Museums in Paris

Our Top 5 Museums in Paris

With so many museums to explore, it can be hard to know where to start. You simply can’t go wrong with one of our top 5 museums in Paris:

#1 Musée du Louvre

What do you need to know? The Louvre sits right by the Seine and is the most visited museum in the world. No surprise there – Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous Mona Lisa is on display here.

Is it worth it? The Louvre is a must-see in Paris and the number one museum in Paris. Its collection is so diverse and fascinating that even those who aren’t art enthusiasts will love it.

Our tip: The Louvre is huge, so plan at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit to really enjoy it.

Book your Louvre ticket online and skip the lines

#2 Musée d'Orsay

What do you need to know? The Musée d’Orsay is another major museum in Paris, showcasing paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photographs from 1848 to 1914.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The Musée d’Orsay is one of the best museums in Paris and housed in a stunning former railway station. Its collection rivals the Louvre – and it’s even more affordable.

Our tip: Plan enough time for your visit and book your tickets online if possible. The museum is a popular alternative to the Louvre and is one of several free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of each month. You can also get here by the hop-on-hop off buses in Paris.

Book your Orsay Museum ticket online

#3 Paris Catacombs

What do you need to know? The Catacombs are a network of underground tunnels and one of the most visited attractions in Paris. Since 1786, when disease and famine struck the city, the remains of about 7 to 8 million people have been laid to rest here.

Is it worth it? Definitely. The Catacombs offer a fascinating and eerie insight into Parisian history. It’s a unique experience that belongs on your Paris itinerary. The quiet atmosphere deep below the city is truly unforgettable.

Important: Tickets can only be purchased online. Tickets are released weekly and sell out fast, so be quick! Audio guide is included in the ticket price.

Book your Catacombs ticket online

#4 Atelier des Lumières

What do you need to know? The Atelier des Lumières is located near the famous Père Lachaise cemetery. Inside this former iron foundry, artworks from different eras are projected across the walls, floors, and ceilings in a dazzling digital show.

Is it worth it? Definitely! The mix of industrial architecture and immersive light displays creates a magical atmosphere. It’s a completely different experience from a traditional museum in Paris – and one that’s truly memorable.

Our tip: You can’t buy tickets on-site at the weekend, so if you plan to visit on Saturday or Sunday, be sure to book your ticket online in advance.

Book your L’Atelier des Lumières ticket online

#5 The Conciergerie

What do you need to know? Just a few steps from Notre-Dame, you’ll find the Conciergerie — the former prison of the French Revolution. Here you can walk through the same cells where Marie Antoinette spent her final days before her execution.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. The Conciergerie is one of the most famous museums in Paris for history lovers. Although only part of the building is open to the public, it powerfully brings the story of the Revolution to life. A must for anyone interested in French history!

Book your Conciergerie and Sainte-Chapelle Combined Tickets online

The Best Art Museums in Paris

Are you really into art? Then don’t miss these other amazing art museums in Paris:

#6 Musée de l'Orangerie

What do you need to know? The Orangerie is located just a short walk from the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay. The focus here is on Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and the School of Paris.

Is it worth it? For fans of Impressionism, this museum in Paris is a must. The highlight is, of course, Monet’s breathtaking water lilies. But the rest of the collection — with works by Picasso, Renoir, and Matisse — is also outstanding.

Our tip: Admission is free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month. A great opportunity to visit one of the best museums in Paris at no cost!

Book your Musée de l’Orangerie ticket online

#7 Musée Picasso

What do you need to know? Around 250 works by the legendary Pablo Picasso are displayed in an elegant 17th-century mansion. Alongside his paintings, you’ll also find letters, sketches, photographs, and personal documents.

Is it worth it? Definitely. The collection is arranged chronologically, giving you a clear picture of Picasso’s artistic evolution over time. It’s one of the best museums in Paris to explore the genius of one of the most famous artists in the world.

Our tip: Admission is also free for everyone on the first Sunday of each month.

Book your Picasso Museum ticket online

#8 Fondation Louis Vuitton

What do you need to know? The Fondation Louis Vuitton is one of the newer museums in Paris. Sponsored by the Louis Vuitton brand, this private museum focuses on modern and contemporary art from the 20th century onward.

Is it worth a visit? Definitely. The futuristic glass building alone is an architectural masterpiece. Together with its thought-provoking exhibits, it’s one of the most striking modern museums in Paris.

