Paris, often hailed as the “City of Lights,” is a global centre for art, culture, and history. Its streets are lined with architectural marvels, world-renowned museums, and a captivating ambience that draws in travellers from every corner of the globe.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast eager to explore iconic masterpieces, a history buff seeking to delve into the past, or simply looking for an enriching cultural experience, Paris offers a diverse range of attractions to satisfy every taste.
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Museums you must visit in Paris
Paris boasts an exceptional collection of museums, each offering a unique perspective on art, history, and culture. From the masterpieces of the Louvre to the Impressionist treasures of the Musée d’Orsay, the city is a true haven for art lovers. Here are some of the best museums in Paris that should be on every traveller’s itinerary:
1. Musée du Louvre
No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Musée du Louvre, one of the world’s largest and most famous museums. Housed in the former royal palace, the Louvre’s collection spans thousands of years and includes iconic works like Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” and the “Venus de Milo.”
Important information:
- Location and opening hours: Located in the heart of Paris on the Right Bank, the Louvre is open daily except Tuesdays, from 9 am to 6 pm.
- Main collection and important pieces: The Louvre’s vast collection encompasses Egyptian antiquities, Greek and Roman sculptures, and European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries.
- Must-see works: Apart from the “Mona Lisa” and the “Venus de Milo,” be sure to see the “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” the “Nike of Samothrace,” and the paintings in the “Grande Galerie,” including Veronese’s “Wedding Feast at Cana.”
- Visit duration: Allow at least 2-3 hours for a general overview, but you could easily spend an entire day exploring the museum’s vast collection.
- Price and free admission: Admission is €17 for adults. Free admission is available for visitors under 18 years old.
2. Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a stunning former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is renowned for its exceptional collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. From Monet’s iconic “Water Lilies” to Renoir’s charming Parisian scenes, the museum offers a captivating journey through this pivotal period in art history.
Important information:
- Location and opening hours: Situated on the Left Bank of the Seine River, the Musée d’Orsay is open from 9:30 am to 6 pm, except on Mondays.
- Main collection and important pieces: The museum’s collection focuses on French art from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography.
- Must-see works: Don’t miss Monet’s “Water Lilies,” Renoir’s “Bal du moulin de la Galette,” Degas’s “”Danseuses,” and Van Gogh’s “”Self-Portrait.””
- Visit duration: Plan for around 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the museum’s collection.
- Price and free admission: Admission is €16 for adults. Free admission is granted on the first Sunday of each month.
3. Centre Pompidou
A striking architectural marvel in the heart of Paris, the Centre Pompidou is a multidisciplinary cultural institution dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Its distinctive “inside-out” design, with colourful pipes and exposed infrastructure, is a sight to behold.
Important information:
- Location and opening hours: Located in the Beaubourg area of Paris, the Centre Pompidou is open daily except Tuesdays, from 11 am to 9 pm.
- Main collection and important pieces: The museum houses a vast collection of 20th and 21st-century art, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and new media.
- Must-see works: Highlights include Matisse’s “La Danse,” Picasso’s “Femme nue couchée,” and Kandinsky’s “Composition VII.”
- Visit duration: Allocate at least 2 hours to explore the museum’s permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
- Price and free admission: Admission to the permanent collection is €18 for adults. Free admission is available on the first Sunday of each month.
4. Musée Rodin
Dedicated to the works of the renowned French sculptor Auguste Rodin, the Musée Rodin offers a captivating glimpse into the artist’s creative genius. Housed in the Hôtel Biron, a beautiful 18th-century mansion surrounded by a charming sculpture garden, the museum provides a serene and inspiring setting to appreciate Rodin’s masterpieces.
Important information:
- Location and opening hours: Located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Musée Rodin is open daily except Mondays, from 10 am to 5:45 pm.
- Main collection and important pieces: The museum features a comprehensive collection of Rodin’s sculptures, including iconic works like “The Thinker,” “The Kiss,” and “The Gates of Hell.”
- Must-see works: Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the plaster models of Rodin’s most famous sculptures, which offer a fascinating insight into his creative process.
- Visit duration: Allow around 1-2 hours to explore the museum and its sculpture garden.
- Price and free admission: Admission is €14 for adults. Free admission is granted on the first Sunday of each month.
5. Musée Picasso
Housed in the Hôtel Salé, a magnificent 17th-century mansion in the Marais district, the Musée Picasso showcases the extraordinary collection of Pablo Picasso’s works amassed by the French state. From his early sketches to his Cubist masterpieces, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of the artist’s revolutionary career.
Important information:
- Location and opening hours: Located in the Marais district of Paris, the Musée Picasso is open daily except Mondays, from 9:30 am to 6 pm.
- Main collection and important pieces: The museum’s collection includes over 5,000 works by Picasso, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and ceramics.
- Must-see works: Highlights include “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon,” “Guernica” (a tapestry version), and “The Charité Hospital.”
- Visit duration: Plan for around 2 hours to fully appreciate the museum’s collection.
- Price and free admission: Admission is €14 for adults. Free admission is available on the first Sunday of each month.
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