Must-see museums in Paris: the ultimate guide for art lovers

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Published on February 13th, 2024 at 05:35 p.m.
Paris is the capital of art, with hundreds of museums of all kinds. Faced with such a vast choice, it's easy to lose your head! So why not start with the capital's must-see museums?

Some places have been around forever: whatever their age, they are so iconic that they seem to have always been part of the landscape. So much so, in fact, that we eventually stop noticing them and forget about them. What a shame! In Paris, in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the abundance of things to do, it's easy to overlook the best-known and most popular sites, starting with the must-see museums that we think we know by heart.

What if we were to embark on a great adventure, rediscovering these emblematic places? Our journey takes us to the four corners of the capital, to the must-see museums of Paris. Let's play the tourist and put on our innocent eyes to visit Paris as if for the first time. Let yourself be surprised by these must-see art venues, which may well have a few more surprises in store for you...

From the world-famous Louvre to the zany Musée Grévin, from the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle to the Centre Pompidou and the Musée Carnavalet, take your pick from our selection of must-see museums in Paris.

Visuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiersVisuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiersVisuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiersVisuel Paris 5e -  jardin des plantes - museum - printemps - cerisiers 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]

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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]

Visuels Musée du LouvreVisuels Musée du LouvreVisuels Musée du LouvreVisuels Musée du Louvre Musée du Louvre: discover the artistic and tourist heart of the capital
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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 de l'Orangerie à Paris : programmation, horaires, histoire... Tout ce qu'il faut savoir  - IMG20220927161721 (1)Musée de l'Orangerie à Paris : programmation, horaires, histoire... Tout ce qu'il faut savoir  - IMG20220927161721 (1)Musée de l'Orangerie à Paris : programmation, horaires, histoire... Tout ce qu'il faut savoir  - IMG20220927161721 (1)Musée de l'Orangerie à Paris : programmation, horaires, histoire... Tout ce qu'il faut savoir  - IMG20220927161721 (1) 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]

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Le musée de l'Homme - collections permanentes - image00055Le musée de l'Homme - collections permanentes - image00055Le musée de l'Homme - collections permanentes - image00055Le musée de l'Homme - collections permanentes - image00055 Musée de l'Homme: discover the origins, evolution and future of the human species
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Visuels musée et monument - palais gallieraVisuels musée et monument - palais gallieraVisuels musée et monument - palais gallieraVisuels musée et monument - palais galliera 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]

La Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier Bercy The Cinémathèque française: the temple of cinephiles in the heart of the Bercy district
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Petit Palais - Collection permanente  -  fresquePetit Palais - Collection permanente  -  fresquePetit Palais - Collection permanente  -  fresquePetit Palais - Collection permanente  -  fresque 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]

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Visuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine musée des arts et métiersVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine musée des arts et métiersVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine musée des arts et métiersVisuel Journées du Patrimoine/Matrimoine musée des arts et métiers 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]

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Le Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentesLe Musée de la Marine à Paris et ses collections permanentes 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 des Arts décoratifs, collection permanente  -  A7C1515Musée des Arts décoratifs, collection permanente  -  A7C1515Musée des Arts décoratifs, collection permanente  -  A7C1515Musée des Arts décoratifs, collection permanente  -  A7C1515 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]

Musée Carnavalet rénové et repensé, les photos Musée Carnavalet rénové et repensé, les photos Musée Carnavalet rénové et repensé, les photos Musée Carnavalet rénové et repensé, les photos Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
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Le Musée Grévin, nouvelle génération - les photosLe Musée Grévin, nouvelle génération - les photosLe Musée Grévin, nouvelle génération - les photosLe Musée Grévin, nouvelle génération - les photos The Musée Grévin, the wax statue museum where you can meet stars in Paris
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Le Musée Rodin, ses collections et son jardin - IMG20231016111245Le Musée Rodin, ses collections et son jardin - IMG20231016111245Le Musée Rodin, ses collections et son jardin - IMG20231016111245Le Musée Rodin, ses collections et son jardin - IMG20231016111245 Musée Rodin in Paris: a temple of art dedicated to the sculptor Auguste Rodin near Les Invalides
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Art, history, science, world cultures, artists' houses: the options are numerous, and they should satisfy every curiosity! Where should you start your cultural journey in Paris?

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