Our tip: The Arc de Triomphe is nearby, so you can easily combine both on the same day.

Book your Fondation Louis Vuitton ticket online

#9 Jeu de Paume

What do you need to know? The Jeu de Paume was once a sports hall and today houses a museum dedicated to photography and video art. The exhibitions change regularly and feature both classic and contemporary works.

Is it worth it? Definitely. The Jeu de Paume offers a refreshing change from the larger museums in Paris and always has something new to discover. A real treat for photo enthusiasts.

Book your Jeu de Paume ticket online

#10 Espace Dalí

What do you need to know? The Dalí Museum is tucked away in the winding streets of Montmartre. Inside, you’ll find more than 300 works by Salvador Dalí — from paintings and sculptures to etchings and even surreal pieces of furniture.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. The museum is as eccentric and dreamlike as the artist himself. It’s beautifully curated and offers an intimate look at the world of one of the most famous surrealists in history.

Book your Dalí Museum ticket online

#11 Musée Rodin

What do you need to know? The Musée Rodin is dedicated to the life and work of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Housed in an elegant city palace where Rodin once lived, it showcases his most famous creations alongside works by van Gogh and Monet.

Is it worth it? Definitely. The museum and its beautiful gardens make for a peaceful visit and are usually much less crowded than other art museums in Paris. Perfect if you want to enjoy art at a slower pace.

Book your Rodin Museum ticket online

#12 Musée Guimet

What do you need to know? The Guimet Museum is France’s national museum of Asian art. Its vast collection includes everything from Chinese porcelain and Khmer statues to Japanese screens and Buddhist sculptures.

Is it worth it? Yes, especially for anyone interested in Asian culture. There’s so much to explore that you can easily spend a couple of hours here. Don’t miss the peaceful museum garden — a lovely hidden spot in the city.

Book your Musée Guimet ticket online

#13 Centre Georges Pompidou

From 2025 to 2030, the Centre Pompidou will be completely closed for renovation!

What do you need to know? The Centre Pompidou stands in the trendy Marais district and is home to one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary art in Europe, featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse.

Is it worth it? Definitely! The Pompidou’s inside-out architecture makes it stand out among the classic Parisian buildings. Inside, the collection is just as bold and exciting – one of the best museums in Paris for modern art lovers.

Our tip: Head up to the rooftop terrace for one of the best panoramic views of Paris.

Book your Centre Pompidou ticket online

Best History Museums in Paris

Paris is full of fascinating history. That’s why there are several other great historical museums in the city worth visiting:

#14 Grande Galerie de l'Évolution

What do you need to know? The Grande Galerie de l’Évolution takes you on a fascinating journey through the animal world. On 7,000 square meters, you’ll discover how life has evolved on Earth, surrounded by a grand display of preserved animals.

Is it worth it? This museum in Paris is especially fun for families traveling Paris with children, but adults will be just as amazed. Seeing animals and humans side by side really puts nature into perspective.

Our tip: Combine your visit to the Grande Galerie with a relaxing stroll through the Jardin des Plantes. It’s a beautiful park that also houses the Galerie de Botanique greenhouse – our museum tip number 24.

Book your Natural History Museum ticket online

#15 Musée de l'Armée & Invalides

What do you need to know? The Musée de l’Armée tells the story of French military history, while the golden-domed Invalides Cathedral houses the tomb of Emperor Napoleon I. Both belong to the impressive Hôtel des Invalides complex in central Paris.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. The combination of the military museum and Napoleon’s tomb makes for one of the most famous spots in Paris. The collection is fascinating, and the architecture alone is worth the visit.

Our tip: Even though you can buy separate tickets for each site, the combined ticket is the better deal — you’ll save money and see everything in one go.

Book the Musée de l’Armée & Invalides combined ticket online

#16 Science Museum: Palais de la Découverte

What do you need to know? The Palais de la Découverte, located inside the Grand Palais, is all about science and discovery. It covers chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, geology, and even astronomy — all presented in an engaging way.

Is it worth it? Definitely. On 25,000 square meters, this museum in Paris makes science fun with interactive experiments, live demonstrations, and a planetarium. Great for curious minds of all ages.

Our tip: It can get very busy on weekends, so it’s best to book your tickets online ahead of time.

