1. The Louvre Museum – A Journey Through Classical Art
Located right in the heart of Parisian cultural life, near the Seine and the Royal Palace, the Louvre houses over 35,000 works displayed in breathtaking spaces—from Ancient Egyptian masterpieces and Greek or Renaissance sculptures to pieces from the Orient and Africa.
Visitors primarily come to see works by Leonardo da Vinci, such as the Mona Lisa, or the famous Venus de Milo. In addition, Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People and other iconic paintings represent a wide range of periods and influences.
The experience becomes even more enjoyable with an audio guide or a curated tour. Those who’ve already visited say an efficient visit takes between 2 and 5 hours, though for detail lovers, half a day here is never boring.
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays); extended hours on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9:45 PM
- Ticket price: Standard adult ticket starts at approx. €17 online
- Metro access: Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre
The on-site cafés and the nearby Tuileries Gardens are perfect for a relaxing break. After your tour, enjoy a quick lunch or just a Parisian coffee nearby.
2. Musée d’Orsay – Impressionist Painting & Belle Époque Atmosphere
If you love museums with character, you’ll find it in the Musée d’Orsay, a former train station turned gallery, where Impressionist art is displayed in a fittingly grand setting. It won’t take long to find Monet’s famous works or to wander among rooms filled with pieces by Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.
The museum often hosts themed exhibitions, so repeat visits offer new arrangements and fresh perspectives. Families with children can enjoy interactive routes, and photography enthusiasts will love capturing the giant station clocks with city views.
Ticket price: €16 for adults; free for EU residents under 26
Opening hours: Usually 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM; Thursdays open until 9:45 PM; closed on Mondays
Enjoy a break in one of the museum’s elegant cafés, decorated with vintage mirrors and white chandeliers.
3. Musée de l'Orangerie – Immersed in Monet’s “Water Lilies”
Close to Place de la Concorde and at the edge of the Tuileries Garden, you’ll find the Musée de l’Orangerie. This is where Claude Monet’s massive Water Lilies panels are displayed. The artist designed the space to create an immersive experience: the oval rooms and natural light establish a vivid connection between viewers, color, and water.
The Jean Walter – Paul Guillaume collection also includes paintings by Picasso, Modigliani, and Soutine. The galleries are not overwhelming, and the calm atmosphere allows each visitor to reflect at their own pace.
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
- Ticket price: €12.50 for adults; free for minors and EU residents under 26
- Metro access: Concorde
A great choice for those who prefer less crowded museums, with shorter routes and ideal for one or two hours of peaceful contemplation. The Paris Museum Pass includes entry and helps avoid long lines.
✈️ Visiting Paris just for a few days? Check out how to plan your perfect weekend getaway in our Paris Travel Guide!
4. Marmottan Monet Museum – An Intimate Experience with Impressionist Art
Art lovers interested in exploring Claude Monet’s creative journey in depth often find their way to the Marmottan Monet Museum, located in the 16th arrondissement. It houses the largest collection of Monet’s works in the world, including Impression, Soleil Levant, the painting that gave Impressionism its name.
The museum’s rooms recreate the feel of an authentic Parisian studio. You'll also discover works by Berthe Morisot, Boudin, and Renoir, along with rare drawings, sketches, and graphic works.
This stop is especially rewarding for those wanting a deeper understanding of the movement. Standard opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Thursdays until 9:00 PM); closed on Mondays.
Ticket prices range from €12 to €14, with discounts for students or groups. After your visit, the nearby Ranelagh Park is perfect for a peaceful stroll.
5. Centre Pompidou – Innovation and Contemporary Art
Located in the Le Marais district, Centre Pompidou stands out with its bold architecture, featuring brightly colored exterior pipes. Inside, the modern layout immerses visitors in the world of abstract art, multimedia, and contemporary installations.
Explore galleries filled with works by Picasso, Matisse, Kandinsky, and many contemporary artists from around the world. Kids and teens can enjoy workshops and interactive exhibits designed especially for them.
The building also hosts Europe’s largest public art library, and the upper levels offer panoramic views of Paris—perfect for a photo session before you leave.
- Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (closed Tuesdays)
- Ticket price: from €15 for permanent exhibitions
- Tip: Book online and check the calendar for special exhibitions.
