24 Best Paris Museums and Exhibitions

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Paris is a city bursting with art, history, and culture, making it a top destination for museum lovers. The best Paris museums and exhibitions offer something for everyone, from world-famous masterpieces to unique workshops.

Whether you’re into paintings, history, or hands-on experiences, this guide covers 24 top activities to explore. Pack your comfortable shoes and a travel journal to capture your adventure. Get ready to dive into the heart of Parisian culture with these must-visit spots.

See also: 15 Best Luxury Hotels in Paris

Table of Contents

Why Visit Paris Museums and Exhibitions?

Paris is home to some of the world’s most iconic museums and cultural exhibitions. From the Louvre’s vast art collection to the hands-on Fragonard Perfume Workshop, these experiences showcase the city’s rich heritage.

Visiting the best Paris museums and exhibitions lets you explore history, creativity, and innovation up close. Many offer skip-the-line tickets, saving you time to enjoy more.

Whether it’s admiring the Mona Lisa or strolling Versailles’ gardens, these activities create unforgettable memories. Bring a camera to snap photos and a backpack for essentials.

Top 24 Paris Museums and Exhibitions to Explore

1. Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket

The Louvre Museum, the world’s largest art museum, is a must-visit for any Paris trip. With over 35,000 works, it spans ancient Egyptian artifacts to 19th-century European paintings. Highlights include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The iconic glass pyramid in the courtyard is perfect for photos.

A timed-entrance ticket lets you skip long lines, giving you more time to explore its vast galleries. Rated 4.6 stars with 64,976 reviews, this top pick is booked 146 times daily. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Plan a full day to see the highlights, and consider a guidebook to navigate the museum’s layout. This activity often sells out, so book early to secure your spot.

Book Now: Louvre Museum Timed-Entrance Ticket

2. Fragonard Paris: Mini Perfume Workshop

Dive into the art of perfume-making at the Fragonard Paris Mini Perfume Workshop. This 45-minute small-group session, held in the historic Fragonard Museum, lets you create a unique 12ml fragrance to take home. Expert perfumers guide you through scent families, teaching you to blend notes like citrus, floral, or musk.

Rated 4.4 stars with 1,205 reviews, it’s the #1 selling workshop in Paris. Perfect for creative travelers, it’s a fun break from traditional museum visits. Bring a notebook to jot down tips and wear a light scarf for style. The intimate setting ensures personalized attention. This popular activity sells out fast, so reserve your spot soon.

Check Availability: Fragonard Paris: Mini Perfume Workshop

3. Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace with Gardens Access

Experience royal splendor with a skip-the-line tour of Versailles Palace and its gardens. This 1.5-hour guided tour, rated 4.7 stars with 7,514 reviews, takes you through the Hall of Mirrors, King’s Apartments, and Queen’s Chambers. Learn about Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette from an expert guide.

The sprawling gardens, with fountains and sculptures, are a highlight. Wear a sunhat and sunscreen for outdoor exploring. Bring a camera to capture the opulent interiors. This top-selling tour is ideal for history lovers and often sells out, so book early.

Book Now: Versailles: Skip-the-Line Tour of Palace with Gardens Access

See also: 24 Best Paris Day Trips

4. From Paris: Giverny Day Trip with Audio Guide or Live Guide

Escape to Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny on a 5-hour day trip from Paris. This skip-the-line tour, rated 4.3 stars with 1,556 reviews, includes the artist’s house, vibrant flower gardens, and famous lily pond that inspired his Water Lilies paintings.

Choose an audio guide or live guide for insights into Monet’s life and work. The charming village offers a peaceful retreat from the city. Pack a water bottle and light jacket for comfort. Bring a sketchbook to capture the scenery. This top pick for art lovers often sells out, so reserve early.

Reserve Your Spot: From Paris: Giverny Day Trip with Audio Guide or Live Guide

5. Louvre Museum Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access

This 3-hour guided Louvre tour, rated 4.6 stars with 5,556 reviews, focuses on must-see masterpieces. Skip the line and follow an expert guide to the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory, and Liberty Leading the People. Learn about Renaissance art, ancient sculptures, and French paintings.

Ideal for first-time visitors, it covers the Louvre’s highlights efficiently. Bring a notepad to sketch or note favorites and wear comfortable shoes for walking. A headphone set ensures you hear the guide clearly. This popular tour sells out fast, so book ahead.

Book Now: Louvre Museum Masterpieces Tour with Reserved Access

6. Orsay Museum Entry Ticket

The Orsay Museum, set in a stunning former train station, is a haven for Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. A 1-day skip-the-line ticket, rated 4.7 stars with 19,035 reviews, lets you see works by Van Gogh, Monet, Degas, and Renoir.

