The Centre Pompidou (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/centre-pompidou/), is completely unmissable, literally.  Sticking out like a big modern sore thumb in the otherwise historic 4th arrondissement, this distinctively modern building is probably some of the most divisive Paris museum architecture, and houses Europe’s largest modern art collection. Among Paris museums modern art is not typically the most sought-out genre, but the Pompidou’s collection is rivaled only by MoMA in New York. Inside you’ll find an extensive collection of modern art, including works by the likes of Picasso and Matisse. It’s a must-visit for art enthusiasts and casual enjoyers alike.  I highly recommend booking tickets in advance (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/centre-pompidou/) to get a specific time slot, as this is one of the most popular Paris museums on the list! 💡 Insider Tip: The rooftop of the Pompidou offers a great view of the city, which is honestly a worthy draw in and of itself.

The most famous Paris museum, The Louvre (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/louvre/), is the largest and most visited museum in the world. Obviously, it’s a masterpiece in its own right and it’s probably already on your radar!  This Paris museum, recognizable for its iconic glass pyramid entrance, is practically a city within a city. That also means you sort of run the risk of getting lost in it, much like you could in an unknown city.  Seriously, the museum is a multi-level maze of different galleries, wings, and collections, and I should warn you right now: you will not see it all in one day, and you shouldn’t even try.  The most famous piece in the museum is, as I’m sure you know, the Mona Lisa. But there are hundreds, if not thousands, of equally impressive and noteworthy pieces waiting to be seen in The Louvre.  I do think that The Louvre does a pretty good job of making its collection accessible and as un-overwhelming as possible. Still, at the end of the day, it’s such a behemoth of a collection that there’s very little that can overcome that concern entirely. 💡 Insider Tip: Check out their website and see what specifically interests you so you have a game plan going in. The Louvre website actually makes this super easy with different “trails” you can choose to follow. Or better yet, take a guided tour (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/guided-louvre-tour/) and let someone else do all the heavy lifting!

If you’re looking for a Paris museum with Monet (but want more than just the Water Lilies), then the D’Orsay is calling your name. The Musée d’Orsay (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/dorsay-seine-cruise/) is located centrally, right along the river in the 7th arrondissement. It’s the second-most visited museum in Paris, and offers a look at the art world from 1848 to 1914. The permanent collection has some seriously well-known pieces, and the museum itself is housed within a former train station, giving it an incredibly grand and airy feel. The biggest draw, in my opinion, is the impeccable collection of Impressionist works that’s well-balanced between world-renowned and lesser-known pieces.  This collection is slightly difficult to locate as the only entrance to it requires you walk all the way to the back of the main foyer to a somewhat hidden escalator. But trust me, the effort is worth it for the amazing works (and excellent curation of them) you’ll get to see. I should also note that the iconic clock face photo op you may be familiar with is also accessible right at the start of the Impressionist exhibit.  The sculpture section in the main foyer—which you’ll pass on your way to the Impressionists—is a stunning collection worth stopping to admire as well. The d’Orsay (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/dorsay-seine-cruise/) is one of my personal favorite Paris museums. It holds some of my favorite art, but it’s also just big enough to be an impressive museum without necessarily eating up your whole day.

Musée de l’Orangerie (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/musee-de-lorangerie/) is conveniently located on the edge of les Jardin des Tuileries. This Paris museum’s Monet collection is remarkable, and is displayed in a much more intimate setting than most other options for viewing his work.  Here you’ll see Monet’s iconic “Nymphéas,” the 1918 panoramic waterlily piece that spans 8 massive panels. Downstairs, you’ll also find work by Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse, Picasso, and other notable Impressionists. As one of the slightly less popular Paris museums, Musée de l’Orangerie would be an excellent option for someone who doesn’t have a whole lot of time on their trip to devote to a museum visit, or who simply prefers to avoid crowds!

The Musée Carnavalet (https://www.carnavalet.paris.fr/) is the oldest Paris museum, and definitely one of the more overlooked ones—which is a complete shame! It’s located right in the middle of the Marais, meaning you’ll most likely pass it, and will definitely have time to pop in if it catches your interest. The permanent collection showcases Paris’s past, including furniture, signage, artwork and more. The museum spans 450 years of history with over 618,000 items in its collection. It also hosts rotating exhibitions of art and photography that focus on more specific time periods.  I don’t think this museum is for everyone (there is admittedly quite a focus on 16th and 17th century Paris in the main collection). But, for anyone who’s as interested in the history of Paris as I am, it’s a must see! Entry to the permanent collection is also completely free! Guided tours and temporary exhibitions are a small fee, and can be paid directly at the museum. ⚜️ Does the idea of delving deeper in Parisian history excite you? ⚜️ If so, I highly recommend supplementing your Carnavalet Museum visit with a guided history & fashion tour of the Marais (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/paris-iconic-neighborhoods-tours/) or a Jewish history tour of the Marais (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/marais-jewish-history-tour/) while you’re in the area. Make a day of exploring this important pocket of Paris!

