A busy city known for its beautiful architecture, great food, and unique experiences, it’s no surprise that Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. It’s easy to lose track of time as you stop by boulangeries, walk along busy streets, or wander around to see famous landmarks that look great in photos.
But Paris’s rich history is part of everyday life, and the city’s museums are a big reason to visit. In this blog, we’ll share 11 of the best museums to explore, where you can see everything from science displays with TV sets and building plans to famous artworks by Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, and other well-known artists.
Planning to visit museums during your trip but don’t know where to start? Check out our favorite Paris museums in the list below for some guidance 🤗:
1. Musée du Louvre (Louvre Museum)
Being one of the largest Paris museums in the world, The Louvre is definitely a must-see You can even be asking yourself: "How many tourists visit the Louvre each year?" ,and we have just the answer for you: the Louvre has almost 10 million visitors every year.
Though it is most known for its pyramid roof and Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”,there is even more in the museum for you to see. You’ll need a lot of time to explore the multi-level museum and visit the various galleries that house more than 35,000 works of art, so make sure you go early so you can spend the entire day browsing the exhibits.
Klook Tip: Check the official website for the list of galleries open on the day of your intended visit. We wouldn’t want you to miss out on your favorite collections!
2. Centre Pompidou (The Pompidou Center)
Though its bright colors and exposed pipes already make it stand out , The Pompidou Center has even more to explore inside . Home to one of the largest modern art collections in the world, the museum features modern and contemporary works by artists like Piet Mondrian, Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse, and Vassily Kandinsky. .
Beyond paintings, the Pompidou Center also highlights architecture, design, and visual arts, giving visitors a broader look at creative styles from around the world.
Klook Tip: Be prepared to take pics when you go up the escalator, as you’ll be greeted by a wonderful view of the city at the top.
3. Musée de l'Orangerie (Orangerie Museum)
A famous Paris museum, Musée de l'Orangerie is home to Claude Monet’s ‘Nymphéas’ (water lilies) collection, which is inspired by the pond and garden at his home in Giverny.. The museum is a great stop if you enjoy romantic and impressionist art and want to spend time with well-known works.
While Monet’s Water Lilies are the main highlight, the museum also features works by other major artists, including Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
4. Musée Grévin (Grévin Museum)
You can see lifelike wax figures of famous stars like Lady Gaga, Bruce Willis, and more when you visit Paris’ Grévin Museum. It’s a fun spot for taking souvenir photos, making it a popular stop for friends, families, and travelers with kids.
You can pose with your favorite athlete, pretend to perform with a singer, or snap playful photos that you’ll remember long after your trip. If you enjoy history, you’ll also find wax figures of important people from France’s past, while kids can step into the giant kaleidoscope to enjoy a colorful sound and light show.
5. Musée d'Orsay (Orsay Museum)
Inside a former train station, the Orsay Museum is one of the most unique museums you can visit in Paris. While the building itself is impressive, the art inside makes an even bigger impact.
You’ll find a collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works from the 19th and 20th centuries, making it a must-visit if you enjoy artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, and Degas. The museum also has Art Nouveau pieces and sculptures from the same time period, giving you a well-rounded look at art from this era.
Klook Tip: Drop by the café for some food and drinks to see the big clock up close! It’s something you won’t want to miss during your visit.
6. Bourse de Commerce: Pinault Collection
You can explore thousands of contemporary artworks from artists around the world at the Bourse de Commerce: Pinault Collection. Owned by François Pinault, the collection highlights pieces that reflect each artist’s unique style and ideas, with themes that often touch on society, reality, and imagination.
As you walk through the galleries, you’ll see works from other well-known contemporary artists such as Kimsooja, Fischli & Weiss, Maurizio Cattelan, Christopher Wool, Marlene Dumas, and Peter Doig. This makes it a great stop if you’re curious about modern art from different perspectives.
7. Musée Rodin (Rodin Museum)
Walk through the former home of Auguste Rodin with a visit to the Rodin Museum, where he spent the final years of his life. . Here you’ll find a collection of art pieces, both from Rodin himself and other famous names such as Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and even Camille Claudel, one of Rodin’s pupils.
As you walk around the gardens, you’ll also see many other sculptures by Rodin,“The Thinker” and “The Burghers of Calais”, among others.
8. Musée National Gustave Moreau
Inside Gustave Moreau’s apartment is a private gallery that he built to showcase his artwork. Opened in 1903, this multi-level gallery is considered by many to be one of Paris’ hidden gems. There are around 1,300 paintings and 5,000 drawings on display, including his most famous piece, “Jupiter and Semele.”
You can also explore the actual living areas of the apartment, where you’ll find Moreau’s possessions in the dining room, bedroom, and his private study. For more information about the individual pieces and their background, you can bring a commentary board with you as you walk through the museum!
9. Catacombs of Paris
If you’re curious about Paris’s darker history, a visit to the Catacombs of Paris offers a unique experience. You’ll go about 20 meters underground, where you’ll walk through long tunnels lined with carefully arranged bones from millions of Parisians dating back to the late 1700s.
It may feel a little scary at first, but the audio guide included with your ticket helps explain the history and purpose of the Catacombs, making the experience more educational than scary.
10. Musee Marmottan Monet
Dedicated to the prominent French painter Claude Monet, the Musee Marmottan Monet is home to hundreds of his impressionist and post-impressionist creations. But inside the museum are not just Monet’s works but also pieces from other Italian artists.
Some highlights that you have to find in the museum are Impression, Soleil Levant by Claude Monet, L'Amour et Psyché by Giovanni Maria Benzoni, Portrait De Famille by Jacques-Augustin-Catherine Pajou, and Fillette Au Jersey Bleu by Berthe Morisot, among many others.
11. Musée National Picasso-Paris (Picasso Museum)
As the name of the Paris museum suggests, the Picasso Museum is home to Spanish painter Pablo Picasso’s works. Get ready to fall in love with his works, including sculptures, paintings, drawings, and more.
Some highlights that you have to see include “Self Portrait 1901,” “Portrait of Dora Maar,” “The Kiss,” “Two Women Running on the Beach,” and “Still Life with the Caned Chair.”
FAQs about Paris museums
What museums are not to miss in Paris?
Some museums you shouldn’t miss include the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou. Each one offers a different experience, from classic masterpieces to modern and contemporary art. You can save time and money by booking a Paris Museum Pass, which covers many of the city’s top museums and attractions.
What are the top five museums in Paris?
The top five museums in Paris are the Louvre Museum, Musée d'Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Musée de l'Orangerie, and Rodin Museum. Together, they cover everything from ancient art to impressionism and sculpture.
Which is better, the Musée d'Orsay or the Louvre?
It depends on what you enjoy more. The Louvre is better if you want to see famous works like the Mona Lisa and explore many art styles, while the Musée d'Orsay is a great choice if you prefer impressionist art and a less overwhelming space.
What is the number one museum in Paris?
The Louvre Museum is widely considered the number one museum in Paris. It’s the largest and most visited museum in the world, with famous artworks that attract visitors from everywhere.
What are the three main art museums in Paris?
The three main art museums in Paris are the Louvre Museum, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou. These museums together showcase classic, impressionist, modern, and contemporary art.
Start exploring Paris museums today!
With our recommendations of Paris museums to visit, you can now start planning your dream vacation to the City of Light. For more inspiration about where to go in Paris, check out the Klook Paris page or any of the recommended articles below.
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