The museum’s grand clock tower offers a unique photo opportunity. Explore at your own pace, from vibrant paintings to intricate sculptures. Wear a light jacket for comfort and bring a camera for photos. This top-rated activity, booked 104 times yesterday, is a must for art enthusiasts.

Get Your Ticket: Orsay Museum Entry Ticket

See also: 20 Best Things To Do in Paris

7. Sainte Chapelle Entry Ticket

Sainte Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece on Île de la Cité, is renowned for its 13th-century stained-glass windows. This 1-day skip-the-line ticket, rated 4.5 stars with 7,390 reviews, lets you marvel at the colorful glass depicting biblical stories.

The upper chapel’s vibrant light show is unforgettable. A quick visit, it’s perfect for combining with nearby sites like Notre-Dame. Bring a camera for photos and a guidebook for context. This popular activity often sells out, so book early.

Book Now: Sainte Chapelle Entry Ticket

8. Louvre Museum Ticket & Mona Lisa Digital Audio Guide

Explore the Louvre independently with a skip-the-line ticket and a digital audio guide focused on the Mona Lisa. Rated 4.7 stars with 2,593 reviews, this 1-day pass covers key artworks, from ancient Greek sculptures to European paintings.

The audio guide provides insights into the Mona Lisa’s history and other highlights. Wander at your own pace through the museum’s vast galleries. Bring a headphone set for the audio and a water bottle for comfort. This top-rated option is great for solo travelers.

Reserve Now: Louvre Museum Ticket & Mona Lisa Digital Audio Guide

9. Opera Garnier Entry Ticket

The Opera Garnier, a 19th-century architectural gem, offers a 1-day skip-the-line ticket for a self-guided visit. Rated 4.6 stars with 14,035 reviews, it lets you explore the grand staircase, chandelier-lit auditorium, and ornate foyers. Inspired by “Phantom of the Opera,” its opulence is unmatched.

Perfect for architecture and theater fans, the visit takes about an hour. Wear dress shoes to match the elegance and bring a camera for photos. This popular activity is a cultural must-see.

Get Your Ticket: Opera Garnier Entry Ticket

10. Priority Access Louvre with Host – Direct to Mona Lisa

This 1-hour priority access Louvre tour, rated 4.1 stars with 8,235 reviews, takes you directly to the Mona Lisa with a host. Skip the line and explore highlights like Renaissance paintings and ancient sculptures.

Perfect for travelers short on time, it ensures you see the essentials efficiently. Bring a small bag for convenience and wear comfortable shoes for walking. A notepad is handy for notes. This tour often sells out, so book early.

Book Now: Priority Access Louvre with Host – Direct to Mona Lisa

11. Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Combined Tickets

Combine two historic sites with a 1-day skip-the-line ticket to Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie. Rated 4.5 stars with 6,493 reviews, this small-group activity explores the chapel’s stunning stained-glass windows and the Conciergerie, a former palace and prison where Marie Antoinette was held.

Both are on Île de la Cité, making it an efficient outing. Bring a guidebook for historical context and a camera for photos. This popular combo often sells out, so reserve early.

Reserve Your Spot: Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie Combined Tickets

12. Versailles: Skip-the-Line Guided Palace Tour and Full Access

This 1.5-hour guided Versailles tour, rated 4.6 stars with 3,097 reviews, offers skip-the-line access to the palace and full entry to the gardens. Explore the State Apartments, Hall of Mirrors, and royal bedrooms with an expert guide sharing stories of French royalty.

The gardens, with their fountains and sculptures, are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Wear sunscreen and a sunhat for outdoor time. Bring a water bottle to stay refreshed. This top-rated tour is a history lover’s dream.

Book Now: Versailles: Skip-the-Line Guided Palace Tour and Full Access

13. Louvre Museum Tour Mona Lisa & Iconic Masterpieces

Dive deep into the Louvre’s treasures with this 2-3.5-hour guided tour, rated 4.8 stars with 2,271 reviews. Skip the line and follow an expert guide to the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and masterpieces like Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People. Learn about Renaissance techniques, ancient sculptures, and the stories behind iconic artworks.

This tour is perfect for those wanting a thorough yet manageable exploration of the Louvre’s highlights. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. A notepad is great for jotting down insights. This top-rated tour is a must for art enthusiasts and often sells out, so book early.

Reserve Now: Louvre Museum Tour Mona Lisa & Iconic Masterpieces

14. Paris: Louvre Reserved Access and Boat Cruise

Experience two Paris classics with this 1-day bundle, rated 4.3 stars with 13,305 reviews. Start with skip-the-line access to the Louvre, where you can explore its vast collection of art, from ancient artifacts to Renaissance paintings.

