MUSEUMS

31 hot spots recommended for you

Centre Georges Pompidou, All Areas for free Commonly known as the Beaubourg, this distinctive building was commissioned in 1968 by the then President Georges Pompidou, and opened in 1977. Most Parisians were initially shocked by its unconventional 'inside out' architectural style; air conditioning, escalators and lifts are all on the outside, giving the interior unparalleled freedom. Extensively refurbished in the late 1990s, the centre is home to the Musee National d'Art Moderne and the Biblioth�que Publique d'Information (BPI) as well as temporary exhibitions, cinemas, and other attractions. Hours vary for individual attractions. Commonly known as the Beaubourg, this distinctive building was commissioned in 1968 by the then President Georges Pompidou, and opened in 1977. Most Parisians were ... [ + more ]

Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, All Areas At the northern end of Parc de la Villette, the huge City of Science & Industry has all sorts of high-tech exhibits. Bring a picnic and spend the day here. There are two main exhibit areas inside, in addition to a planetarium, two cinemas, a tiny aquarium and a 1950s French Navy submarine with specific admission fees and hour of visiting. The most notable features of the "bioclimatic facade" facing the park are Les Serres - three greenhouse spaces each 32 metres high, 32 metres wide and 8 metres deep. At the northern end of Parc de la Villette, the huge City of Science & Industry has all sorts of high-tech exhibits. Bring a picnic ... [ + more ]

Collí¨ge des Bernardins, All Areas for free Constructed in the thirteenth century, this vast Cistercian inspired structure, has belonged to the Diocese of Paris since 2001. The latter were eager to transform the college into a place of exchange and encounters, but also a site of teaching and research. During the French Revolution the Coll�ge des Bernardins was sold off as a state property. Having become a prison for convicts, it was later relegated for storage. Next, it briefly served once again as a school run by the Christian Brothers, before becoming, in 1845 and until very recently, a fire station, then a boarding school for the Police Academy. This last occupation of the premises meant that the site was maintained and respected. Renovations began in 2008, with much research going towards restoring the original architectural features. Indeed, the ground floor alone has more than 32 pillars supporting the 51 vaulted arches. Constructed in the thirteenth century, this vast Cistercian inspired structure, has belonged to the Diocese of Paris since 2001. The latter were eager to transform ... [ + more ]

Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain, All Areas Well known as the Fondation Cartier, is a contemporary art museum. This stunning glass-and-steel building, designed by Jean Nouvel, is a work of art in itself. It hosts temporary exhibits on contemporary art (from the 1980s to today) in a wide variety of media – from painting and photography to video and fashion, as well as performance art. Well known as the Fondation Cartier, is a contemporary art museum. This stunning glass-and-steel building, designed by Jean Nouvel, is a work of art ... [ + more ]

Fondation Le Corbusier, All Areas The Fondation Le Corbusier is a museum dedicated to the architect, painter and sculptor Le Corbusier. Charles Edouard Jeanneret-Gris was born in Switzerland in October 1887, but always chose to be known by the name of Le Corbusier and has become famous for his contributions of modern architecture. Le Corbusier became a pioneer in modern design and dedicated a lot of his time to plans for providing better living conditions for the people who lived in crowded cities. He became a French citizen when he was in his 30's and his phenomenal career spanned over 50 years with many of his iconic building designs being constructed throughout the world in places like Europe, India, North America and Russia. The Fondation Le Corbusier is a museum dedicated to the architect, painter and sculptor Le Corbusier. Charles Edouard Jeanneret-Gris was born in Switzerland ... [ + more ]

Fondation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent, All Areas This foundation dedicated to preserving the work of the haute couture legend organises two to three temporary exhibits (not necessarily related to YSL) per year, with an emphasis on fashion and art. La Fondation Pierre Berg� – Yves Saint Laurent constitue le prolongement de l'histoire de la maison Yves Saint Laurent, dont l'activit� haute couture a pris fin le 31 octobre 2002. This foundation dedicated to preserving the work of the haute couture legend organises two to three temporary exhibits (not necessarily related to YSL) per year, ... [ + more ]

