The Best Museums in Paris 2019

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Looking for the Best Museums in Paris 2019? Here’s our Paris museum guide with more information about each museum as well as the exhibitions, opening hours and admission fee.

Paris – the City of Love. A city famous for its landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and also for its beautiful sights. An inspiration for timeless masterpieces and eternal works of art, Paris is brimming with places to visit including over 150 museums.

To get you going before your trip, there are numerous books about Paris that you can read to get all the Parisian vibes. 

For those who are fond of art and history, this guide will assist you to discover the best museums in Paris. If you’re staying 4 days in Paris or longer, you’ll have plenty of time to get the full museum experience of the French capital. 

The Louvre

A visit to Paris is incomplete if you do not visit the Louvre. Louvre Museum is situated in the heart of Paris and enjoys its status as arguably the best museum in the world. Home to the most well-known painting in the world, the Mona Lisa, the museum also houses several other gems in its stunning collection.

The exquisite collection of historic art can take you a full day to roam around and we are sure you will want to make every second of your experience count. These are moments to cherish if you’re not a resident and it’s a once in a lifetime visit for you. Revel in the marvel that is the glass pyramid at the entrance, a testimony of artistic excellence.

We recommend that you take a walk along the beautiful Seine River as you try to digest the wonderful experience you had at the world’s largest art museum.

We recommend pre-booking your tickets in order to skip two-hour queues at the museum. The extra €2 for the online price is well worth the extra time you will spend at this marvelous exhibit of art.

  • Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Wednesdays to Mondays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Open till 9:45 PM on Wednesday and Friday)
  • Admission Fees: Free for Children Under 18 and Teachers, General Admission €15 (Online price €17)
louvre in paris
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Musée d’Orsay

The Orsay Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world with over 3 million visitors every year. Housing the largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces in the world, this incredible museum spans four floors in a former railway station cum hotel, Gare d’Orsay.

The architecture of the building itself binds you in a spell before you enter it to find a whole new world awaiting you. With several temporary exhibits and special events organized throughout the year, you might just be in for a real treat on top of the wonderful experience you already enjoyed.

  • Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Open till 9:45 PM on Thursday)
  • Admission Fees: Free for Children Under 18, General Admission €14
Musee d'Orsay
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Musée National d’Art Moderne

The Musée National d’Art Moderne is known locally as the museum in the Centre Pompidou. As the largest museum for contemporary and modern art in Europe and the second-largest in the world, it is also one of the most visited museums in the world with over 3.8 million visitors annually.

The museum is home to over 100,000 works of art from an incredible 6,400 plus artists from 90 countries. The museum is especially famous for showcasing famous works of Picasso and Braque.

You will want to spend a couple of days in this spectacular exhibition of modern art so we recommend that you plan and focus your visit to make the most of it.

  • Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Open till 11:00 PM on Thursday)
  • Admission Fees: Free for Children Under 18, General Admission €14
Musee National d'Art Moderne
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Musée des Arts et Métiers – The Museum of Arts and Crafts

As our first niche entry in the list, we’d like to take you to one of the oldest technical and industrial museums in the World. If you are a fan of old industrial equipment and machinery, then visiting Musée des Arts et Métiers could be a great way to start your imaginative day.

Every room in the museum holds some great tools and machinery from a particular era and it is wonderful to see how technology has evolved over the centuries. The collection is exquisitely displayed in a beautiful building where the museum was formed in 1794.

  • Address: 60 Rue Réaumur, 3rd Arrondissement, 75003 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Open till 9:30 PM on Thursday)
  • Admission Fees: Free for EU Citizens Under 25, €5.50 for Students with ID, €8 for General Admission
museums in paris
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Musée Rodin

Auguste Rodin was one of the most renowned sculptors of his time and if you want to witness his marvelous work, then visiting his museum should be given on your trip to Paris.

Before his death, he donated all of his artwork including most of his masterpieces. There are nearly 6,500 marble sculptures providing a beautiful treat for the eyes.

If you get a chance, you must visit the museum in the spring season, because that is when the park blooms and could complement your visit to this irresistible museum.

  • Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM (Open till 8:45 PM on Wednesday)
  • Admission Fees: €4 for EU Citizens under 25, €7 for Non-EU residents Under 25, €10 for Adults.
Musee Rodin
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Musée de l’Homme

Musée de l’Homme is a place that makes you wonder about the evolution of humans. Students of Anthropology and Humanism will find themselves at home here while other visitors will find the exhibits really exciting as they discover key facts about the human race.

There is a lot to explore with respect to language, physiology, culture, and human development at this wonderful museum.

  • Address: 17 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 November, 75116 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Admission Fees: €10 for General Admission. We recommend buying a combined entry option available with other nearby attractions
paris museum
Photo: Kurt Pacaud / Shutterstock.com

Petit Palais – City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts

The City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts resides in the historical monument of Petit Palais. Striking architecture combined with a history spanning over more than a century, the exterior has an outstanding main façade along with beautiful pavilions on both sides of the building.

The collection spans mainly the entire history of Art with a particular focus on the history of French Art. It is divided into three main sections namely the paintings, drawings and objects of art. Famous paintings by artists such as Rembrandt, Ruben, Ingres, Delcroix and Rodin are housed in this superb collection.

  • Address: Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • Admission Fees: Free for all
Petit Palais in paris
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Musée du Quai Branly

Culture helps us learn a lot about other traditions and their lifestyle and Musée du Quai Branly is the perfect place to learn about various cultures through their indigenous art.

Housing over 300,000 objects from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania, this is one of the most diverse museums in the city. With a truly remarkable and curious collection and a beautiful building, we wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Quai Branly.

  • Address: 37 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Open till 9:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
  • Admission Fees: Free for Youth Under 18 and EU Citizens Under 25, €9 for General Admission
Musée du Quai Branly
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Musée Grevin

Musée Grevin is the wax museum in Paris that is a popular and a must-visit destination for everyone. It has more than 500 life-like wax statues which are arranged in scenes from French history to modern life including a panorama of French history from Napoleon III and Charlemagne.

The other personalities in the exhibits include important French media stars and famous people. If you don’t run into most of them in your life, now is a chance to take a photograph with most of them. Oh, and before we forget, do remember to take a stroll in the Hall of Mirrors.

  • Address: 10 Boulevard Montmartre, 75009 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Admission Fees: Free entry with the Paris Pass, €21.50 for Students and €24.50 for Adults
museums in paris
Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Musée de Cluny

Paris is the hub of art and Musée de Cluny is a testament to that fact by showcasing one of the most important global collections of art from the Middle Ages. Musée de Cluny is also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages.

The most famous exhibits are the six tapestries of The Lady and the Unicorn (La Dame à la licorne). The museum also houses Roman Art, work from Limoges and Gothic Art.

  • Address: 28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 9:15 AM to 5:45 AM
  • Admission Fees: Free for Youth Under 18 and EU Citizens Under 25, €9 for General Admission
Musée de Cluny
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Musée Cognacq-Jay

Musée Cognacq-Jay has an amazing collection of famous art pieces from famous artists like Francois Boucher among many others. Spanning over five floors and home to over 1,200 objects, this museum’s exhibits include paintings, sculptures, furniture, drawings and miscellaneous decorative objects from the 18th century.

With a small but very varied collection, this museum is thoroughly enjoyable. Oh, and did we mention that it’s free to enter? Now, that’s a rare sight in Paris.

  • Address: 8 Rue Elzevir, 75003 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM 
  • Admission Fees: Free for all
paris museums
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Musée de l’Armée

The Army Museum in Paris is one of the most popular art and military history museums in the world. A walk through France’s military past, visitors can witness armors, weapons, costumes and various other related exhibits including important documents and maps used in various stages throughout history.

Arranged in chronological order with some recreated scenes and military models of fortified cities, this museum is home to a comprehensive and very impressive collection.

