It hurts to admit it, but my only visit to France has been an accident. A flight delay gave me a night (and a very early morning in Paris), and sneaking a visit to the Eiffel Tower on my way to the airport was all I could squeeze in.Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see Paris the way it is meant to be seen, while discovering all its corners and streets, visiting the museums, and trying (yet failing to) manage French. For now, I made a list of museums that I shouldn’t miss the next time I go there, including tips from fellow writers on some of the best museums in Europe. You’ll find plenty more tips on what to do in Paris on Europe a al Carte.
Louvre Pyramids
The Paris Museum Pass offers free entry to over 60 of Paris’ world famous museums; it could work out cheaper than paying the admission charge at each individual museum which you visit.
Musée Rodin
Musée Rodin is dedicated to the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin, the creator of The Thinker. The museum was opened in 1919, 2 years after his death. The museum is open every day (except Mondays) from 10 am to 5.45 pm and contains his sculptures, drawings, sketching, paintings and his own art collection.
Musee Rodin by Jeremy Branham
Musee d’Orsay
Transformed from a railway station, Musee d’ Orsay offers a wide range of collections and artists, from the works of Monet and Van Gough to Oscar Wilde-themed exhibitions and music events. For instance you can catch the exhibition Beauty, Morals and Voluptuousness in the England of Oscar Wilde until January 15th January 2012.
Musee d’Orsay by Amanda Kendle
Napoleon Apartments at the Louvre, Paris
Neha recommends a visit to the Napoleon Apartments at the Louvre. It is all grandeur, elegance and glamour; it’s hard to image living in such opulence. You could also pop into Cafe Marly at the edge of the Louvre courtyard.
Napoleon Apartments by neha
Musée Maillol – Fondation Dina Vierny
The museum was named after the French Catalan artist and sculptor Arsitide Maillol. Muséé Maillol is highly recommended for modern art lovers. The collections include Bombois, Rimbert, Séraphine, Degas, Picasso, Henri Matisse and more. Matisse fans can find a lot more of the artist’s work at the Musee Matisse in Nice, one of our ten things to do in Nice.
Portrait de femme by Henri Matisse in Musee Maillol by dalbera
Musee de la Publicite
Musée de la Publicité is a must for all advertising majors, employees and enthusiasts. I am still fascinated by all the creations from agencies and marketing departments, and this is a great place to discover radio spots, commercials, posters among other things. Admission fees are 5,34 € and 3,81 €. The museum is open all days except Monday.
Musee de la Publicite by Martin Menu
Musée National de la Céramique
Paris museums aren’t all about paintings and sculptures. If ceramics appeal to you, Musée national de la Céramique can take you back as far as the middle ages. Only closed on Tuesdays, it is open from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Vase de Sevres outside the Paris Ceramics Museum by sylaf
Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air
Founded in 1980, Musée de la Sculpture en Plein Air gives sculpture fans to enjoy its collection is open air, and doesn’t charge an entrance free. The museum, located in Seine, features the works of Alexander Archipenko, Jean Arp Marino di Teana, Yoshikuni Iida and more. The oldest works date back to 1950s.
Piece by Bernard Pages at the Outdoor Museum of Sculpture by Alexander Kirk
Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
Designed in 1937 and opened to public in 1961, Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is a good choice for contemporary art lovers. Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is open from Tuesday to Sunday 10 am-6 pm. It is free to visit permanent collections. Located in Palais de Tokyo.
Paris Museum of Modern Art by feuillu
Musée Marmottan Monet
Worthy of its name, Musée Marmottan Monet has the biggest collection of French impressionist Claude Monet in addition to the works of Berthe Morisot, Alfred Sisley, Édouard Manet and more. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. The museum is open from 10 am to 6pm from Wednesday , to Sunday (and until 8pm on Tuesdays. The entrance fee is 5-10€ and kids (under the age of 7) can enter without charge.
Musee Marmottan Monet by imd paint
Musée-galerie de la Seita
Musée- galerie de la Seita displays tobacco-related objects and products. Its exhibitions offer a thorough education about the history of tobacco production and consumption. The museum is open from 11 am to 7.00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) and the tickets cost 3,81 € and 2,29 €.
More Paris Tips
You can find lots of tips for best things to do in Paris on Europe a la Carte.
More on European Museums
Find out about more museums in Europe on Europe a la Carte.
