The 9 Absolute Best Museums in Paris in 2025

So, you think the Louvre is the only museum you need to see in Paris? Not so fast! This city has far more to offer than just the Mona Lisa. We’ve consulted our local experts and visited Paris ourselves to compile this list of the absolute best museums you should visit in Paris.

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The Top 9 Paris Museums To See

Let’s be real: not all museums in Paris are worth your time. With around 130 museums, the options can be overwhelming. And while the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are must-sees, there are hidden gems that deserve your attention too. Ever explored the Arab World Institute or marveled at the contemporary art in the Louis Vuitton Foundation? Trust me, these places can change your whole perspective on art.

To help you navigate this cultural maze and avoid the tourist traps, I’ve put together a guide to the top museums in Paris, along with a couple of quirky spots you definitely shouldn’t miss. Get ready to dive into the best of Parisian art and culture.

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9. Louis Vuitton Foundation

Like many Parisian museums, the Louis Vuitton Foundation (FLV) is as much a work of art as the pieces it houses. But unlike those grand 19th-century Baroque and Beaux-Arts structures, this one is a striking example of contemporary architecture. Which makes sense considering you’ll find modern and contemporary exhibits inside. Think Jean-Michel Basquiat, Ellsworth Kelly, Olafur Eliasson, Gilbert & George, and Jeff Koons.

However, unlike many of Paris’s museums that have a set collection and rotating exhibits, the FLV completely changes twice a year. Beyond the art, you can head down to the bottom floor to witness a cascading human-made waterfall. Or, to the rooftop terrace to see the bold architecture up close and great views of the Eiffel Tower and Jardin d’Acclimatation.
Admission is €16, and they also offer reduced prices for youths and family discounts. Check their program here to see what’s scheduled.

Address: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi

8. Paris Museum of Modern Art

If there’s an unsung hero in the Paris museum scene, it’s the Paris Museum of Modern Art (MAM). First, it’s basically free (you’ll be asked if you want to make a €5 donation). And secondly, it houses a permanent collection of works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Pierre Bonnard, Raoul Dufy, and Fernand Léger. You can also opt to pay €15, which gets you into the museum’s temporary collections featuring works by emerging artists.

Its location between the Champs-Elysées and the Eiffel Tower makes it a great option if you’re traveling with kids—or a significant other who’s not as into art as you. Pop in, enjoy the spacious, crowd-free galleries, take a peek at the terrace, and then continue on with your day without feeling bad about wasted cash.

Address: 11 Avenue du Président Wilson | Hours: Tues – Sun, 10 am – 6 pm (closed Mondays)

Our Best Versailles and Paris Louvre Tours

Not ready to book a tour? See our best Paris tours to take and why.

7. Musée Marmottan Monet

Claude Monet was a French painter who was obsessed with light and seasons. You’ll recognize his misty and emotional Impression, Sunrise, and his alluring Water Lilies, and if you think back to your middle school art class, you might even remember that he is considered one of the founders of the Impressionist movement

Around 100 of Monet’s works are shown at the Musée Marmottan Monet, along with Impressionist pieces by Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Camille Pissarro. You’ll also come across intricately carved wood tables, gilded mirrors, and velvet armchairs, which offer a glimpse at the building’s former life as a hunting lodge.

Admission is €9 to €14, and if you want to see the entire collection, allow for two hours.
Address: 2 Rue Louis Boilly | Hours: Tues – Sun, 10 am – 6 pm, late nights on Thursdays until 9 pm (closed Mondays).

6. Rodin Museum

Are you more drawn to sculptures than paintings? If so, you’re in for a treat with Auguste Rodin, a trailblazing French sculptor from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Unlike the artists before him, such as Canova and Thorvaldsen, who favored idealized forms, Rodin sought to capture the flaws and movement of real life.

Rodin’s iconic pieces, including The Thinker, can be found in his old home, the Hôtel Biron. His love of nature remains part of the museum’s charm, with many works displayed in the seven-acre sculpture garden.

Whether you go with a guide or explore on your own, make sure to check out our top tips and expert’s picks for the must-see sculptures at this incredible museum.

Tickets are just €14.
Address: 77 Rue de Varenne | Hours: Tues – Sun, 10 am – 6:30 pm (closed Mondays)

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Musée Rodin.

5. Musée National Picasso-Paris

Pablo Picasso may have been Spanish, but his heart belonged to Paris, and Paris loved him right back. So much so that the city dedicated an entire museum to him—the Musée National Picasso-Paris. Housed in the stunning Hôtel Salé, this Baroque masterpiece is worth the ticket alone for its sweeping staircases and intricate design.

Inside, you’ll find thousands of Picasso’s works, from paintings to ceramics, as well as homage, parodies, and tributes to him from other artists. You’ll also come across fascinating newspaper clippings and historical items that chart Picasso’s incredible 70-year journey in the art world.

Tickets cost €16 but can vary when the museum takes on an exhibition.
Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny | Hours: Tues – Sun, 9:30 am – 6 pm

4. Musée de l’Armée des Invalides

From polished medieval armor and centuries-old swords to World War I and II uniforms and propaganda, the Musée de l’Armée takes you deep into the history of warfare. The layout is so well-designed that time seems to slip away as you follow the evolution of military technology, tactics, and personal stories of soldiers and leaders.