Book your Palais de la Découverte ticket online

#17 Musée de Montmartre

What do you need to know? Perched on the Montmartre hill, this charming 17th-century house once hosted artists like Renoir. Today, the museum lets you dive into the history and artistic flair of this legendary neighborhood.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. The Musée de Montmartre perfectly captures the creative soul of the district. You’ll see paintings, photographs, and the iconic cabaret posters by Toulouse-Lautrec that made Montmartre world-famous.

Our tip: Take your time to explore the Montmartre area. It’s one of the most picturesque parts of Paris — perfect for a stroll, a glass of wine, or a cozy café break.

Book your Musée de Montmartre & Gardens ticket online

The Best Special Museums in Paris

Looking for something a bit different? Here are some unique and special museums in Paris you shouldn’t miss:

#18 Wax Figures: Musée Grévin Paris

What do you need to know? The Musée Grévin is Paris’ answer to Madame Tussauds in London. In this wax museum in Paris, you’ll meet lifelike wax figures of French icons and international celebrities alike.

Is it worth it? Yes! The museum is beautifully designed with creative sets and lighting — perfect for fun photos and selfies with your favorite stars.

Our tip: Right next door is Passage Jouffroy, a historic arcade filled with charming boutiques and cafés — a real Paris insider tip worth exploring after your visit.

Book your Musée Grévin ticket online

#19 Musée du Vin - Caves du Louvre

What do you need to know? Just a few steps from the Louvre, you’ll find a fascinating wine cellar that’s well worth a visit. You can explore the vaulted rooms for free on your own or join a wine tasting to dive deeper into the world of French wine.

Is it worth it? A visit here really shines when you book a tasting. Otherwise, there’s not much to see beyond the cellars themselves. The experience comes alive through the stories, the atmosphere, and, of course, the wine.

Book your Musée du Vin & wine tasting ticket online

#20 Fashion Museum Paris: Palais Galliera

What do you need to know? The Palais Galliera, near the Champs-Élysées, showcases over 100,000 garments and accessories that trace the evolution of French fashion from the 18th century to today.

Is it worth it? A dream come true for fashion lovers! Both the permanent and temporary exhibitions are all about style and creativity — from historic haute couture to contemporary design.

Our tip: Buying tickets online can be confusing. The easiest way is to get your ticket directly at the museum’s ticket office.

#21 Museum of Technology: Musée des Arts et Métiers

What do you need to know? The Musée des Arts et Métiers celebrates human ingenuity in a stunning setting. Around 3,000 exhibits cover everything from communication and energy to scientific instruments and early machines.

Is it worth it? A must for engineers and tech enthusiasts! This is the world’s oldest collection dedicated to industry and technology — complete with aircraft hanging dramatically from the ceiling. It’s one of the most fascinating museums in Paris.

Book your technology museum tickets online

#22 Musée du quai Branly

What do you need to know? Located close to the Eiffel Tower, the Musée du quai Branly is dedicated to non-European art and culture.

Is it worth it? If you’re drawn to world cultures, this is a must-see museum in Paris. Around 3,500 objects from Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Americas are displayed in a beautifully designed space that feels more like an art journey than a gallery.

Book your Musée du quai Branly ticket online

#23 Cinema: Grand Rex

What do you need to know? The Grand Rex has been Europe’s largest cinema since 1932 – a true Paris landmark. Inside this Art Deco masterpiece, you can watch films in a spectacular setting or take a behind-the-scenes tour.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Film lovers will be thrilled by the mix of history, architecture, and movie magic. Whether you join a guided tour or catch a French film, this is one of the most unique museums in Paris for cinema fans.

Book your Grand Rex guided tour ticket online

#24 Greenhouse: Galerie de Botanique Jardin des Plantes

The Galerie de Botanique is temporarily closed.

What do you need to know? The Galerie de Botanique sits inside the Jardin des Plantes, a beautiful green oasis along the Seine. In the greenhouse, you can wander through lush tropical forests, dense jungles, and dry desert landscapes – all under one roof.

Is it worth it? Walking through a rainforest in the heart of Paris? Definitely! The contrasts between the different climate zones are fascinating. It’s a refreshing change from the usual art and history museums in Paris.

Our tip: You don’t need to book online for this one – tickets are usually available directly at the entrance, and it’s often more spontaneous that way.

#25 Chocolate Museum Paris

What do you need to know? The Chocolate Museum showcases over 1,000 exhibits about the history and production of chocolate. And yes – tasting is part of the experience! You can sample different varieties from around the world.

