There are over one hundred museums to visit in Paris. From world-famous art galleries to preserved historical homes. Cheese museums, Edith Piaf shrines, taxidermy-themed mansions…
When there’s so much on offer and so little time, how can you choose?
Well, I’ve spent ten years visiting Paris museums, and I’ve finally come up with the ‘best’ one in every district.
On this week’s podcast, we chatted about the five most underrated museums in the city. Listen below to see how many of these lesser knowns are on your radar. The rest: Just for members!
1st arrondissement – Musée du Louvre
The Louvre Museum is one of the greatest and most visited museums in the world. There are 35,000 artworks on display at the Louvre and you need to know from the start – you will never see them all. Imagine: if you were to look at each work of art for 30 seconds, you would need six weeks to see them all. Definitely book a ticket in advance at this place, you don’t want to spend your precious time there waiting in line.
More to find in the 1st arrondissement.
2nd arrondissement – Bibliothèque Nationale Richelieu
The Richelieu wing of the Bibliothèque Nationale takes up an entire block in the second arrondissement of Paris. The buildings have a rich history spanning centuries, and passing through various owners. In the 19th century, the site was consolidated to form the National Library of France. Inside is a treasure trove of libraries, museums and galleries, which house more than 22 million objects and documents, from a rare copy of the Gutenberg bible to an original manuscript of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. We had a great time when we visited recently. Simply magnificent. Address: 5 Rue Vivienne, 75002
More to find in the 2nd arrondissement.
3rd arrondissement – Musée Carnavalet
The Musée Carnavalet is dedicated to the history of Paris. It reopened in June 2022 after years of renovations and it looks incredible. It’s free to enter and the canteen in the beautiful courtyard is picture-perfect. Not to be missed – the old shop signs in the entry hall and the entire preserved Art Nouveau shop. Address: 23 Rue de Sevigné, 75003
More to find in the 3rd arrondissement.
4th arrondissement – Maison Victor Hugo
This was the home of perhaps France’s most well-known writer – and it’s been preserved to look as it was during his lifetime there. It’s free to enter, so enjoy at your leisure. Make sure you check out the cafe and its spacious courtyard on the way out into the stunning Place des Vosges. Address: 6 Pl. des Vosges, 75004
More to find in the 4th arrondissement.
5th arrondissement – Musée de Cluny
Also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, the Cluny museum is an exceptional and recently-renovated museum. The Roman ruins are perfect for ancient history fans, while the tapestries (especially The Lady and the Unicorn) will get your imagination spinning. Address: 28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005
More to find in the 5th arrondissement.
6th arrondissement – Musée Delacroix
Delacroix is a true French national treasure. This recently-renovated museum is in his old home, complete with workshop and garden out the back. You’ll see some of his masterpieces in the nearby Saint Sulpice church and make sure you take a pause on the beautiful square outside the front door. Address: 6 Rue de Furstemberg, 75006
More to find in the 6th arrondissement.
7th arrondissement – Musée d’Orsay
A world-class museum with an exquisite collection of Impressionist art. The entry fee gives you entrance into the museum’s near-constant rotation of excellent temporary exhibitions. Don’t leave without visiting the top level, where you’ll find the famous clock face with spectacular city views. Address: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007
More to find in the 7th arrondissement.
8th arrondissement – Petit Palais
A true wonder of Paris and the Belle Époque. Free entrance to its permanent art exhibition, featuring artists like Monet and Delacroix, is incredible enough, but the building itself is a show stopper. Ensure you take in those mosaic tiles, that breathtaking entryway, those staircases. Caveat: this was a tricky choice due to the presence of the Musée Nissim de Camondo in the 8th arrondissement, which will be closed until 2026. Address: Av. Winston Churchill, 75008
More to find in the 8th arrondissement.
9th arrondissement – Musée de la Vie Romantique
A charming tribute to the dramatic emergence and tradition of 18th and 19th century French Romanticism. The permanent collection won’t cost you a cent and if you’re interested in the history of French literature or simply want to wander around a more manageable museum, make an excursion here. Though please be aware that the museum is closed until 2026. Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009
More to find in the 9th arrondissement.
10th arrondissement – Musée des Moulages
This place isn’t for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. A museum full of thousands of casts of dermatological lesions, located in one of the oldest hospitals in Paris. It was opened at the same time as the Eiffel Tower, for the same World’s Fair, but pretty much unknown, even to locals (as you’ll hear on this week’s podcast). Open during the week and entry is by appointment only. Address: 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010.
