazz day, castle day... So it comes as no surprise that May 18 is International Museum Day. No one is 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 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 overflowing 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 this day.
Center Pompidou: prices, opening hours, access... All you need to know about the Musée d'Art Moderne
The Centre Pompidou, a jewel of modern and contemporary art in the heart of Paris, awaits you every day (except Tuesdays) for an unprecedented immersion in art in all its forms. Explore its fascinating history, its must-see exhibitions, and immerse yourself in the artistic universe of one of the world's most visited museums! [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]
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 to know about the museum, the works of art to discover, the current exhibitions, and the prices and free admission options available, so you can make the most of your visit in the best possible conditions. [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]
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]
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 immersive museum transports us into the world of contemporary art. It's free to 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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
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]
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 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]
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 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]
Top secret and hidden museums in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, nuggets worth visiting
In Paris, as in the Ile-de-France region, there are the great museums, but there are also the more confidential historical and cultural sites that are well worth a visit. Want to discover the hidden nuggets? Here are the secret or well-hidden museums in and around Paris that you need to discover urgently! [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]
Maison Gainsbourg in Paris: new slots go on sale in April
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. New slots will go on sale in April! [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]
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]
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]
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]
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 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]
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 story of Poissy's development. [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 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]
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]
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]
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]
The Ennery Museum, an incredible and secret place close to the Arc de Triomphe
One of the capital's little secrets is the Musée d'Ennery, a delight for Asian art lovers. Nestling 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]
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]
Discover the unusual Chinese Museum at the Château de Fontainebleau
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]
The Musée de la Pharmacie, Paris's most hidden, unusual and free practice
In the heart of a private mansion near the Parc Monceau lies one of the capital's most discreet museums: the Pharmacy Museum! Here, you can discover, free of charge, the history of the site, which now houses the Ordre National des Pharmaciens and a number of unusual collections. [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 Nissim de Camondo Museum in Paris in pictures
The Nissim de Camondo Museum, belonging to the Decorative Arts, located on the outskirts of the Parc Monceau, is dedicated to French decorative art of the second half of the 17th century. [Read more]
Musée Zadkine: l'Atelier - Museum near the Jardin du Luxembourg
On the outskirts of the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Musée Zadkine in Paris opens its doors free of charge to its permanent collection, 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 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]
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 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]
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]
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]
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]
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, it's best to get out your running shoes! And don't forget to book your evening to enjoy the Nuit des Musées in Paris and Île-de-France.
Nuit des Musées 2024: dates and full programme for the event in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Nuit des Musées, the must-attend cultural event in Paris, returns on Saturday, May 18, 2024. For one evening, take advantage of the most beautiful museums in France, particularly in Paris and the surrounding region. Now's the time to plan your itinerary and choose from some of the finest programs on offer. [Read more]
Nuit des Musées 2024: dates and full programme for the event in Paris and the Île-de-France region
