Paris is one of the great art capitals of the world, home to masterpieces spanning thousands of years — from ancient sculpture to Impressionist sunlight to cutting-edge modern art. Whether you have an afternoon or a week, its museums are unmissable. Here are the ones to prioritize.
The Louvre
The world’s largest and most-visited museum, the Louvre holds tens of thousands of works, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It is gloriously overwhelming, so don’t try to see it all — pick a wing or a short list of highlights and savor them. Book a timed entry ticket online in advance, and consider an early or late slot to dodge the biggest crowds around the Mona Lisa.
The Musee d’Orsay
Set in a beautiful former railway station, the Musée d’Orsay houses the world’s finest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art — think Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and Van Gogh. Many visitors love it even more than the Louvre for its manageable size and luminous masterpieces. Don’t miss the view through the giant station clock. Book ahead and allow a half-day.
The Centre Pompidou
Impossible to miss with its colorful exterior pipes and tubes worn on the outside, the Centre Pompidou is home to Europe’s largest modern-art museum. Inside you’ll find Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky, and bold contemporary works, while the top-floor escalators reward you with a superb city view. Note that the building is undergoing a major multi-year renovation, so check its current status before planning a visit.
The Musee Rodin and the Orangerie
Two smaller gems are well worth your time. The Musée Rodin displays the sculptor’s works, including The Thinker, in an elegant mansion and a beautiful rose garden — a peaceful retreat. And in the Tuileries, the Musée de l’Orangerie is famous for Monet’s vast, immersive Water Lilies panels, displayed in two oval rooms designed to wrap you in color.
Tips for Museum-Going
A few pointers to make the most of Paris’s art: most national museums close one day a week (often Monday or Tuesday), so check before you go. Many offer free or reduced entry at certain times, and booking timed tickets online is essential for the busiest sites. If you plan to visit several, a museum pass can save money and queuing. Above all, pace yourself — a focused visit beats an exhausting marathon.
More Paris guides: explore the full Paris Travel Guides series.
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