Institut du Monde Arab, All Areas Institut du Monde Arabe or IMA (The Arab World Institute is an organization to research and disseminate information about the Arab world and its cultural and spiritual values. The IMA opened in December 1987 and aims to introduce the public to the history of Arab-Islamic civilisations, from their origins right up to the present day. Syria and Tunisia were the first countries to support the project with the donation of 180 objects and works from the prehistoric period to the eighteenth century. The Institut du Monde Arabe offers exhibitions, film screenings, a library, conferences and debates, youth activities and a restaurant on the top floor. Both cultural centre and meeting place, the IMA is a symbol of Arab-Islamic culture in the heart of Paris. IMA promotes cooperation and exchanges between France and the Arab nations, particularly in the areas of science and technology, contributing to understanding between the Arab world and Europe. Institut du Monde Arabe or IMA (The Arab World Institute is an organization to research and disseminate information about the Arab world and its ... [ + more ]

Musée d' Orsay , All Areas The Orsay Museum, opened in 1986, is housed in the former Orsay railway station, which was inaugurated at the 1900 Universal Exhibition. As well as works in traditional fields (painting, sculpture, graphic arts, objets d’art), its collections include works from other disciplines, such as architecture, furnishings and photography. They provide a broad panorama of French and European art from 1848 to 1914. The museum is worldwide known for its collections of impressionistes painting among which leaders of so emblematic paintings as Le Bal du Moulin de la Galette of Renoir or La chambre de Van Gogh � Arles. Completed in 1900, the beautiful Beaux-Arts Gare d’Orsay served as the terminus for trains between Paris and south-west France and incorporated a hotel.  By 1939 the platforms were too short for the modern, longer trains and it became a station for suburban trains then a mailing centre, sending packages to prisoners of war during World War II.  Still later it was used as a film set, most notably for Orson Welles’ adaptation of Kafka’s The Trial. The Orsay Museum, opened in 1986, is housed in the former Orsay railway station, which was inaugurated at the 1900 Universal Exhibition. As well as ... [ + more ]

Musée de l'Armée, All Areas North of H�tel des Invalides, in the Cour d’Honneur, is the Mus�e de l’Arm�e, which holds the nation’s largest collection on French military history. Sobering wartime footage screens at this army museum, which also has weaponry, flag and medal displays as well as a multimedia area dedicated to Charles de Gaulle. In the prestigious setting of the H�tel National des Invalides, this museum offers a unique range of spaces for your private receptions, in the daytime and evening: cocktails, lunches, dinners, press conferences, symposiums. You have at your disposal the Grand Drawing Room, Quesnoy Drawing Rooms Turenne Room, Austerlitz Auditorium and Austerlitz Auditorium and catering services. North of Hôtel des Invalides, in the Cour d’Honneur, is the Musée de l’Armée, which holds the nation’s largest collection on French military history. Sobering ... [ + more ]

Musée de la Monnaie, All Areas he Parisian Mint Museum traces the history of French coinage from antiquity onwards, with displays that help to bring to life this otherwise niche subject. It’s housed in the 18th-century royal mint, the H�tel de la Monnaie, which is still used by the Ministry of Finance to produce commemorative medals and coins. The overhaul of this sumptuous neoclassical building with one of the longest facades on the Seine is slated to incorporate triple Michelin starred chef Guy Savoy’s new cafe and restaurant. he Parisian Mint Museum traces the history of French coinage from antiquity onwards, with displays that help to bring to life this otherwise niche subject. ... [ + more ]