And then there’s the Hôtel des Invalides itself—a jaw-dropping piece of architecture, with its real gold-leaf-covered Dôme des Invalides shining from above. Beneath that dome lies none other than Napoleon Bonaparte himself—a fitting resting place for such an imposing figure in history.

Admission costs €15 and as it’s located near the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River, it’s an easy addition to any Paris itinerary.

Address:129 Rue de Grenelle | Hours: Daily, 10 am – 6 pm (closed on some holidays)

3. Musée d’Orsay

The least famous of Paris’ most famous museums is how I’d describe Musée d’Orsay. It’s smaller, easier to navigate, and less crowded than the Louvre. Yet, still holds an incredible collection of around 30,000 pieces, including works by Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, and Renoir. If you’re looking for a bucket-list-worthy museum that won’t take all day to explore, this one’s perfect for a short visit.

The building itself is a masterpiece. Once a Beaux-Arts train station built for the 1900 World’s Fair, it retains its early 20th-century grandeur with massive arched windows, intricate stone carvings, and a monumental clock that overlooks the city. Though its platforms became obsolete by 1939, the station’s architectural beauty is as striking as ever.

Oh, and before you leave, make sure to visit the fifth-floor gallery to capture that classic view of Paris through the museum’s massive clock.

Admission is €16, with reduced prices for youth and free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Read more about the top things to see at Musée d’Orsay in preparation for your visit.

Address:1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur | Hours: Tue, 9:30 am – 9:45 pm; Wed – Sun 9:30 am – 6pm, (closed Mondays)

Not ready to book a tour? Find out how to visit the Musée d’Orsay.

2. The Palace of Versailles

Located just outside Paris, Versailles stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in France. This grand palace began as a hunting lodge in 1623 under Louis XIII. However, it was his son, Louis XIV, who transformed it into a symbol of absolute monarchy and French power.

The Hall of Mirrors, perhaps the palace’s most famous room, is where the Treaty of Versailles was signed, marking the end of World War I. Inside the palace, you’ll find the stunning King’s and Queen’s Apartments, filled with luxurious details reflecting the grandeur of the French court. The gardens, designed by the famous landscape architect André Le Nôtre, are equally breathtaking with their perfectly manicured lawns, fountains, and sculptures.

For the best experience, I’d recommend taking a guided tour. Not only will you learn about the lives of the royals who once lived here, but you’ll also gain insight into the daily routines, political intrigue, and ceremonies that took place within these gilded walls.

Find out more about how to visit and what to see at Versailles.
Address: Place d’Armes | Hours: Daily, 8 am – 6 pm (closed on some holidays)

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Versailles tour is worth it.

1. The Louvre Museum

The Louvre hardly needs an introduction. It’s the most-visited museum on Earth, housing 35,000 works of art and 380,000 objects. You’ll find the biggest names in art history here: da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the marble Venus de Milo, Géricault’s The Raft of Medusa, and Veronese’s The Wedding at Cana. In short, the Louvre is the who’s who of the art world.

Instead of explaining why this museum consistently ranks #1 in Paris, here are a few tips to make your visit easier:

• Consider a guided tour if you want to see the highlights without spending all day inside the museum.
  
• If you prefer to explore independently, don’t skip the part where you plan ahead. You’re unlikely to just ‘stumble’ upon all your must-sees.
  
• For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the evening.
  
• Be prepared to admire the Mona Lisa from afar or wait up to an hour for a straight-on view.
  
• Use the Carousel entrance in the underground shopping mall—it tends to have shorter lines.

Read more about how to visit the Louvre and check out our dedicated guide to the Louvre for more planning resources.

Address:Rue de Rivoli | Hours: Wed, 9 am – 9 pm; Thu – Mon, 9 am – 6 pm

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Louvre Museums tour is worth it.

Bonus: 2 Quirky Museums to Add to Your List

Paris is home to over 130 museums, so it’s no surprise that a few of them lean toward the quirky side. Here are two of my favorites that, in my opinion, are oddly fascinating and worth checking out.

Musée des Égouts

If you know a bit of French, you might already be rolling your eyes. If not, “egouts” translates to “sewers,” and yes, I’m suggesting you take a detour from your glamorous Parisian adventure to explore the Sewer Museum. But here’s the thing—underneath all the elegance of Paris, there’s an entire world keeping the city clean and functional. This museum shows you how Paris’ intricate sewer system was built, how it improved public health, and how it even inspired Victor Hugo.

Admission is €9, and it takes about 45 minutes to walk through. It’s also an active sewer, so expect a unique experience with authentic smells…

Address: Esplanade Habib Bourguiba | Tue – Sun, 10 am – 5 pm

Musée des Arts Forains

If the Musée des Égouts is a bit too gritty, the Musée des Arts Forains offers the exact opposite: a light-hearted, whimsical carnival atmosphere. Step into a world of vintage fairground rides, classic games, and a nostalgic throwback to the Belle Époque. The best part? You’re encouraged to participate. Hop on a beautifully restored carousel, test your skills with old-fashioned games, and lose yourself in the magic.

This one is ideal for families, but it does require a bit of planning. You’ll need to book online in advance, and tours are only available in French (though you’ll get an English pamphlet).

Admission is 18.80 € for adults, 12.80 € for children, and infants 0 to 3 are free.

Address: 53 Av. des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris | Advanced online bookings only