Paris is a land of wonders for many. From monuments to restaurants, one can find places to visit on almost every corner of this magnificent city. For some, the attraction lies in the luxury foods from world’s renowned chefs. With that being said, museums in Paris are worth-visiting.
For others, the main attractions are the arts and culture centers for which people travel half the world.
There are more than 150 museums in Paris that preserve world’s famous art collection. Paris museum pass allows visitors to explore art limitlessly for 2-day or 4-day with organized tours.
Here is the list of what your top destinations to visit among the museums should be in the romantic city of Paris.
1- Musée du Louvre
Louvre Museum is one of the must visit places in Paris. It is also famous as home of Mona Liza, the legendary painting by Leonardo da Vinci. The Louvre Palace transformed into the most important and largest museum in the world after the royals moved to Versailles.
Established in 1793, and opened for public with displaying a collection of 537 paintings by Royals, it is one of the biggest art museum.
A glass pyramid built in the front courtyard of the Palace shines in night and enhances its beauty even more. This pyramid links the three wings of museum.
Louvre Museum contains a collection of 38,000 art works divided into 8 main departments based on different themes such as Egyptian antiquities, oriental antiquities, Islamic art, Greek and Roman art, paintings, objects of art, sculptures of medieval period, and graphic art.
Tips for Travelers: You can avoid waiting in long queues by availing a 2-day Paris museum pass or by joining a guided tour.
2- Musée d’Orsay
Orsay, Being one of the most famous museums in Paris, it was once a fine train station in 1900s. It has a huge collection of almost 4000 objects. Five different floors of the museum show artifacts throughout this establishment.
The art collection present here shows work of all Impressionists including Boudin, Caillebotte, Corot, Courbet, Degas, Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Sisley, Renoir, and Vuillard.
There is a fine dining restaurant, two cafes and one bookshop within the vicinity of the museum. Apart from that, museum’s walls and ceiling shows beautiful paintings. Hence, the museum is a must-see for all.
3- Musée Bourdelle
Named after the great Antoine Bourdelle, this museum is situated on the 15th Arrondissement hidden away in a quiet street. Comprising of his former studio, this museum holds a couple of sculptures constructed by the famous student of Rodin.
Designed in a traditional gallery-like design, Its architecture is simply marvelous. Moreover, the chiseled masterpieces are one of their kind in all of the Paris. Anyways, the admissions are free so it is a great tourist spot with minimum expenditure.
Official site: https://www.bourdelle.paris.fr/en/useful-informations-0
4- Musée Jacquemart André
Originally located inside a mansion, this museum is told to be a property of a Parisian couple. It has been named after the couples as well. Musée Jacquemart André is easily the most sumptuous museum in all of the Paris. It is resides on the post 8th Arrondissement.
It has preserved with private collections of the couple in the 19th century, hence this private museum takes you back in time. Apart from that, the collection is large enough. Additionally, the area is great in expanse that it may take a few hours before a visitor returns to the exit.
Official site: https://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en/home
5- Musée Rodin
While mentioning the great museums of Paris, missing the one named after Rodin would be quite ignorant. The artist’s former house and studio have been reinstated for the public exhibition to show the masterful sculpting of its previous owner.
His two best sculptures of all time, “The Thinker” and “Gates of Hell”, stand erected outside the main building. While all other collections placed inside along with some great paintings by van Gogh, Monet, and Renoir are worth watching. However, missing Rodin’s sculptures would be a waste for the tourist in Paris.
6- Centre Pompidou
The entrance to this museum is so obvious that you cannot ignore it. The pipes and vents make the museum the most prominent feature of Beaubourg area of the 4th Arrondissement.
Moreover, it has the largest collection of modern art in Europe. Centre Pompidou is a multifunctional complex. Therefore, it has a café, a library, a cinema, and even more inside of it, apart from the museum gallery. It has been named after the then French President, Georges Pompidou.
Official site: https://www.centrepompidou.fr/en
7- Musée de Cluny
Made on the thermal baths of the Roman era of Gaul, this picturesque museum holds the artistic collection of the Middle Ages. In addition, it has the most mind blowing artifacts displayed that date back to the Medieval Ages.
Located in the middle of the most populated parts of Paris, this museum is an attraction for all kinds of tourists. Also, one of the special items displayed are the six tapestries of “The Lady and the Unicorn”.
8- Louis Vuitton Foundation
An art museum run by LVMH as a non-profit entity, it contains masterpieces of Basquiat and Jeff Koons. Moreover, many site-specific installations were requested towards many famous artists by the management.
On top of it, the open sky architecture often induces serenity. Because, it is situated on Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi with greenery in its view. Visitors often seem to find the architecture odd and unique in different ways. It seems to blend a special experience for every visitor much like abstract art.
Official site: https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/fr
9- Musée de la Vie Romantique
The Museum of Romantic Life, the 19th century enchanting villa is near Montmartre, in the 9th district of Paris. Living up to its name for romanticism, all the major arts and artists have made their way into this museum as it sways the visitor with the aroma of romance.
Besides, paintings and sculptures of romantic era redefine the thoughts of visitors by its charming view and a unique date spot.
Official site: https://museevieromantique.paris.fr/fr
10- Le Petit Palais
It is a part of the public corporation of Paris Museums that includes thirteen other museums of Paris. You will find it on the Winston Churchill Avenue in the area of Champs-Elysées. Even the locals love Le Petit Palais ever since it was built in 1900 for the World Fair or otherwise known as “Universal Exhibition”.
Moreover, their interior is as good as their exterior and works of many artistic giants lay there for the public.
No doubt, there are many other worthy names, as well, but these are mandatory places to visit in the category of museums.
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