More to find in the 10th arrondissement.
11th arrondissement – Atelier des Lumières
The Atelier des Lumières is half-theatre, half-museum. Its temporary exhibitions offer immersive experiences, so you feel like you’re stepping inside iconic pieces of work, with images projected onto the walls, floor and ceiling. Previous shows there have included works around Van Gogh, Chagall and Monet, as well as the famous reporter/detective Tintin. Address: 38 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011
More to find in the 11th arrondissement.
12th arrondissement – Musée des Arts Forains
This enormous fairground museum is so exceptional, it’s incomprehensible that it’s not as popular as other Paris museums. Admittedly, it is located quite some distance from the rest of the action in Paris, but where else can you play old fairground games, ride hundred-year-old carousels, and walk through what feels like a dream? Advanced bookings are essential. Address: 53 Av. des Terroirs de France, 75012
More to find in the 12th arrondissement.
13th arrondissement – Bibliothèque Nationale François Mitterand
The Bibliothèque Nationale François Mitterand is a modern complex of four buildings, designed to look like open books, located on the Seine. There are numerous treasures located within, including a hectare-sized forest garden and the famous globes of Coronelli, which were commissioned in the 17th century by King Louis XIV. Address: Quai François Mauriac, 75013.
More to find in the 13th arrondissement.
14th arrondissement – Catacombs
This extensive underground tunnel network in southern Paris houses the bones of over 6 million people. Initially mined for limestone to construct buildings above ground, these tunnels transformed into the Catacombs in the late 18th century, as urban development made central cemeteries impractical. The bones from these cemeteries were relocated to the underground network. Address: 1 Avenue du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014
More to find in the 14th arrondissement.
15th arrondissement – Musee Bourdelle
This is a sculpture museum showcasing the work of the 19th century sculptur, Antoine Bourdelle. It’s an impressive place, where the artist’s preserved studio and gardens showcase some of his most staggering artworks. Feel free to make your time short here as it’s free entry. Address: 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015
More to find in the 15th arrondissement.
16th arrondissement – Maison de Balzac
An extremely rare combination in Paris of garden and a home-turned-museum dedicated to the famous 19th century French writer, Honoré de Balzac. We give this place extra points for its Eiffel Tower views and a cute cafe on site. Don’t miss his cane, nor the sketches gifted by Picasso and keep your eyes peeled for the secret door he would use to escape his creditors. Address: 47 Rue Raynouard, 75016
More to find in the 16th arrondissement.
17th arrondissement – Musée Jean-Jacques Henner
Housed in a former hôtel particulier in the 17th arrondissement, this museum is dedicated to the works of the 19th century French painter, Jean-Jacques Henner. Originally owned by another famed French painter, Guillaume Dubufe, the museum celebrates its centenary this year. Certainly, it’s not as well-known, but its serene energy matches that of the neighbourhood overall. Address: 43 Avenue de Villiers, 75017.
More to find in the 17th arrondissement.
18th arrondissement – Musée de Montmartre
This museum has been created inside one of the oldest buildings in Montmartre – La Maison de Bel Air. As impressive as the museum is, the gardens out back are even more beautiful. Famously, artists like Renoir, Suzanne Valadon and Maurice Utrillo had their studios here. If these walls could talk… Address: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018
More to find in the 18th arrondissement.
19th arrondissement – La Géode
Situated in the north east of the city, in the heart of the La Villette complex, is this eye-catching mirror-finished dome. Recently reopened after an extensive renovation, the geode is a cinema using IMAX technology to create fully-immersive cinematic experiences. Don’t leave straight away, the complex is famous for its extensive park, science exhibits and family-friendly activities. Address: 26 Avenue Corentin Cariou, 75019
More to find in the 19th arrondissement.
20th arrondissement – Père-Lachaise cemetery
The 20th arrondissement is home to the sprawling cemetery of Père Lachaise, where all kinds of famous and interesting people are buried. Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde… and about a million more. Visit the graves, of course, but don’t leave without taking a moment to enjoy the stunning city views and fresh air.
More to find in the 20th arrondissement.
And that’s it, folks! Hopefully, there were some discoveries and surprises for you, amongst the old-faithful museums.