As a certified museum lover, I have visited many museums in Paris. These are my thoughts on the best museums in Paris. The spaces I enjoyed, and others that were a bit out of my comfort zone.
This is not a review going to the challenges of ownership, where these pieces should be housed, and the history of looting that has contributed to some of these collections (Napoleonic Wars, stolen materials, and Nazi-looted art). Work has been and continues to be done, however there is always more to be done to be an equitable space. I would keep all these topics in mind when visiting museums, like the Louvre. Be curious, be engaged, and think critically.
Tip: You can reserve online to skip the lines for all of these museums; however, I think you really only need a ticket to the Louvre and the Foundation Louis Vuitton. Others you can tend to get into if you don’t mind waiting in line. However, to be sure, try to book ahead. If you are just deciding day of on where to go don’t stress because chances are you will be able to get in.
People surrounding a statue in the Louvre Museum.
Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is a massive museum that is home to an extensive collection of masterpieces. With many different wings, various collections from different time periods and regions in the world, and beautiful interior architecture, no trip to Paris is complete without seeing this museum. Its best to begin earlier in the day at this museum since you could spend a full day here. Its always quite busy, but worth shouldering up with other excited guests. The Mona Lisa is by far the most visited and crowded area, so get your look at this surprisingly small piece and quickly head on to other paintings. This is the best museum to see if you only have time for one museum and if you can handle it being a bit crowded.
A private tour can help you get into and through the museum more easily while providing valuable information.
I have visited several times and LOVED this museum during each visit. Each time I see a different collection I missed on a previous visit.
A look at people walking the main path through the main floor of the Musée d'Orsay under the arched roof of the building.
Musée d'Orsay
Musée d'Orsay is a fantastic museum set within a former railway station housing 19th- and 20th-century European art. With art from some of the greatest artists in history - Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir - this collection is magnificent. The collections are spread out within this massive space and presented in a well-organized manner. For lovers of art and architecture, this museum is a masterpiece. Within the museum, besides painting, enjoy other artistic collections from furniture to architecture to sculpture. There is plenty to see with something for everyone. Make sure to see this highlight before you leave Paris. After the Louvre, I would say this is a very important museum to see, full of well-known piece of art.
Three sculptures set on a wood platform in front of a wall filled with paintings at the Petit Palais.
Petit Palais
The beautiful (and free) Petit Palais is a delight to see. This art museum is home to a delightful collection of art from the Renaissance to the modern day. This fantastic collection is just the right size to be able to see everything within a few hours and see centuries of art all in one place. The collection is a great mix of sculptures and paintings. Additionally, there is a cafe with a beautiful terrace to enjoy; however, it is often very busy with long lines and no promise of outdoor seating spaces. Give this museum a visit for its beautiful architecture, lovely permanent collection (for free), and quieter crowds than other museums. This museum is perfect for a smaller crowd, less intense size, and free admission for fantastic art.
The museums below are ones I truly enjoyed while in Paris, but not ones I would consider essential to see during a brief trip to the city. I love museums so I try to see all of them when I travel, but I know not everyone is equally enthralled. These are still lovely museums, just not my top three.
Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin is an underrated museum that is charming in its differences to other museums. Set within an 18th-century mansion, this museum focuses on sculpture within this building and its surrounding gardens. It has an almost serene atmosphere with beautiful, manicured gardens. The highlight of the museum is, of course, “The Thinker” statue. I love sculpture, so museums that highlight this form of art are a delight to me. This museum is great for a smaller crowd, lovely gardens, and enjoying beautiful sculptures. This is a lovely addition to a Paris trip, especially if you are fond of gardens and scultpures.
Musée de l'Orangerie
Musée de l'Orangerie is set within the Tuileries Garden. The museum itself is most famous for its showcasing of 8 of Monet’s water lily paintings. Within the museum, you can take a moment to sit and enjoy the brushstrokes, color, and size of Monet’s paintings as they surround you within the main, oval rooms. As for the rest of the museum, this museum focuses on showcasing 20th century art from other painters and a few photographers. The highlight is truly Monet’s work, but the other artists in the museum are also pleasant to see. This is a great museum to see if you are in the area since it doesn’t take too long to get through, and it is perfect to view before heading to Giverny to see Monet’s gardens that inspired these pieces.
Musée Marmottan Monet
Musée Marmottan Monet is an exceptional museum whose collection displays many important works by Claude Monet & other Impressionists. Tucked away from the bustle of the city, this museum is set beside the Bois de Boulogne, a large park in Paris, within a quiet neighborhood. This museum is home to a spectacular collection of Monet’s works and offers a deeper look into the work of Impressionist painters. While not as large or as grand a museum as some of the others on this list, this is well worth a visit to see the beautiful works of Monet. The gift shop is also one worth checking out.
Foundation Louis Vuitton
The Foundation Louis Vuitton hosts a fantastic collection of rotating art exhibits. A bit out of the way, this museum is great for seeing the work or collections of one individual. The museum is set within a modern building designed by the famed architect Frank Gehry. Within the sail-like glass structure, the foundation brings in new exhibits that explain the life and art of different artists. Check in advance on what artist is being displayed at this museum.
Grand Palais
The Grand Palais. This art museum is located just across the street from the Petit Palais, which you will have visited earlier. This museum is much bigger, and the building is a lovely art nouveau hall. The Grand Palais is known for its fantastic temporary exhibitions. There isa cafe, gift shops, and lots to do for children. Seating areas are another plus. For this museum, be sure to check out the many exhibitions within the museum and plan to visit the ones that interest you. There is no permanent collection, so this museum will be unlike many others visited. This is a museum to skip, IF you do not see a collection that you will enjoy visiting.
Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection
The Bourse de Commerce is a museum of contemporary art. The museum tends to highlight a temporary exhibit under its main dome. The last I attend at this museum was its exhibit by Fujiko Nakaya titled Cloud #07156. This created a ‘fog’ that filled the space beneath the main dome in the building. The museum is home to some unusual art, not to my personal taste, but with pieces worth considering. If you like unusual, very modern art, this museum may be right for you. For others, research the temporary exhibit to see if it is something you would enjoy seeing.