Then, relax on a Seine River cruise, taking in views of Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and charming bridges. An optional audio guide enhances both experiences with fun facts and history. Perfect for a full day of culture and sightseeing, this combo is a top seller. Wear a windbreaker for the cruise and bring a camera for photos. Book early to secure your spot.

Book Now: Paris: Louvre Reserved Access and Boat Cruise

15. From Paris: Versailles Palace & Gardens with Transportation

This 5.5-9.5-hour Versailles tour, rated 4.6 stars with 4,673 reviews, is a hassle-free way to explore royal history. It includes round-trip transportation from Paris, skip-the-line access to the palace, and full entry to the gardens. Explore the Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments, and the Queen’s Hamlet with an optional audio guide.

The gardens’ fountains and manicured lawns are a highlight, especially on fountain show days. Ideal for those wanting a comprehensive visit without planning logistics. Pack a snack and a water bottle for the trip. Wear sunscreen and a sunhat for outdoor time. This tour is a top pick for history buffs.

Reserve Your Spot: From Paris: Versailles Palace & Gardens with Transportation

See also: 24 Best Paris Entry Tickets

16. Skip the Line Ticket for Louis Vuitton Foundation Paris

The Louis Vuitton Foundation, a modern art museum in a striking Frank Gehry-designed building, offers a 1-day skip-the-line ticket. Rated 4.6 stars with 4,446 reviews, it showcases contemporary art exhibitions, from bold installations to innovative sculptures.

The glass “sails” of the building are a photo-worthy backdrop, and the rooftop terrace offers panoramic views of Paris. Perfect for modern art fans, this museum blends creativity and architecture. Bring a sketchbook to capture inspiration and a camera for photos. Booked 73 times yesterday, this activity is a must-see.

Get Your Ticket: Skip the Line Ticket for Louis Vuitton Foundation Paris

17. Les Invalides: Napoleon’s Tomb & Army Museum Entry

Les Invalides is a fascinating stop for history lovers, housing Napoleon’s Tomb and the Army Museum. This 1-day skip-the-line ticket, rated 4.6 stars with 6,926 reviews, lets you explore France’s military past through displays of weapons, uniforms, and artifacts.

The grand tomb, under a golden dome, is a highlight, honoring Napoleon’s legacy. The museum covers wars from the Middle Ages to World War II, offering a deep dive into history. Bring a notebook to jot down facts and wear comfortable shoes for walking. This top-rated activity is a Paris gem.

Book Now: Les Invalides: Napoleon’s Tomb & Army Museum Entry

18. Centre Pompidou Entry Ticket

The Centre Pompidou, with its colorful, industrial design, is Europe’s largest modern art museum. This 1-day skip-the-line ticket, rated 4.5 stars with over 10,000 reviews, grants access to works by Picasso, Matisse, Warhol, and more. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.

Known for its bold exhibitions, it’s a must for contemporary art fans. The museum’s quirky exterior pipes are a fun photo op. Bring a camera for shots and a notepad for reflections. This popular spot is a cultural highlight.

Get Your Ticket: Centre Pompidou Entry Ticket

19. Musée Rodin Entry Ticket

The Musée Rodin celebrates the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin, creator of The Thinker and The Gates of Hell. This 1-day skip-the-line ticket, rated 4.6 stars with over 8,000 reviews, includes access to the museum and its serene gardens. The outdoor sculptures, set among roses and fountains, are a highlight.

The elegant 18th-century mansion houses bronze and marble works, offering insight into Rodin’s genius. Perfect for a peaceful art escape. Wear a sunhat for garden strolling and bring a sketchbook for inspiration. This top-rated museum is a must-visit.

Book Now: Musée Rodin Entry Ticket

20. Petit Palais Entry Ticket

The Petit Palais, a Beaux-Arts gem near the Champs-Élysées, houses a free-entry fine arts museum. This 1-day ticket, rated 4.7 stars with over 5,000 reviews, lets you explore paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from antiquity to the 1900s.

Highlights include works by Courbet and Cézanne, plus a charming courtyard garden for a relaxing break. Often overlooked, it’s a hidden treasure among Paris’s cultural spots. Bring a camera for photos and a notepad to note favorites. This underrated museum is a delightful stop.

Check Availability: Petit Palais Entry Ticket

21. Musée de l’Orangerie Entry Ticket

The Musée de l’Orangerie, nestled in the Tuileries Garden, is famous for Monet’s Water Lilies, displayed in two oval rooms designed by the artist himself. This 1-day skip-the-line ticket, rated 4.6 stars with over 7,000 reviews, also includes Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works by Renoir, Cézanne, and Picasso.

The serene setting makes it a perfect spot for art reflection. The museum’s compact size allows for a leisurely visit. Bring a notepad to jot down thoughts and wear a light jacket for comfort. This top-rated museum is a Monet lover’s dream.

