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Paris is a city where Western history and art are all concentrated in one place. It is also home to some of the world's most famous works of art, making it one of the few cities in the world where you can experience famous works that you've only seen in books or movies.
With around 130 museums in Paris, it is not easy to choose which one to visit. To help you choose a museum to suit your situation, taste, and interest, O'Bon Paris has created a museum guide by category. We hope this article will help you enjoy this beautiful city of art.
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In one of the biggest museums, Louvre Museum, you can encounter various artworks and objects of European art from the medieval to the 19th century. Its glass pyramid is one of the most popular photogenic spots, and the museum is always a must-visit spot for tourists from all over the world. The Pyramid of the Louvre was installed by President Mitterrand in 1984, and at first many French opposed the pyramid's construction. The reason was the inconsistency of modern architecture and the classical Renaissance style of France and the history of the Louvre. Together with the Eiffel Tower, it is now a symbol of Paris. It would be a very regrettable thing to have been to Paris and not to the Louvre. It is recommended to visit even for a short time.
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro line 1, 7 Palais-Royal - Musée du Louvre station
Opening Hours: Mon, Thur, Sat, Sun: 9:00–18:00; Wed, Fri: 9:00–21:00; Closed on Tuesday
On the first Saturday of each month, the museum is also opened from 18:00 to 21:45 and admission fee is free for all visitors. (Closing rooms begins at 17:00, and at 20:00 on night opening days.)
As an "Impressionist paradise", the Orsay boasts a splendid collection of Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, the origin of early modern art (1848-1914). You can find the works by masters including Degas, Manet, Monet, Van Gogh and Renoir who reflected the life of the time through their various artworks such as sculptures, photographs and decorative art.
Here, visitors can experience many of the most important Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces in the history of art almost all at once, making the museum truly unmissable. It is also worth noting that the building housing the museum was originally a railway station, and its distinctive architecture is itself well worth admiring.
Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75001 paris, France
Transportation: Metro line 12: Solférino, RER C: Musée d'Orsay
Opening Hours: Tue - Sun 9:30–18:00 except Thursday (until 21:45); Closed on Monday
One of the most popular museums for impressionist fans is the Musée de l' Orangerie, which is also called Orangerie museum in English. It is situated in the Tuileries Parc, a 5-minute walk from Concorde station. The Orangerie museum is famous because of its display of huge monumental "WATER LILIES" by Claude Monet.
Upon entering the museum, visitors feel as though they have stepped into a serene artistic sanctuary. In the oval galleries, Monet’s Water Lilies surround the white walls, while natural light filters in from above, blending seamlessly with the paintings. This creates a deeply immersive viewing experience that is both powerful and unforgettable.
It is conveniently located next to Paris's major attractions, such as Place de la Concorde, Seine River and Tuileries Park.
Address: Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro lines 1, 8, and 12, Concorde station
Opening Hours: Mon and Wed - Sun, 9:00–18:00 (last admission at 17:15); closed on Tuesday
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The Hôtel de la Marine is one of Paris’s most notable cultural landmarks in recent years. Located on the northern side of Place de la Concorde, this 18th-century neoclassical building once served as the headquarters of the French Navy and reopened to the public in 2021 after an extensive restoration.
Its columned loggia offers panoramic views of the Seine, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower, making it a popular spot for enjoying Paris's cityscape and sunsets.
Ideally situated near the Tuileries Garden, the Louvre, and the Champs-Élysées, the Hôtel de la Marine is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore Parisian history and French art de vivre.
Address: 2 Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris
Transportation: Métro lines 1, 8, and 12: Concorde station
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (hours may vary depending on exhibitions)
The building of the museum is the Hotel Biron, which Rodin used and lived as an atelier for 10 years from 1908 until his death. In 1911, the French government bought the house of Virône, and Rodin donated his work and collection to the state, suggesting that it be left as a museum. It is a place where you can find some of the most important and famous works in the history of modern sculpture, such as The Burghers of Calais, The Thinker, and The Gates of Hell. It is recommended to visit on a sunny day as the garden is really beautiful.