Is it worth it? The Chocolate Museum is one of the best family-friendly museums in Paris. It’s fun, delicious, and surprisingly educational. Plus, the museum shop is perfect for picking up sweet souvenirs.

Book your Chocolate Museum ticket online

Free Museums in Paris

Looking to keep your travel budget low? You’re in luck – there are plenty of amazing free museums in Paris worth visiting:

#26 Museum of Modern Art in Paris

What do you need to know? The Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, housed in the Palais de Tokyo, focuses on modern and contemporary art – from paintings and sculptures to photography and installations.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The museum’s permanent collection is completely free. It’s one of the best museums in Paris to explore cutting-edge art without spending a cent.

Fun fact: One of the world’s most spectacular art heists happened here in 2010 – five paintings worth over 100 million euros vanished. The thief was caught, but the artworks are still missing!

#27 Musée Carnavalet

What do you need to know? The Musée Carnavalet tells the story of Paris itself. Across nearly 100 rooms, you’ll see how the city evolved through paintings, models, furniture, and fascinating objects from everyday life.

Is it worth it? Definitely! It’s the best historical museum with free admission in Paris. The collection is huge, and the peaceful courtyard garden is a real hidden gem.

#28 Maison de Victor Hugo

What do you need to know? Calling all book lovers! You can visit Victor Hugo’s former apartment in the charming Marais district completely free of charge.

Is it worth it? You can expect an authentically furnished apartment where you will learn a lot about Hugo, his life, and his works. Walking through the rooms is like taking a stroll through the past. We visited ourselves and found the exhibition really beautiful to look at. A great museum with free admission.

Our tip: Don’t miss exploring Marais afterward – its narrow streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafés capture that perfect Parisian charm.

#29 59 Rivoli

What do you need to know? 59 Rivoli isn’t your typical museum in Paris – it’s an artist squat turned creative hub. The building houses 30 active artist studios that you can visit for free.

Is it worth it? Totally! You can watch artists at work, discover bold contemporary art, and even buy artworks directly. It’s one of the most original art spots in Paris and a real Paris insider tip.

#30 Petit Palais – Museum of Fine Arts

What do you need to know? Built for the 1900 World’s Fair, the Petit Palais is a stunning building that houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. Around 1,400 works from the Renaissance to the 20th century are on display – and admission to the permanent collection is free.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The Petit Palais is often overlooked, but it’s one of the best free museums in Paris. Inside you’ll find great art, a peaceful atmosphere, and even a lovely café in the courtyard.

#31 Fluctuart – Centre d'Art Urbain

What do you need to know? Floating on the Seine since 2019, Fluctuart is the world’s first floating urban art museum. The boat features changing exhibitions, a bookshop, artists’ studios, and a café-bar.

Is it worth it? Definitely! It’s one of the most unique museums in Paris and easy to visit while exploring the city center. Stop by for a quick look – or stay for a coffee, a glass of wine, and a cheese platter by the river.

#32 Musée du Parfum Fragonard

What do you need to know? The Musée du Parfum Fragonard takes you through the fascinating world of perfume making – from the first distillation methods to modern fragrance art. Admission is free, but you can also book an immersive perfume-making workshop.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Whether you join the workshop or just explore the museum, it’s a sensory experience you won’t forget. And yes, you can take home your own handmade perfume – a truly unique Paris souvenir.

Book your Musée du Parfum guided tour & workshop ticket online

Is the Paris Museum Pass Worth it?

If you’re planning to visit several museums, the Paris Museum Pass is a great deal.

It’s available for 2, 4, or 6 days, starting at 90 euros. The pass includes entry to 60 of the best museums in Paris and around the city, and you can usually skip the lines.

Book your Paris Museum Pass online

In our opinion, the pass is only worth it if you plan to explore for 4 days or more. To get your money’s worth, you should visit at least 6-7 museums – which is tough to do in just 2 days.

These museums we recommend are included in the pass:

• Musée du Louvre
• Musée d’Orsay
• Centre Pompidou
• Musée de l’Orangerie
• Musée Picasso
• Musée Rodin
• Guimet Museum
• Musée de l’Armée (excluding the Invalides)
• Conciergerie
• Musée des Arts et Métiers
• Musée du quai Branly

FAQ about Paris Museums

These were our tips for the best museums in Paris

Do you know another cool museum in Paris or have a question? Drop us a comment below — we’d love to hear from you!