Lonely PlanetAug 6, 2026
12 best museums to visit in Paris
Discover the best museums to visit in Paris, including the best for Impressionist art, sculptures, history, dinosaurs and more.
19 things in this story
- Château de VersaillesMuseumFormer home of French monarchy, excessively decadent.
- Galerie des GlacesSightGrand ballroom adorned with 357 mirrors and windows.
- La Grande EcurieAttractionFormer royal stables filled with historic horse-drawn carriages.
- Elsewhere
- Palais de TokyoMuseumParis, FranceHosts cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions.
- Musée d’OrsayMuseumParis, FranceOffers views of Paris from a clock on the 5th floor.
- Musée RodinMuseumParis, FranceIt has two sites: the Hôtel Biron and surrounding grounds in central Paris, as well as just outside Paris at Rodin's…
- Grand PalaisMuseumParis, FranceBuilt for World's Fair, main hall used for events.
- Musée du LouvreMuseumParis, FranceWorld's biggest museum with over 380,000 objects.
- Musée des Arts et MétiersMuseumParis, FranceHoused in a former royal priory, spans scientific instruments.
- underground ossuaryMuseumParis, FranceHolds bones and skulls of millions of Parisians.
- Musée National PicassoMuseumParis, FranceHouses Picasso's works in a 17th-century hôtel particulier.
- BambiniRestaurantParis, FranceOverlooks a reflecting pool with Eiffel Tower views.
- Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de ParisMuseumParis, FranceImpressive modern art collection spanning 20th and 21st centuries.
- Muséum National d’Histoire NaturelleMuseumParis, FranceDisplays taxidermied animals, dinosaur skeletons, and rocks.
- Jardin des PlantesParkParis, FranceA 2.5-hectare garden in Paris' Latin Quarter.
- Musée CarnavaletMuseumParis, FranceParis' oldest museum, overview of the country's history.
- Cathédrale Notre Dame de ParisPlace of worshipParis, FranceOriginal gargoyle displayed at Musée Carnavalet.
- digital art galleryMuseumParis, FranceProjects classic art onto walls, floor, and ceiling.
- Salle des ÉtatsSightParis, France