  • Address: 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Seven days a week from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Admission Fees: Free for Youth Under 18 and EU Citizens Under 25, €11 for General Admission
Musée de l’Armée
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National Museum of Natural History

With its history going back all the way to 1793, Muséum national d’histoire naturelle or, the National Museum of Natural History is comprised of 14 museums across France with the main chapter situated in Paris.

The museum is home to several research and diffusion departments. It is also a higher education institution delivering postgraduate degrees in the subject. With dedicated galleries for geology, paleontology, comparative anatomy and the Grand Gallery of Evolution, this museum is a well of knowledge that visitors of all ages can draw from and benefit for free.

  • Address: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75007 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Admission Fees: Free for all
National Museum of Natural History in paris
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Musée Guimet

The Musée national des arts asiatiques Guimet is one of the best Asian Art museums in the world. With several rare items in its collection, the museum is home to nearly 45,000 objects from the Himalayas, the Indian Subcontinent, China, the Central Asian states, the Far Eastern states and as far as Japan and South Korea.

The fantastic collection gives us a snapshot of the history of various Asian cultures and civilizations that is not possible anywhere else in the world.

  • Address: 6 Place d’Iéna, 75116 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Admission Fees: Free for Youth Under 18 and EU Citizens Under 25, €11.50 for General Admission
Musée Guimet
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Musée Picasso

Dedicated to the great Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso, this museum is home to over 350 works of art from the maestro himself. Apart from Picasso, the museum features work from artists of his time like Matisse and also ones that he held in high esteem like Cezanne, Rousseau, and Degas. The museum is now the most important research center in the world focused on Picasso’s work.

  • Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM (Opens early at 9:30 AM on Saturdays and Sundays)
  • Admission Fees: Free for Youth Under 18 and EU Citizens Under 25, €12.50 for General Admission
Musée Picasso
Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

More About Museums in Paris

The museums in Paris are just as diverse as the city itself. With over 150 museums sprawling across the city over the years, Paris’ status as the global hub of art is unparalleled with powerhouse museums like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou regularly featuring as the most complete art exhibitions on the planet.

The genres covered are just as varied with virtually all aspects of the art covered from paintings and drawings to sculptures and architecture, from photography and design to science and contemporary/modern art, the City of Love has it all for your visit.

We must warn you that you may want to live here forever but that might just be the best idea as it will allow you to explore the city that you never could in a short visit.

Best Museums in Paris for Kids

Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

This museum in Paris would definitely offer an amazing experience for kids. The stuffed animals, ceramics, tapestries, weapons, and furniture, etc. are so amazing that the kids will definitely love this place the moment they will enter the Museum.

Army Museum in Paris

Army Museum in Paris is a must-visit for children as it offers so much about Paris army and its history. This will also help your kid develop an interest in history and army knowledge. It will help them to gain knowledge about how the army was in the past and what weapons were used in the wars at that time.

Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris

Museum of Arts and Crafts has so much to offer to kids because of the unique and amazing art pieces. The colorful interior and modern design exterior of the museum is going to be a cool experience for kids. You can also have guided tours if you want for your kids and family.

Musée Grevin

This is one of the best museums in Paris for kids, and your child will enjoy posing with their favorite character’s wax statues for sure.

museums in paris for kids
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Frequency Asked Questions

Are there any museum passes available for Paris Museums?

Yes, the Paris Museum Pass is exactly what you’re looking for, providing entry to over 50 museums around the city. The price for the pass is €48 for 2 days, €62 for 4 days and €72 for 6 days.

Which Museum in Paris is friendly for children?

Musée du Quai Branly is a real child-friendly Museum in Paris because it allows strollers and even gifts children with adventure kits in order to keep them busy and allow positive experience for them to enjoy.

What is a good strategy to save time when visiting Paris Museums?

A very good strategy is to buy your tickets online so that you don’t have to wait in long queues which are common outside most museums.

Are there any free museums in Paris?

Yes, indeed, there are many free museums in Paris. Some of the free museums from our list include:

  • Petit Palais
  • Musée Cognacq-Jay
  • National Museum of Natural History

Along with this, there are several museums in Paris that have free admission on the first Sunday of every month. The crowds can be overwhelming on days with free admission though.

free museums in paris
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