When we think about Paris, the Eiffel Tower is the first thing that comes to our minds. But Paris is not just that. It has a rich and diverse art history, which is represented not just in its streets but also in its museums. Its art galleries and museums are not just famous tourist spots but hold so many ancient stories in their masterpieces. Yes, Paris is a city of romance, but beyond that, it’s a city that has seen many artists over the centuries, too. A trip to Paris might feel incomplete without visiting the Eiffel Tower or its famous cafes, but believe us, it would feel even more unfulfilled if you return home without visiting its famous museums. There are many museums, but here are the five best ones that you cannot miss in Paris.
5 Best Museums To Visit In Paris
1. Louvre Museum
This is considered an excellent museum, not just in Paris but in the entire world! If you are interested in art and history, then trust us, your trip to Paris will only get better by stepping into the Louvre. It’s the world’s most visited and largest museum and holds the greatest masterpieces of all time. Some of them include The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, Venus de Milo, and more. The museum also features European paintings from the 13th to the 19th century. It also has the French Crown Jewels, which continue to attract many visitors. One interesting fact: the Louvre was once a fortress before it was turned into a museum!
2. Musée d’Orsay
It’s a world-class museum in Paris that should not be missed, of course. It houses the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, which makes it a must-visit for art lovers. Musée d’Orsay houses masterpieces like Monet’s Saint-Lazare Station, Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône, Renoir’s Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, and many others.
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3. Musée De l’Orangerie
Next on our list of the best museums to visit in Paris is Musée de l’Orangerie. This art museum is home to Claude Monet’s large-scale Water Lilies murals. The museum also consists of the Walter-Guillaume Collection, which again features works from the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist periods. The museum constantly attracts many art lovers from not just Europe but all around the world.
4. Musée Rodin
This is a very different one from the ones we mentioned above. This museum in Paris is completely dedicated to the famous French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Though it might be less famous, it still deserves a spot on your list if sculptures interest you. The museum houses many of Auguste Rodin’s famous works, including The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell. All these sculptures are present amid nature, trees, and bushes, which lets the visitor observe them in a natural setting rather than being in a confined space. It’s great, right? Art is seriously enjoyed a lot more in the open, according to us.
5. Musée Picasso
Home to the largest collection of Picasso’s work, this museum definitely should not be missed at all! It features around 5,000 pieces, which include not just his paintings but also sculptures, drawings, and ceramics. Yes, it’s heaven for art lovers. But if history makes you curious, we suggest you visit this museum as it also houses Picasso’s notebooks and studies, which shed light on Picasso’s personal life. It’s amazing, trust us!
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So, instead of just watching these museums on Instagram reels and being stunned by their collections, plan a trip to Paris and make sure you visit them. Forget the Eiffel Tower for once, these museums will transport you to an altogether different century. And for art and history lovers, there is nothing better!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva/ Mathias Reding and lillisphotography