Here’s a Paris museum Rodin lovers will definitely want to take note of. At the Musée Rodin (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/musee-rodin/) you can get an intimate glimpse at the life and work of Rodin, the renowned sculptor, at the Hôtel Biron, where he used to live.  Opened to the public in 1919, this Paris museum offers galleries to view Rodin’s works, as well as an impressive sculpture garden to see some of his more iconic masterpieces like “The Gates of Hell” and “The Thinker.”  The museum is located nearly right between the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Eiffel Tower, so you could easily make a “Left Bank” day out of visiting all three!

The Musée Picasso-Paris (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/musee-picasso/) is located in the stunning 17th-century Hôtel Salé, an architectural masterpiece in the Marais.  This one is best for true Picasso enthusiasts, rather than the casual enjoyer, because it’s quite easy to get lost in here!  The museum holds over 5000 works from Picasso, more than any other museum in the world. Temporary exhibitions often delve deeper into the artist’s life and career.  You can also take advantage of the lovely rooftop cafe to enjoy after your time in the museum.

Located in a historic 17th-century building surrounded by charming gardens, this is one of my personal favorite museums in Paris—and also something of a hidden gem! This museum captures the history and essence of Montmartre, and allows you to see the historic neighborhood in a new way.  The exhibition includes a collection of paintings, posters, and drawings that carefully showcase Montmartre’s past, from the artistic crowds and salons of the late 19th century to the famed cabarets of the early 20th century. You’ll also get to see a recreation of Susan Valadon’s studio, and you can take advantage of the stunning cafe and gardens in the back. Tickets to the Montmartre Museum can be booked directly on the museum’s website (https://museedemontmartre.fr/). Check out this guided Montmartre tour focused on revealing the Paris of Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Van Gogh (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/paris-iconic-neighborhoods-tours/). You’ll see where they worked, lived, and hung out all over Montmartre!

The Fondation Louis Vuitton (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/fondation-louis-vuitton/) is a privately owned art space in a stunning Frank Gehry-designed building that resembles a surrealist sailboat floating on an artificial lake. It’s located in the gigantic Bois de Boulogne park on the western edge of Paris. The collection is a nice mix of 20th- and 21st-century contemporary art both in their permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Most recently it’s received a lot of attention for its exhibition on the collaboration between Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat as well as the famous Rothkos on loan from London’s Tate Modern.

The ‘Little Palace,’ is often overshadowed by Le Grand Palais nearby, which is a shame because it’s home to one of Paris’s loveliest art museums. It has an extensive collection that spans from antiquity to 1900, including works by Poussin, Doré, Courbet, and the Impressionists.  Anyone who loves Art Nouveau as much as I do will enjoy jewelry, knickknacks, and other pieces from notable artists like Lalique, Gallé, Hector Guimard, and Jean Carriès. In fact, I’d say the Art Nouveau building is probably one of the main draws of this museum, as you won’t find anything like this at any other Paris museums! It was designed by Charles Girault for the 1900 World Fair, and is entirely lit by natural light. The Palais also sits around a garden, which is ideal for a little coffee or treat! The gorgeous setting and the fact that this a completely free museum, make it a perfect stop for anyone who doesn’t typically identify as a “museum person”! 💡 Insider Tip: Pop in your earphones and follow this guided audio tour of the Petit Palais (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/petit-palais-audio-tour/) as it takes you through the halls, giving your interesting context for the building and some of the most impressive pieces of display!

Tucked between the trees along the river, just steps from the Eiffel Tower, is the Musée du Quai Branly (https://rachelirl.com/recommends/musee-du-quai-branly/). While the inside is obviously the draw, the contemporary building is an architectural sight to see in itself.  This more or less brand new museum is a tribute to “non-European” cultures—often, but not exclusively, those which were formerly colonized by France. The museum has a very rich collection of 700,000 photographs and 300,000 objects across different centuries.  However, I’d say the biggest draw for me are the rotating exhibitions of contemporary art by indigenous and other non-European artists. There is always something super interesting to see since these change every few months, and you’ll probably learn about an artist or artistic movement you never would have heard of otherwise!

Occupying the west wing of the Louvre (though not part of the Louvre itself), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is known for its wide-ranging collection of decorative arts and design, including modern fashion, furniture, and graphic design. It’s the city’s second oldest museum (the Musee Carnavalet is the oldest) and one of the more unique ones! I highly recommend a visit to MAD if you are someone who expects to be easily bored by other Paris museums. You definitely won’t be here! The permanent collection has about 600,000 objects, from the Middle Ages to the current day, including graphic arts, household items, furniture, fashion, and jewelry.  I would also recommend the restaurant, LouLou, which overlooks the Tuileries Garden. Tickets for this museum must be purchased directly on its own website (https://madparis.fr/Musee-des-Arts-Decoratifs-1306).