Reserve Now: Musée de l’Orangerie Entry Ticket

See also: 24 Best Paris Dinner Shows

22. Palais de Tokyo Entry Ticket

The Palais de Tokyo is Paris’s hub for cutting-edge contemporary art, known for its raw, industrial vibe. This 1-day skip-the-line ticket, rated 4.5 stars with over 6,000 reviews, lets you explore provocative exhibitions, from multimedia installations to avant-garde sculptures.

Located by the Seine, it’s a hotspot for creative minds. The museum’s bold approach and late-night hours make it unique. Bring a camera for creative shots and a notebook for ideas. This popular spot is perfect for adventurous art lovers.

Get Your Ticket: Palais de Tokyo Entry Ticket

23. Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Entry Ticket

The Musée du Quai Branly celebrates non-Western art and cultures, with artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. This 1-day skip-the-line ticket, rated 4.6 stars with over 5,500 reviews, includes access to a lush garden and unique displays of masks, textiles, and sculptures.

The museum’s modern design and focus on global heritage offer a fresh perspective. Perfect for cultural explorers, it’s a journey beyond European art. Bring a notebook to record insights and wear comfortable shoes for walking. This top-rated museum is a cultural must.

Book Now: Musée du Quai Branly Entry Ticket

24. Grand Palais Exhibitions

The Grand Palais, with its iconic glass roof, hosts rotating art and cultural exhibitions in a stunning Beaux-Arts building. This 1-day skip-the-line ticket, rated 4.7 stars with over 9,000 reviews, offers access to diverse shows, from classical art to contemporary installations.

Check the schedule for current exhibits, which range from photography to historical displays. The grand architecture alone is worth the visit. Bring a guidebook to learn about the exhibitions and a camera for photos. This iconic venue is a Paris highlight.

Reserve Your Spot: Grand Palais Exhibitions

Tips for Visiting Paris Museums and Exhibitions

Book Early: Many top Paris museums and exhibitions, like the Louvre and Versailles, sell out fast. Reserve tickets online to secure your spot.
Use Skip-the-Line Options: Save time with skip-the-line tickets, especially at busy spots like the Orsay Museum and Sainte Chapelle.
Plan Your Day: Some activities, like Giverny or Versailles with transportation, take half a day or more. Schedule shorter visits, like Opera Garnier, for flexibility.
Pack Smart: Bring a backpack with a water bottle, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for long days.
Check Hours: Museums often close on Mondays or Tuesdays. Verify schedules to avoid disappointment.
Combine Activities: Bundles like the Louvre and boat cruise or Sainte-Chapelle and Conciergerie save time and money.

FAQs About Paris Museums and Exhibitions

1. What are the best Paris museums for first-time visitors?

The Louvre, Orsay Museum, and Centre Pompidou are top picks for first-timers. The Louvre’s Mona Lisa and vast collection are iconic, while Orsay’s Impressionist art and Centre Pompidou’s modern works offer variety. Skip-the-line tickets for these museums save time. Check each museum’s website for temporary exhibitions to enhance your visit.

2. How can I save time at Paris museums and exhibitions?

Book skip-the-line tickets for busy spots like the Louvre, Versailles, and Sainte Chapelle. Timed-entry tickets also help manage crowds. Arrive early or visit during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings. Consider guided tours for efficient visits to highlights, especially at large museums like the Louvre.

3. Are Paris museum tickets refundable?

Refund policies vary by activity. Many GetYourGuide tickets, like the Louvre or Orsay, offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before for a full refund. Check the specific activity’s terms when booking. Always review cancellation details to avoid surprises, especially for popular tours that sell out.

4. Can I visit multiple Paris museums in one day?

Yes, you can visit multiple museums in a day, especially compact ones like Sainte Chapelle and the Conciergerie, which are close together. Combine with a shorter activity, like a Seine cruise, for variety. Plan your route and book skip-the-line tickets to maximize time. A backpack helps carry essentials.

5. What should I bring to Paris museums and exhibitions?

Pack a water bottle, comfortable shoes, and a camera for photos (check flash rules). A notebook or sketchbook is great for notes or sketches. For outdoor sites like Versailles, bring sunscreen and a sunhat.

Conclusion

Paris’s museums and exhibitions are a treasure trove of art, history, and culture. From the Louvre’s timeless masterpieces to the hands-on Fragonard Perfume Workshop, the best Paris museums and exhibitions offer endless ways to explore the city’s soul.

Whether you’re admiring Monet’s gardens in Giverny or marveling at Versailles’ grandeur, these experiences create lasting memories. Book your tickets early, pack your travel gear, and dive into Paris’s cultural heart. Start planning your adventure today.

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