The 13 Best Art and Photography Museums in Paris (2024)
Written by Cedric Rutten April 2023, updated January 2024
Hemingway famously said, "If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast." And he was absolutely right.
Paris is home to some of the world's most impressive collections of art, history, and culture. From the Louvre to the Musée d'Orsay, the city's museum scene is unparalleled in its depth and diversity. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you're sure to be impressed by the sheer number of museums and galleries to explore in Paris.
Read the full Paris Travel Guide here
1. Centre Pompidou
© Hugh Millward, via Wikimedia Commons
The Centre Pompidou, also known by locals as ‘Beaubourg’, is home to one of the world's most significant collections of modern and contemporary art.
The museum's permanent collection features over 100,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, and video installations by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Salvador Dali, Joan Miró, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and many others.
The collection spans from the late 19th century to the present day, with a particular focus on the art of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris
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2. Musée d’Orsay
© Benh, via Wikimedia Commons
The Musée d'Orsay is housed in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building that was originally a railway station built in 1900. It was converted into a museum in 1986 and houses an extensive collection of French art from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. The museum's collection includes famous works by artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas.
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3. Musée du Louvre
© Nikolai Karaneschev, via Wikimedia Commons
The Louvre Paris is one of the most famous museums in the world, located in the heart of Paris. It is housed in the former royal palace of the Kings of France, and its iconic glass pyramid entrance has become an instantly recognizable symbol of Paris.
The Louvre is known for its extensive collection of art, with more than 35,000 works on display spanning from prehistory to the 21st century. Its collection includes some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Venus de Milo.
The museum also has an extensive collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman antiquities, as well as Islamic art, decorative arts, and sculptures.
Address: Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
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4. Palais de Tokyo
© Guilhem Vellut, via Wikimedia Commons
Palais de Tokyo is a contemporary art museum in Paris that showcases emerging artists and promotes experimental and cutting-edge art. It offers residencies to young artists and hosts a variety of programs and events.
The museum's stunning architecture and vast exhibition spaces make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in contemporary art.
5. Fondation Louis Vuitton
© Fondation Louis Vuitton / artzy trip
The Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art museum located in Bois de Boulogne park in Paris, designed by architect Frank Gehry and known for its striking architecture and innovative exhibitions.
The museum's mission is to promote contemporary art and showcase the work of established and emerging artists from around the world. The museum is a popular destination for those interested in contemporary art and has become a must-see attraction in Paris.
Address: 8 Av. du Mahatma Gandhi, 75016 Paris
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6. Jeu de Paume
© Jeu de Paume
Jeu de Paume is a Parisian museum dedicated to photography and contemporary art, located in the Tuileries Gardens. It showcases exhibitions of established and emerging photographers and artists, covering a range of themes.
The museum offers educational programs and events and is committed to promoting photography as an art form. Its location makes it a convenient destination for visitors to Paris. Jeu de Paume is a valuable addition to the Parisian cultural scene.
Address: 1 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris
7. Musée de l’Orangerie
© Musée de l’Organgerie
The Musée de l'Orangerie is a Parisian museum in the Tuileries Gardens known for its collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art, including Monet's water lily murals. It offers educational resources and displays works by other renowned artists, such as Cézanne and Matisse.
Address: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris
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8. Fondation Cartier pour l'Art Contemporain
© Cartier Fondation
Established in 1984 by luxury goods company Cartier, the museum is situated in Paris' Montparnasse neighborhood, with a primary aim of supporting contemporary artists and art. Architect Jean Nouvel designed the museum's building with a remarkable glass exterior, which allows ample natural light to fill the exhibition spaces.
The museum's collection comprises works from emerging and established artists worldwide, emphasizing experimental and avant-garde contemporary art.
Address: 261 Bd Raspail, 75014 Paris
9. Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection
© Pinault Collection
The museum is part of the Pinault Collection, a private collection of contemporary art owned by the billionaire businessman François Pinault. The museum's collection includes a wide range of contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
The Pinault Collection is known for its focus on contemporary artists from around the world, with a particular emphasis on artists from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Address: 2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris
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10. Picasso Museum Paris
© Pol, via Wikimedia Commons
The Picasso Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in modern art, and particularly for fans of Picasso's work. Its comprehensive collection, unique presentation of Picasso's creative process. The museum's collection includes over 5,000 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints by Picasso.
The collection spans the entirety of Picasso's career, from his early Blue and Rose periods to his later years, and offers visitors a comprehensive look at the artist's creative evolution.
Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris
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11. MAD Paris -
Musée des Arts Décoratifs
© Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, via Wikimedia Commons
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD) in Paris features a vast collection of decorative arts and design objects from medieval to contemporary periods. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions such as highlighting the careers of Thierry Mugler, Christian Dior, and Gio Ponti, to name a few. MAD's notable collection includes French decorative arts from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Address: 07 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
12. Petit Palais
© Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The Petit Palais is a fine arts museum in Paris with a collection of European art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions, such as "L'Art du Pastel de Degas à Redon" and "Rouge: Art et utopie au pays des Soviets," showcasing works by prominent artists. The building features a stunning facade and an inner courtyard garden, and the museum offers cultural and educational events.
Address: Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris
13. European House of Photography (MEP)
© Maison Européenne de la Photographie - Zanele Muholi
The European House of Photography, also known as the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, is a contemporary art museum in Paris that is solely dedicated to showcasing the art of photography. Situated in the Marais district, the museum exhibits a diverse range of emerging and established photographers from around the world, offering a wide variety of exhibitions, talks, and events.
The museum's collection comprises over 20,000 photographs, which offer a comprehensive overview of the medium's history, while the rotating exhibitions showcase an eclectic mix of styles and themes. 020
Address: 5/7 Rue de Fourcy, 75004 Paris
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