The centre includes cafés, bookstores, and urban-style restaurants. Metro access: Rambuteau station.
6. Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac – Discover the art of the world
For those who wish to expand their cultural horizons, Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, located near the Eiffel Tower, brings together under one roof over 370,000 objects from Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Americas. Visitors can see tribal masks, rare textiles, traditional musical instruments, and many other artifacts with significant historical value.
The museum frequently organizes special exhibitions on various themes, constantly offering fresh perspectives on non-European heritage. Part of the experience includes event spaces, artist talks, and even musical performances. Children can enjoy interactive zones and themed tours that bring them closer to global culture.
Standard opening hours begin at 10:30, and the museum generally closes at 19:00, with extended hours on Thursdays. The ticket price for adults ranges between €12–14, with discounted access for youth and students. The museum is easily accessible from the Eiffel Tower area.
For those tempted by exotic cities, Marrakech may offer another dimension of art and heritage —
more details here.
Additional museum experiences – how to personalize your visit
Museums in Paris offer guided tours or audio guides in multiple languages. The audio guide becomes useful for visitors who want to navigate quickly between rooms and understand the story behind each artwork. For example, guided tours at the Louvre reveal connections between movements and artists, helping you view the exhibition from a new perspective.
Gift shops offer a selection of art books, reproductions, postcards, or illustrated cards. A stop at one of the museum cafés can turn the break between tours into a relaxing moment, whether you choose coffee inside the Centre Pompidou or cool off in the garden at Marmottan Monet.
Whatever museum you choose, almost all are adapted to the needs of visitors with reduced mobility, with ramps, elevators, or special guides available.
You can follow the schedule of themed events, temporary exhibitions, or Open House Days on the official websites. For example, at Musée d’Orsay, International Museum Day means free entry and night tours.
Practical tips for an efficient and relaxing visit to museums in Paris
Ticket organization and route planning
In Paris, queues at museums tend to be long, especially during the warm season and holiday periods. The most efficient way to avoid wasting time is to purchase tickets online from the official websites. Most institutions require you to choose a time slot, which helps manage visitor flow.
If you plan to visit two or more museums in one day, consider the Paris Museum Pass, which covers major attractions and offers savings on total ticket costs.
The metro helps you reach nearly any museum quickly: use lines with stops at Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre, Concorde, or Rambuteau, depending on your chosen route.
Family visits / with children
Most museums offer themed workshops, special routes, and guides for children. For example, at Orsay, kids can explore the “Petits visiteurs” area. At Centre Pompidou, there are sensory exhibitions for families with teens. If you’re using strollers or need accessibility support, check at the entrance or on the museum websites — almost all offer elevators, ramps, and adapted brochures.
Photography, hand luggage, and basic rules
You can take photos in most museums, but only without flash. Spare batteries for your phone or camera can help you capture the memories of the day. In certain rooms, photography is not allowed – follow the posted signs or ask the staff.
The recommended hand luggage for air travel — a small backpack or bag under the seat — complies with most museum access rules. Large backpacks must be left in the designated cloakroom, which in many cases is free of charge.
Find your own rhythm
It’s a good idea to decide in advance what you want to see in a museum, especially at the Louvre or Centre Pompidou, where the collections far exceed the average visiting time. Combine cultural visits with outdoor breaks: the Tuileries Gardens, Jardin du Luxembourg, or the park near Marmottan Monet are pleasant spots for rest and reflection.
Respect museum guidelines
Each institution sets clear rules for silence, safety, and artwork protection. Avoid touching the exhibits, use the designated areas for drinking or snacking, and respect the supervision staff. For quick orientation between galleries, use the maps available at the entrance or check out digital versions.
Travelers visiting Paris for the first time can check the
AnimaWings blog for information on online check-in (the process of verifying personal details before the flight), what layovers mean, baggage limits, or how to choose your seat on the plane.
Paris offers opportunities for every artistic taste. You can spend a quiet afternoon with Impressionist paintings in a peaceful gallery or explore emerging trends at Centre Pompidou. Each of the six museums featured offers a unique perspective. Even if you only visit a few, you'll leave richer and more connected to the world of art.