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The French museums in Paris tell us why Paris is called the cultural heart of France. Paris is home to some of the world’s most renowned French museums. From the iconic Louvre to lesser-known gems, each museum offers unique insights into French art, history, and culture. Visiting these museums allows you to explore masterworks, historical artifacts, and curated exhibitions that bring France’s rich heritage to life. If you’re curious about French museums in Paris, here’s a guide with photos, timings, ticket prices, and addresses to help plan your cultural itinerary.
Most Famous Must-Visit French Museums In Paris
Paris boasts more than 140 museums each showcases a unique side of French history and culture. Here are the best French museums in Paris:
1. The Louvre Museum
Photo: DSC_0265 / Wikimedia Commons
The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest and most visited museum. It is visited by more than 8.9 million people every year. The museum houses iconic works such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. Known for its impressive glass pyramid entrance, this museum offers an unrivaled collection of art and artifacts spanning thousands of years With its 380,000 artifacts and 35,000 artworks, it is easily one of the best French museums in Paris.
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Timings: Open Wednesday to Monday, 9 AM – 6 PM; closed on Tuesdays
Ticket Price: €22 or $23.57 – ₹1,972.45 for online tickets, free for EU residents under 26 years of age
2. Musée D’Orsay
Photo: Le musée d’Orsay (Paris) / Wikimedia Commons
The Musée d’Orsay is celebrated for its vast collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by famous artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas. The museum was a railway station built somewhere between 1888 and 1900; it was later turned into a museum in 1986. The historic museum itself is an architectural marvel designed by Gae Aulenti, with a grand clock and views overlooking the Seine.
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
Timings: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM – 6 PM; closed on Mondays
Ticket Price: €16 or $17.14 – ₹1,434.51; free on the first Sunday of each month
3. Centre Pompidou
Photo: Gerda Arendt / Wikimedia Commons
This modern art museum stands out with its unique architecture designed by architects Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, showcasing its colorful pipes and industrial design. Inside, you’ll find Europe’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Kandinsky, and Miró, plus a panoramic view of Paris from the rooftop. If you are an art enthusiast who loves contemporary art, this is one of the best French museums in Paris to visit.
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
Timings: Open every day except Tuesday, 11 AM – 9 PM
Ticket Price: €14 or $15 – ₹1,255.20; reduced entry for visitors under 26 years of age
4. Musée Rodin
Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, the Musée Rodin museum is located within a beautiful mansion known as Hotel Biron, surrounded by well-kept, scenic gardens. Visitors can admire Rodin’s famous sculptures, including The Thinker and The Kiss while strolling through serene gardens that make this museum a peaceful retreat. Over 70,000 people visit the museum every year.
Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Timings: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6:30 PM; closed on Mondays
Ticket Price: €13 or $13.93 – ₹1,165.54; free on the first Sunday of the month (October to March)
5. Musée De l’Orangerie
Photo: Traktorminze / Wikimedia Commons
The Musée de l’Orangerie is known for its impressive display of Monet’s Water Lilies. The historic art museum is located in the Tuileries Garden in the west of Place de la Concorde and houses a collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, featuring works by Cézanne, Monet, Matisse, Picasso, and Renoir. The museum is relatively small, making it ideal for a quick yet immersive art experience.
Address: Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris
Timings: Open every day except Tuesday, 9 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Price: €12.50 or $13.39 – ₹1,120.71 ; free for EU residents under 26 years of age
6. Musée Picasso
Photo: Ibex73 / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Marais district, inside the Hotel Sale, the Musée Picasso is dedicated to the life and works of Pablo Picasso. This museum showcases an extensive collection of Picasso’s paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics, providing insight into the various phases of his prolific career. The museum has over 5000 works of Picasso on display for its visitors. It is an important place to visit for students and admirers of Picasso.
Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
Timings: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 6 PM; closed on Mondays
Ticket Price: €14 or $15 -₹1,255.20; free for EU residents under 26 years of age
7. Palais De Tokyo
Photo: Guilhem Vellut / Wikimedia Commons
An unconventional and experimental space, Palais de Tokyo is dedicated to contemporary art and often hosts thought-provoking installations and exhibits by both famous and upcoming artists. It is the leading center for contemporary art creation and exhibitions in Europe. The museum stays open until midnight on Thursday, making it perfect for evening visits, with a lively atmosphere and a restaurant on site.
Address: 13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris
Timings: Open every day except Tuesday, 12 PM – 12 AM
Ticket Price: €12 or $12.86 – ₹1,075.88; free for visitors under 18 years of age
8. Musée Carnavalet
Photo: David Monniaux / Wikimedia Commons
Paris’s oldest museum, Musée Carnavalet, is dedicated to the history of Paris. The museum’s opening date was February 25th, 1880. Located in the Marais, this historic museum displays over 600,000 artifacts and artworks, as well as reconstructed rooms that depict Parisian life across the centuries. It recently reopened in 2021 after extensive renovations, enhancing its exhibits and visitor experience. This is one of the less popular and underrated French museums in Paris.
Address: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
Timings: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Price: Free admission; temporary exhibits may have fees
9. Musée Des Arts Décoratifs
Photo: Jean-Baptiste D. / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located within the Louvre’s western wing in the Aile de Marsan, this museum showcases decorative arts spanning furniture, textiles, jewelry, and much more. The educational museum has a diverse collection of 1,50,000 artifacts that highlight French craftsmanship through the centuries, which makes it a fascinating visit for anyone interested in art and design. If you are visiting the Louvre, this museum is a must-visit place.
Address: 107 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Timings: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Price: €14 or $15 – ₹1,255.20; free on the first Sunday of each month
The French museums in Paris are treasures for anyone eager to delve into art, history, and culture. From famous masterpieces in the Louvre to the intimate Musée Marmottan Monet, each museum offers unique exhibitions and experiences that enrich your journey through Paris. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore these iconic French museums in Paris. Book your trip with TripXL and let Paris’s incredible museums inspire and awestruck you!
Cover Photo: Daniele D’Andreti / Unsplash