Address: 77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro line 13: Varenne, Metro line 13: Invalides, Metro line 8: La Tour-Maubourg
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:30, Last admission: 17:45; Closed on Monday
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Petit Palais, which means small palace, is an art museum located in the 8th arrondissement. Originally built for the 1900 World's Fair, it is now opened as the Paris Museum of Fine Arts.
It was built at the same time as the Grand Palais and the Alexandre III Bridge and stands facing each other. In addition to the permanent exhibition, various contemporary art exhibitions are held on a quarterly basis. If you are looking for a relatively quiet but historically important and beautiful art museum, this is the place to be.
Address: Avenue Winston-Churchill, 75008 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro lines 1, 13: Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00, Friday until 21:00; Closed on Monday
The Palais Galliera, Fashion Museum of the City of Paris, is a French museum located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, dedicated to the art and history of clothing and haute couture. If you are a fashion lover, it is a good place to visit along with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which is located a 5-minute walk away. An outdoor restaurant overlooking the Eiffel Tower and a flower garden make this museum even more special.
Address: 10 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75016 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro line 9: Iéna, Metro line 6: Boissière
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00; Closed on Monday
Eduard Andre was a rich banker in the 19th century and collected a wide range of artworks and jewelry. At this museum, you can see how the luxurious life was in the 19th century. It truly leads you to the past with its wide range of collections and luxurious decorations. From small jewelry to furniture and paintings, they are still shining in this beautiful museum house.
There is a beautifully decorated cafe as well where you can simply sit down to enjoy light meals. There are more Parisians than tourists who enjoy brunch or coffee after seeing the exhibition on a weekend morning.
Address: 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro lines 9, 13: Miromesnil, Metro line 9: Saint-Philippe-du-Roule
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00–18:00, Friday until 22:00
This Romantic museum of Paris is hidden away in Montmarte. The best thing about this hidden place is the terrace cafe just next to the museum. On weekends, it will be better to visit in the morning or around lunchtime to get seats. Since it is a small museum, there are not many works, so it is recommended to drink coffee and admire the small garden on the way to Montmartre rather than taking time for only this place.
Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro line 2: Blanche, Metro line 12: Pigalle
Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00; Closed on Monday
Unlike Center Pompidou, Musée d'Art Moderne is more Paris-centric and dedicated to Modern and Contemporary art of the 20th and 21st centuries, focusing on Fauves and cubists, the Ecole de Paris, and works by the Delaunays and Fautrier. The museum collections include more than 10,000 works from art movements of the 20th century. Exhibitions highlight the European and international art scenes of the 20th century, as well as displaying monographic and thematic exhibitions of trends in today's art. Temporary exhibitions run every six weeks.
This place is also famous for art lovers rather than tourists, but there are many modern artworks that are easy for the general public to enjoy as well. The architecture is stunning and there is a terrace where you can see the most beautiful Eiffel view in Paris.
Address: 11 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris, France
Transportation: Métro ligne 9: Alma-Marceau ou Iéna
Openinghours: Tuesday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00; Closed Mondays
Palais de Tokyo has gained tremendous popularity among young artists and Parisians with its performance, environmental art, and installation arts.
Also, note that the Avenue du Président Wilson is not far from the Eiffel Tower and is well-situated along the Seine, just a short walk away. As one of the most important contemporary art institutions in the world, you can see the works of avant-garde and hot young artists rather than the classic paintings that are popular with the public. The restaurant located here offers a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower and is famous among Parisians as an Instagram hotspot.
As one of the world’s leading contemporary art institutions, Palais de Tokyo is not only a museum, but also a vibrant space that brings together art, urban life, and social culture.
