5 of the best museums in Paris

Paris offers an uncountable number of attractions, museums and monuments to visit. As there are so many museums (more than 100) it is impossible to see everything in only one visit. When planning a trip to the city, it is best to plan in advance which museums you will be visiting according to your interests. Check out this list of the 5 best museums in Paris.

Paris Pass – saving money in museums and attractions:

The Paris Pass is a tourist pass that allows you to enter more than 60 attractions in Paris for a lower price, including museums, tours and monuments. If you plan to visit many of the city’s paid attractions, Paris Pass is a great option. The pass can be used for a duration of 2, 3, 4 or 6 days. Click here for more information about the Paris Pass.

These are the 5 best museums in Paris:

1. Louvre Museum

One of the most known icons of Paris. Louvre is the most famous and one of the biggest museums in the world. It is the most visited museum in the world so there are usually long lines to enter the museum.

Nevertheless the crowds shouldn’t stop you from visiting the Louvre. The museum holds a stunning art collection from different styles, origins and periods. One of the most popular paintings in the museum is the Gioconda, which is probably the most famous painting in the world. Louvre museum is huge! You can’t see it all in just one visit.

• Opening times: wednesdays and fridays 9 am-9.45 pm, monday/thursdays/saturdays/sundays 9 am-6 pm, closed on tuesdays. More information in: https://www.louvre.fr/
• Ticket prices: The ticket price for adults is 17€. Entry is free for those under 18 years old. Entrance is free on the first sunday of each month. Entrance is included in the Paris Pass.

2. Orsay Museum

The most beautiful museum in Paris. Orsay Museum showcases an outstanding collection of impressionist art from artists like Monet, Manet, Degas and Van Gogh. But what makes Orsay distinguish among the other museums is its building, which used to be a train station from 1900.

The museum isn’t too big so you can see it in just a couple of hours. It also shows a collection of architecture and design.

• Opening times: tuesdays/wednesdays/fridays/saturdays/sundays 9.30 am – 6 pm, closed on mondays. More information in: https://m.musee-orsay.fr/
• Ticket prices: The ticket price for adults is 14€. Entrance is included in the Paris Pass.

3. Centre Pompidou

Georges Pompidou is the ideal museum for those who prefer modern and contemporary art. It also offers live shows and photography exhibitions. Among its collection there are paintings from artists like Picasso, Kandinsky and Matisse.

The futurist building was designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano and it is unique because its innovation. This museum is different from all the others in these list and it is one of my favorite museums in the world for it building.

4. Musée de l’Orangerie

Any Monet lovers out there? Orangerie museum is composed of two oval shaped rooms housing 8 huge water-lily murals by Monet. This is the best place to appreciate his work. In the inferior floor of the museum you will also find other impressionist paintings from various artists.

It’s a small museum but one of the most beautiful in Paris.

• Opening times: wednesdays to mondays 9 am – 6 pm, closed on tuesdays. More information in: https://www.musee-orangerie.fr
• Ticket prices: The ticket price for adults is 9€. Entry is free for those under 18 years old. Entrance is free on the first sunday of each month. Entrance is included in the Paris Pass.

5. Rodin Museum

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/oh-paris/6093449654/

This museum contains the largest collection of Rodin’s work ( including The Thinker, The Kiss and The Gates of Hell) . It has two sites: at the Hôtel Biron where Rodin used to reside, and just outside Paris at Rodin’s old home. With nearly three hectares, the beautiful garden adds charm to the place.

• Opening times: tuesdays/wednesdays/fridays/saturdays/sundays 10 am – 6.30 pm, closed on mondays. More information in: http://www.musee-rodin.fr
• Ticket prices: The ticket price for adults is 12€. Entrance is included in the Paris Pass.

Tips for visiting the best museums in Paris:

• • Buy your ticket in advance to avoid the queue at Louvre Museum.
  • Each museum is free one day of the month. Check the sites when you know when you’ll be visiting Paris.
  • Museums are free for 18-25 year olds who own a european passport.
  • If you plan on visiting many museums and monuments consider buying the Paris Pass, as it will allow you to save some time and money.
  • Read more tips and tricks on traveling Paris
  • Got a few extra days in Paris? Check out: day trips from Paris
  • Other interesting museums in Paris: Palais de Tokio, Quai Branly Museum, The Arab World Institute, Army Museum and Grand Palais.

Other useful posts:

• 4 days in Paris itinerary
• Where to stay in Paris: best areas and hotels
• Visiting Villa Savoye from Paris
• Tips for planning your first trip to Europe
• 2 days in Amsterdam

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