Musée de la Poupée, All Areas Established in 1994, the Mus�e de la Poup�e or the Doll Museum is more for adults than for children. There are around 500 dolls, dating from 1800, all arranged in scenes representing Paris through the centuries. Exhibits are displayed with scale-model furniture, accessories, and toys from the appropriate periods. One room focuses on doll-making and the materials used in dolls. There are temporary exhibitions (like Barbie and Sindy and ‘France’s best plush animals’), as well as workshops, storytelling sessions and a ‘hospital’ for antique dolls. Established in 1994, the Musée de la Poupée or the Doll Museum is more for adults than for children. There are around 500 dolls, dating ... [ + more ]

Musée des Années 30, All Areas The Mus�e des ann�es trente or the Museum of the 1930s is located at the Espace Landowski. It´s a municipal museum dedicated to the fine arts, decorative arts, and industrial arts of the 1930s. Today, the museum holds about 1,500 sculptures, 800 paintings, and 20,000 drawings, plus furniture, ceramics, posters, and original records. It also contains a number of African and overseas works from the former Mus�e national des Arts d'Afrique et d'Oc�anie, as well as works by architects Le Corbusier, Tony Garnier, Andr� Lur�at, Robert Mallet-Stevens, Auguste Perret, and Jean Prouv�; designers �mile-Jacques Ruhlmann and Jules Leleu; and notable residents including Andr� Malraux. The Musée des années trente or the Museum of the 1930s is located at the Espace Landowski. It´s a municipal museum dedicated to ... [ + more ]

Musée des Arts Decoratifs, All Areas The Mus�e des Arts D�coratifs (Applied Arts Museum) displays furniture, jewellery and such objets d’art as ceramics and glassware from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance through the art nouveau and art deco periods to modern times. Dedicated to the decorative arts and design, located in the Palais du Louvre's western wing, known as the Pavillon de Marsan, at 107 rue de Rivoli, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France. It is part of Les Arts D�coratifs. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs (Applied Arts Museum) displays furniture, jewellery and such objets d’art as ceramics and glassware from the Middle Ages and the ... [ + more ]

Musée des Arts et Métiers, All Areas Founded in 1794, The Mus�e des Arts et M�tiers or the Museum of Arts and Crafts is a museum that welcomes the collection of the Conservatoire National des Arts et M�tiers. Functioning as repository for the preservation of scientific instruments and inventions, it has 7 collections: Scientific instruments, Materials, Construction, Communication, Energy, Mechanical, Transportation and Church Founded in 1794, The Musée des Arts et Métiers or the Museum of Arts and Crafts is a museum that welcomes the collection of ... [ + more ]

Musée du Luxembourg, All Areas he Mus�e du Luxembourg was the first French museum to be opened to the public, in 1750. Prestigious temporary art exhibitions, such as ‘C�zanne et Paris’, take place in the Mus�e du Luxembourg. It was the first French museum to be opened to the public, in 1750, before relocating to Jardin du Luxembourg in 1886; admission prices vary. Giving relevance to three programmes with themes linked to the history french art: “The Renaissance in Europe”, “Art and Power” and “Palace, Gardens and Museum: the Luxembourg in the heart of Paris, capital of the arts”. Presenting nearly forty exhibitions every year and organising the events programme for a prestigious venue, the Grand Palais, the RMN-GP is one of the world’s leading exhibition and event organisers he Musée du Luxembourg was the first French museum to be opened to the public, in 1750. Prestigious temporary art exhibitions, such as ‘Cézanne ... [ + more ]

Musée du Montparnasse, All Areas Located in the studio of Russian cubist artist Marie Vassilieff, the Montparnasse is museum provides visitors with a history of the multitude of artists who came from around the world to live and work in Montparnasse at the beginning of the twentieth century. The museum puts on temporary exhibitions of works by Montparnasse artists, both past and present. In fact it doesn't have a permanent collection; rather it recalls the great role Montparnasse played during various artistic periods of the 20th century. Located in the studio of Russian cubist artist Marie Vassilieff, the Montparnasse is museum provides visitors with a history of the multitude of artists ... [ + more ]