Address: 13 avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris, France
Transportation: Métro Ligne 9: Iéna ou Alma-Marceau
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday: 12:00–22:00; Closed on Tuesdays
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It is a cultural space that brings together the personal art collection of François Pinault, a French collector. In 2016, the Paris City Council approved the project to transform this historic building into an exhibition space for contemporary art, dedicated to presenting Pinault’s private collection. The collection includes more than 3,500 contemporary artworks, with an estimated total value of around €1.25 billion.
The large-scale renovation was led by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando. He created a new exhibition space suitable for contemporary art by inserting a striking concrete circular structure at the center of the building, while preserving much of the original interior architecture in order to retain the city’s memories and historical traces embedded in the former commercial exchange.
As one of the newest and most talked-about cultural landmarks in Paris, it successfully brings together contemporary art, architectural aesthetics, and historical space, and is truly not to be missed.
Address: 2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro line 1: Louvre - Rivoli, Ligne 4: Étienne Marcel
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00-19:00; Closed on Tuesdays
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The Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art museum and multidisciplinary cultural center sponsored by the LVMH Group (Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) and its affiliated brands.
This highly iconic deconstructivist building was designed by renowned American architect Frank Gehry, with the project's foundational work beginning as early as 2006. Characterized by its flowing glass structures, the building resembles a futuristic vessel anchored in a sea of greenery.
Here, visitors can experience works by some of the world's most important contemporary artists. Beyond visual art exhibitions, the Fondation Louis Vuitton functions as a dynamic cultural venue, regularly hosting classical music concerts, contemporary performances, theatrical productions, and other forms of performing arts. Located in the Bois de Boulogne on the western edge of Paris, Gehry's striking modern architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a powerful and immersive visual experience.
For those passionate about art, architecture, and cultural life, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is undoubtedly a must-visit destination in Paris.
Address: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris, France
Transportation: Ligne 1: Les Sablons
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11:00–20:00: Closed on Tuesdays
Situated in the heart of Paris, just a few minutes walk from the Opera Garnier, they give you a rundown of the history of the building, the company, perfumes through the ages, perfume making past and present, and then test your sense of smell with trying to identify different scents. You can also make your own perfume during a mini perfume workshop in English, organized by Paris Musée du Parfum Fragonard. Do not hesitate to download the Obon paris coupon here, you can enjoy a free guide tour in English and discounts on perfumes and workshops.
Address: 9 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro lines 3, 7 and 8: Opéra
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 09:00–18:00, Sunday: 09:00–16:30
Do you want to enjoy art in a more relaxed and playful way, as if you were spending time with your family or loved one in a slightly different space? Atelier des Lumières will be the best plan for you.
In the TV series Emily in Paris, there is a well-known scene in which Emily sits here with Gabriel and Camille, enjoying a beautiful feast of light.
At Atelier des Lumières, digital artworks are projected onto every surface of the hall—walls, floors, and space itself—inviting viewers on an immersive journey into the world of art. During this experience, you can engage all your senses and enjoy a unique playlist specially created to match each exhibition: the curators add music to their creations, creating a musical dialogue with the works of art.
Address: 38 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris, France
Transportation: Metro Line 9: Voltaire or Saint-Ambroise Station, Line 3: Rue Saint-Maur, Line 2: Père Lachaise
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00-18:00; Friday and Saturday: 10:00-22:00; Sunday: 10:00-19:00
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If you plan to explore Paris’s cultural and artistic world in depth, museums are undoubtedly one of the most important gateways to understanding the city. The museums selected in this article span art, history, architecture, and the art of living, featuring both world-renowned institutions and lesser-known venues beloved by locals, offering multiple perspectives on the richness of Parisian culture.
Moving from one museum to another is not merely about viewing exhibitions—it is a journey of dialogue with the city itself. We hope this curated selection of Paris museums will inspire your itinerary and make every museum visit a distinctive, memorable experience worth savoring.
Author and photos: O'bon Paris team
