Top 10 Paris Museums

Paris is known for many things, particularly its culture. There is no better place to showcase all of that deeply rooted history than a museum, which may be the very reason that the city has so many good ones! Here is an insider’s look at the best museums to scope while in Paris.

Top 10 Paris Museums

1. Musee de Louvre: The Louvre is without a doubt the best museum in Paris and quite possibly in the world. The galleries cover centuries and are also home to prized possessions like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. The Louvre and its sidekick Napoleon Hall are open daily (except Tuesday) from 9am – 6pm. Admission begins at €13 for a combo ticket. Admission is free the first Sunday of every month.
2. Musee d’Orsay: Located in an old railroad station made of iron and glass, this structure started its new chapter as a museum in 1900. Its collections range from 1848 through World War in genres like Impressionism and Post Impressionism. It is also thought to be one of the most viewer friendly museums in the world. Orsay is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday – Sunday from 9:30am – 6pm and Thursday’s until 9:45pm. Admission begins at €8.
3. Musee du Vin: If you want to further understand the relationship between the French and wine, the Museum du Vin is the place to go. There is a medieval wine cellar that shows visitors the humble beginnings of winemaking and takes them through the rich history. Afterwards, visitors can taste test with the help of wine specialists. The Wine museum is open from Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm. Admission begins at €8.90.
4. Musee Rodin: Located in the Hotel Biron, Rodin is a tribute to the great sculptor and features many of his works and sketches in a variety of materials including marble, bronze and terra cotta. Rodin is open from April through September Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30am – 5:45pm and on off months until 4:45pm. Admission begins at €9 for the permanent collection, temp exhibit and garden tour.
5. Centre Georges Pompidou: Although this structure looks modern through and through, inside it houses an ever developing collection of 18^th century Parisian art including works by Matisse, Picasso and Chagall. The National Museum of Art, Center of Industrial Design, Contemporary Music Institute, Library, Brancusi Studio and Centre Wallonie-Bruzelles are also located in this massive building. The Pompidou is open from Wednesday – Monday from 11am – 10pm. Admission begins at €10.
6. Musee Marmottan-Claude Monet: This charming museum was once focused on ancient Renaissance pieces like tapestries, furniture and artwork. It was gifted 100 Monet’s in 1966 and its spotlight shifted to an expansion in the Impressionism department where it now also has Gauguin and Renoir alongside the Monet display. The Marmottan is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 5:30pm. Admission begins at €6.50 for an adult ticket.
7. Hotel des Invalides: Originally a home and hospital for retired war vets, Invalides now features a series of buildings that include a war museum, burial site for war heroes and a soaring cathedral. Invalides is open from October through March from 10am – 5pm, April through September until 6pm, June through August until 7pm. Admission begins at €8.
8. Musee de Luxembourg: Located on the same grounds as the Palais du Luxembourg and its lush gardens that were built for Marie de Medici, the museum features modern art from the city’s golden age from 1887 – 1937. The Luxembourg museum is open Monday, Friday, Saturday from 10:30am – 10pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 10:30am – 7pm and Sunday from 9am – 7pm. Admission begins at €11.
9. Musee Picasso: If the name didn’t already give it away, this museum houses many memorable works of the famed art prodigy. The museum is fairly new. After Picasso’s death in 1973, his family was faced with enormous tax debts so they donated more than 3,000 of his works to continue his legend long after he is gone. The Picasso museum is open in April through September Wednesday – Monday from 9:30am – 6pm, and in off months until 5:30pm. Admission begins at €6.70.
10. Musee d’ Art Moderne: This museum holds a giant collection of forward thinking artists of the 20^th century like Picasso, Mattisse and Leger. Genres like surrealism, abstract and modern are on hand. The Modern Art museum is open from Tuesday – Friday 10am – 5:30pm and on weekends from 10am – 6:45pm. Admission is free.