Musée du Quai Branly, All Areas Opened in 2006, the Mus�e du quai Branly or MQB presents an overview of indigenous and folk art from around the world Close to the Eiffel Tower, the civilizations of Oceania, Americas, Africa and Asia have their handcrafts exposed between the permanent collections, besides the four exceptional collections of musuem's textiles, photografic, musicology and history collections. Opened in 2006, the Musée du quai Branly or MQB presents an overview of indigenous and folk art from around the world Close ... [ + more ]

Musée en Herbe, All Areas Established in 1975, the Mus�e en Herbe is an art museum for children. It's view is: sensitivity factor is the art development It features a series of art exhibits and workshops for children, based on the works of artists such as Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Niki de Saint Phalle. Based on the play and humor, the museum intends to develop sensitivity, curiosity and creativity of children through exposure to art themes, scientific and civic specially designed for family audiences. Children can participate in workshops of the museum in grass fish collages and stencils of flowers to the windows on transparent paper. Captions are in English as well as French, children get a jeu de piste (activity sheet) to guide and entertain, and additional workshops and guided visits for kids and adults – think hands-on art workshops, afternoon tea, early evening aperitif and so on add to the playful experience. Established in 1975, the Musée en Herbe is an art museum for children. It's view is: sensitivity factor is the art development It ... [ + more ]

Musée Grévin, All Areas Besides the Prague and Montreal Grevin's you can visit the Mus�e Gr�vin in Paris. Dedicated to the waxwork, the museum was founded in 1882 and currently has 450 characters arranged in scenes from the history of France and modern life, including a panorama of French history from Charlemagne to Napoleon III, bloody scenes of the French Revolution, movie stars, and international figures such as Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi, and Pope John Paul II. The tableau of Charlotte Corday murdering Jean-Paul Marat includes the actual knife and bathtub used. The museum is organised in seven permanent collections: The Hall of Mirror, The Spirit of Paris, The Discovery tour, The Champions, The Children Tour, History: Yesterday and Today and finally Meet the Stars. Besides the Prague and Montreal Grevin's you can visit the Musée Grévin in Paris. Dedicated to the waxwork, the museum was founded in 1882 ... [ + more ]

Musée Louvre, All Areas The Louvre, in its successive architectural metamorphoses, has dominated central Paris since the late 12th century. Built on the city's western edge, the original structure was gradually engulfed as the city grew. The dark fortress of the early days was transformed into the modernized dwelling of Fran�ois I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. The Louvre – is one of the world's largest museums, the most visited art museum in the world and a historic monument. A central landmark of Paris, it is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement (district). Nearly 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 19th century are exhibited over an area of 60,600 square metres (652,300 square feet). There are about 35.000 objects on display, spread out over three wings of the former palace. The museum has a diverse collection ranging from the antiquity up to the mid 19th century. A large part of the collection consists of European paintings and sculptures.  The Louvre, in its successive architectural metamorphoses, has dominated central Paris since the late 12th century. Built on the city's western edge, ... [ + more ]

Musée Maillol, All Areas Located in the stunning 18th-century H�tel Bouchardon, the Mus�e Maillol is an art museum. Vierny was model of Maillol, and opened this museum in his honor in 1995. Besides Maillol's drawings, engravings, pastels, tapestry panels, ceramics and sculptures and terracottas, you can also see works by Picasso, Rodin, Gauguin, Degas and C�zanne, a whole room of Matisse drawings, rare Surrealist documents and works by na�ve artists. Located in the stunning 18th-century Hôtel Bouchardon, the Musée Maillol is an art museum. Vierny was model of Maillol, and opened this museum in ... [ + more ]

Musée Marmottan, All Areas Having the world’s largest collection of works by Claude Monet (1840-1926), the Muss�� Marmottan is an impressionist beauty. It features a collection of over three hundred Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Claude Monet (with the largest collection of his works in the world), Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas, �douard Manet, Alfred Sisley, Camille Pissarro, Paul Gauguin, Paul Signac and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. In addition it houses the Wildenstein Collection of illuminated manuscripts and the Jules and Paul Marmottan collection of Napoleonic era art and furniture as well as Italian and Flemish primitive paintings. Having the world’s largest collection of works by Claude Monet (1840-1926), the Musséé Marmottan is an impressionist beauty. It features a collection of ... [ + more ]

