Beyond the Louvre: 17 Museums in Paris You’ll Love to Discover
Paris isn’t just the city of lights; it’s a city of stories, art, and wonder. For museum lovers, Paris feels like the heart of it all.
From world-famous masterpieces to quirky collections, there’s a museum for every taste. Sure, you’ve heard of the Louvre, but what about the museums tucked away on quiet streets or those devoted to surprising subjects?
Here’s a guide to 17 of Paris’s most intriguing, beautiful, and curious museums. Prepare to be inspired, amazed, and maybe even a little bewildered.
The Louvre Museum
The Louvre is the crown jewel of museums worldwide. Its collection spans ancient artifacts, Renaissance masterpieces, and the enigmatic Mona Lisa.
With over 35,000 works, it would take days to explore it fully. It’s more than just art; it’s history brought to life in grand halls and endless corridors.
Visiting here is like stepping into a treasure chest of human achievement.
Musée d’Orsay
Set in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station, Musée d’Orsay houses the world’s largest collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art. You’ll find works by Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Cézanne.
Beyond its famous paintings, the architecture is breathtaking, giving visitors a unique atmosphere to immerse themselves in the art of the 19th century.
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Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is Paris’s bold, futuristic home for modern art. With its iconic, inside-out design, it’s a landmark of both structure and creativity.
The museum showcases works from Picasso, Duchamp, and Kandinsky, with interactive installations and rotating exhibits that make it endlessly surprising.
Musée Rodin
Rodin’s masterpieces are displayed both indoors and outdoors, making the Musée Rodin a serene, immersive experience. Sculptures like The Thinker and The Kiss can be admired in lush gardens and intimate rooms.
The museum offers a quiet, reflective escape into the world of one of France’s greatest sculptors, a truly romantic and contemplative setting.
Musée de l’Orangerie
Musée de l’Orangerie is home to Monet’s monumental Water Lilies, displayed in two oval rooms specially designed by the artist. This museum provides an intimate setting to appreciate impressionist and modern art up close.
It’s smaller, but its calm ambiance and thoughtful curation make it a gem for those seeking a contemplative experience.
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Musée Picasso
Located in a beautiful mansion in the Marais, Musée Picasso showcases the artist’s personal collection and iconic works. This museum offers a deep dive into Picasso’s genius, showing his art across multiple mediums, including painting, sculpture, and ceramics.
For fans of modern art, it’s a captivating insight into Picasso’s prolific career.
Musée des Arts et Métiers
A museum devoted to inventions, science, and technology, Musée des Arts et Métiers displays groundbreaking creations that changed the world. From early planes and engines to innovative designs, it’s a space that celebrates human ingenuity.
Interactive exhibits make it an engaging stop for families and curious minds alike.
Musée Carnavalet
Dedicated to the history of Paris, Musée Carnavalet covers everything from the French Revolution to Belle Époque glamour. This museum, nestled in the Marais district, brings Paris’s storied past to life.
Its period rooms and artifacts give a vivid look into the city’s evolving identity, making it perfect for history lovers.
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The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature
A unique museum of hunting and nature, this is not what you’d expect in central Paris. Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature combines art, taxidermy, and curiosities in a creative way.
The exhibits feel like stepping into an eccentric collector’s dream, blending beauty, nature, and a touch of fantasy.
Musée Jacquemart-André
Housed in a grand private mansion, the Musée Jacquemart-André is a gem for art lovers and architecture fans. Its collection includes Italian Renaissance masterpieces, 18th-century French art, and Flemish works.
The opulent rooms transport visitors to another era, and its café is an experience in itself, offering a slice of Parisian luxury.
Palais de Tokyo
For lovers of edgy, contemporary art, the Palais de Tokyo is Paris’s rebellious creative space. Unlike any traditional museum, it offers constantly changing exhibits and experimental pieces that push the boundaries of art.
It’s unpredictable, exciting, and a must-visit for those who crave something beyond classic art.
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Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Dedicated to indigenous art and culture, Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac presents treasures from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. With immersive displays and vibrant storytelling, this museum takes visitors on a journey across continents.
It’s a powerful reminder of the richness of global cultures.
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Set in a stunning glass building designed by Frank Gehry, the Fondation Louis Vuitton offers contemporary art in a setting that’s as spectacular as its exhibits. The museum’s architecture mirrors a modern, almost ethereal sailboat.
Its exhibits often include rare, cutting-edge works that surprise and inspire.
Petit Palais
Often overshadowed by its larger counterparts, Petit Palais offers a charming, quieter experience. This museum houses a rich collection of fine arts, including French paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Entry is free, and it has a lovely courtyard café, making it a peaceful place to relax and enjoy Parisian art.
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Musée Marmottan Monet
Musée Marmottan Monet is a paradise for Monet enthusiasts. It holds the world’s largest collection of his works, including the painting that gave Impressionism its name, Impression, Sunrise.
This museum offers an intimate look at Monet’s evolution, with lesser-known pieces that reveal the breadth of his talent.
The Sewer Museum (Musée des Égouts)
One of Paris’s quirkiest museums, the Sewer Museum offers a subterranean look at the city’s history. Visitors walk through real sewer tunnels, learning about the engineering marvel beneath Paris’s streets.
This unique museum is an unexpected journey into the city’s underground, perfect for the adventurous.
Musée Yves Saint Laurent
Fashion lovers will adore the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, dedicated to the iconic designer’s work. Located in YSL’s former haute couture house, it displays his sketches, garments, and personal items.
It’s a glimpse into the world of high fashion and Paris’s enduring influence on style.
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