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The Must-See Museums of Paris (in detail)

1 July 2026 9 min readJARI 에디터
The Must-See Museums of Paris (in detail)

start with JARI

  • Community — start an outing (모임) to go together: less tiring, more fun.

    You can't do a big museum in full. Pick your sections in advance, and book several days ahead for slot-required sites.

the Louvre

The world's largest museum. Three stars: the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace. It's huge — target one wing (Denon, Sully or Richelieu).

  • Duration: 3 h+ / Closed: Tuesday / Free: 1st Friday evening 6-9pm (except July-August), and under-18 / under-26 EEA.
  • Tip: book a slot. The Carrousel (underground) entrance has shorter queues than the Pyramid.

the Musée d'Orsay

In a stunning former railway station. The temple of Impressionism: Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne. The must-see after the Louvre.

  • Duration: 2-3 h / Closed: Monday / Free: 1st Sunday of the month, under-18 / under-26 EEA.
  • Tip: start with the Impressionist rooms on the 5th floor; photo behind the giant clock.

the Orangerie

Small but intense. The two oval rooms of Monet's Water Lilies (Nymphéas) are the highlight. Downstairs, an Impressionist and modern collection.

  • Duration: 1 h / Closed: Tuesday / Free: 1st Sunday of the month, under-18 / under-26 EEA.
  • Tip: combine with Orsay the same day (either side of the Tuileries).

the Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac

The arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Near the Eiffel Tower; the building and its green wall are worth a look.

  • Duration: 1.5-2 h / Closed: Monday / Free: 1st Sunday of the month.

the Rodin Museum

The Thinker, The Kiss, The Gates of Hell, in a beautiful garden. Perfect in good weather.

  • Duration: 1.5 h / Closed: Monday / garden-only ticket is cheaper; free on the 1st Sunday (depending on season).

Cluny — the Middle Ages Museum

A medieval treasure. The star: the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries. Renovated and very pleasant.

  • Duration: 1-1.5 h / Closed: Monday / Free: 1st Sunday of the month.

the Musée Picasso

In an elegant mansion in the Marais: Picasso's work by period. Combine it with a stroll around the district.

  • Duration: 1.5 h / Closed: Monday / Free: 1st Sunday of the month (no booking).

free or less crowded

  • Petit Palais — municipal, permanent collections free. Lovely garden café.
  • Carnavalet — the history of Paris, municipal, permanent free.
  • Les Invalides – Army Museum — Napoleon's tomb and military history.

the Centre Pompidou is closed

A landmark of modern and contemporary art, it is closed for renovation from September 2025 to 2030. Some programmes have moved (cinema to mk2 Bibliothèque). Meanwhile, fall back on Orsay, the Orangerie and the Museum of Modern Art (municipal, free).

tips to chain visits well

  • Group by proximity: Orsay + Orangerie (Tuileries), Louvre + Palais-Royal, Rodin + Invalides.
  • At opening or on late nights, it's quietest.
  • ID (under-18/26 free entry), large bags banned (cloakroom).

common mistakes

  • Trying to see all of the Louvre at once — target one wing.
  • Arriving without booking at a major site.
  • Planning the Pompidou (closed!).

FAQ

How many museums a day? One big + one small (e.g. Orsay + Orangerie) is realistic. Where to start? For a first visit: Louvre and Orsay. Short on time? The Orangerie is perfect. How to see them for free? It's all in our free museums guide.

Addresses (Google Maps)

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