Musée national des arts asiatiques Guimet, All Areas The Guimet Museum or the Mus�e national des Arts asiatiques-Guimet is a museum of Asian art. This museum has a fantastic collection of sculptures, paintings and religious articles that originated in the vast stretch of land between Afghanistan and Japan. Presenting 5 millenniums’ worth of Asian arts,ranging from the Buddhas from Afghanistan to the Zen monks of Japan, from Indian fabrics to Samurai armour, and from Khmer treasures to Chinese fine art, gives you the opportunity to explore Asia contemporary style, it is the largest European museum devoted to Asian arts. Part of the collection, comprised of Buddhist paintings and sculptures, is housed in the nearby Galeries du Panth�on Bouddhique du Japon et de la Chine. The Japanese garden is a must see. The Guimet Museum or the Musée national des Arts asiatiques-Guimet is a museum of Asian art. This museum has a fantastic collection of sculptures, ... [ + more ]

Musée National des Monuments Français, All Areas The Mus�e National des Monuments Fran�ais is today a museum of plaster casts of French monuments It now forms part of the Cit� de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine. he museum contains about 6,000 casts of sculptures of all periods including ancient Greece, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, but with a strong emphasis on French sculptures of the Romanesque and Gothic periods. It also contains scale models of buildings, copies of architectural elements, sculpture, frescoes, and stained glass from French churches and ch�teaux, as well as a collection of about 200,000 photographs. Today the upper gallery serves as an exhibition space for modern and contemporary architectural models. The Musée National des Monuments Français is today a museum of plaster casts of French monuments It now forms part of the Cité ... [ + more ]

Musée National du Moyen í‚ge Musee Cluny, All Areas The Mus�e de Cluny houses a variety of important medieval artifacts, in particular its tapestry collection, which includes the fifteenth century tapestry cycle La Dame � la Licorne (The Lady and the Unicorn). Other notable works stored there include early Medieval sculptures from the seventh and eighth centuries. There are also works of gold, ivory, antique furnishings, stained glass, and illuminated manuscripts. The Musée de Cluny houses a variety of important medieval artifacts, in particular its tapestry collection, which includes the fifteenth century tapestry cycle La Dame ... [ + more ]

Musée Rodin, All Areas Sculptor, painter, sketcher, engraver and collector Auguste Rodin donated his entire collection to the French state in 1908 on the proviso that they dedicate his former workshop and showroom, the beautiful 1730 H�tel Biron, to displaying his works. Installed in the mansion itself and ini ts rose-clambered garden you can see the famous work The Thinker. The Gates of Hell, the 180 figures of which comprise an intricate scene from Dante’s Inferno; Rodin’s marble monument to love, The Kiss; and some 15 works by sculptor Camille Claudel, sister of writer Paul Claudel and Rodin’s muse, prot�g� and mistress. Opened in 1919, dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin. It has two sites, at the H�tel Biron and surrounding grounds in central Paris, and just outside Paris at Rodin's old home, the Villa des Brillants at Meudon (Hauts-de-Seine). The collection includes 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs and 7,000 objets d’art. Sculptor, painter, sketcher, engraver and collector Auguste Rodin donated his entire collection to the French state in 1908 on the proviso that they dedicate his ... [ + more ]

Musée Zadkine , All Areas for free House of the Russian sculptor, Ossip Zadkine (1890-1964). Exhibition in the studio and in the garden showing more than a hundred of his works. All periods of creation of famous Orph�e's artist, from the primitive one to the last abstract years, are present. House of the Russian sculptor, Ossip Zadkine (1890-1964). Exhibition in the studio and in the garden showing more than a hundred of his works. All periods of creation by the sculptor of the famous Orph�e, from primitivism to the abstraction of the later years, are represented. Close to the Jardin du Luxembourg, this museum also has a beautiful garden, with no charge for entry. Recently reopened, the Zadkine Museum produced an enormous catalogue of sculptures made from clay, stone, bronze and wood. The museum covers his life and work; one room displays figures he sculpted in contrasting walnut, pear, ebony, acacia, elm and oak. House of the Russian sculptor, Ossip Zadkine (1890-1964). Exhibition in the studio and in the garden showing more than a hundred of his works. All ... [ + more ]

Museu Delacroix, All Areas The Mus�e National Eug�ne Delacroix occupies the painter’s apartment as well as his studio, located in his private garden. Delacroix's memorabilia and works, exhibiting pictures from nearly every phase of his careercan bee found in his residence. The museum contains a collection of his oil paintings, watercolours, pastels and drawings, including many of his more intimate works, such as An Unmade Bed (1828) and his paintings of Morocco. If you want to see Delacroix’s major works, pay a visit to the Mus�e du Louvre or the Mus�e d’Orsay, or check out his frescoes at �glise St-Sulpice. The Musée National Eugène Delacroix occupies the painter’s apartment as well as his studio, located in his private garden. Delacroix's memorabilia and works, exhibiting ... [ + more ]

National Museum of the Legion of Honor & Orders of Chivalry, All Areas for free This museum shows the history of french decorations since Louis XI, various Napoleonic souvenirs. Attached exhibition spaces, a interactive resource center offers everyone the opportunity to see more than 300 portraits of remarkable men and women decorated the large national orders. The Mus�e national de la L�gion d'Honneur et des Ordres de Chevalerie is a museum of national orders of merit . This museum shows the history of french decorations since Louis XI, various Napoleonic souvenirs. Attached exhibition spaces, a interactive resource center offers everyone the ... [ + more ]

Palais de la Découverte, All Areas Attached to the Grand Palais, this children’s science museum has excellent temporary exhibits (eg moving lifelike dinosaurs) as well as a hands-on, interactive permanent collection focusing on astronomy, biology, physics and the like. Some of the older exhibits have French-only explanations, but overall this is a dependable family outing. The home of "universcience" the Palais de la D�couverte presents fundamental and contemporary science in a dynamic and interactive way through a range of exhibitions. Astronomy with the new planetarium, biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics and earth sciences. Electrostatics room, Sun and Planets room. New permanent spaces: The Light room go into this subject in more depth through chemistry, biology and physics, and the Hydrogen space dedicated to the use and risks of this energy! The Acoustics room: offers a series of experiments and demonstrations through which you can investigate the phenomenon of sound: the making and speed of sound, structure of simple and complex sounds (organ pipes), harmonic analysis and synthesis, interference and diffraction, Doppler effect, beats, resonance ... Attached to the Grand Palais, this children’s science museum has excellent temporary exhibits (eg moving lifelike dinosaurs) as well as a hands-on, interactive permanent collection ... [ + more ]

Palais de la Porte Dorée, All Areas Built as part of the Exposition Coloniale Internationale of 1931 when all seemed right with the world at home and abroad, the lavish ‘Palace of the Golden Door’, which retains some delightful Art Deco elements including frescoes of the peoples of the world, today houses two major attractions. Built for the colonial exhibition of 1931, the former Mus�e des Colonies retains the tropical aquarium from this period. With a learning trail, primitive and electric fish, Asian waters, and aquatic life from Africa and South America, not forgetting the show with the crocodile pit, sharks, and piranhas. Built for the colonial exhibition of 1931, the former Mus�e des Colonies retains the tropical aquarium from this period. With a learning trail, primitive and electric fish, Asian waters, and aquatic life from Africa and South America, not forgetting the show with the crocodile pit, sharks, and piranhas. Built as part of the Exposition Coloniale Internationale of 1931 when all seemed right with the world at home and abroad, the lavish ‘Palace of ... [ + more ]