The world’s largest and most prestigious museum, Musée du Louvre, is a must for any trip to Paris, France, and with pieces like “Mona Lisa” and “Venus de Milo” on display, it’s no surprise that the landmark is a tourist hot spot no matter when you visit. Luckily for Paris, a place rich with the world’s most beloved art and artifacts, nearly every museum in the city boasts treasures from the most talented artists and creators to ever walk the Earth. If you want to explore art without fighting the crowds looking to recreate the Beyoncé and Jay-Z video at the Louvre, these museums are worth a visit.
Musée d’Orsay
Located in the center of Paris on the banks of the Seine, Musée d’Orsay was installed in the former Orsay train station for the Universal Exhibition of 1900, and the building, which opened in 1986, is a work of art in itself. The museum features art created between 1848 and 1914, and here you’ll find d post-Impressionist work by Degas, Monet, Manet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. Must-see pieces include James McNeill Whistler, Whistler’s Mother, 1871 and Self-portrait (1889) by Vincent van Gogh.
Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais
A historic monument, Grand Palais is located on the heart of Avenue des Champs-Élysées and welcomes more than two million visitors a year. The museum hosts many of the top visiting exhibitions in France, so come here if you want to attend events like Paris Photo.
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Musée Rodin
Located at Hôtel Biron, Musée Rodin is a smaller museum dedicated to the work of sculptor Auguste Rodin. “The Thinker” is just one of the works that attract visitors to this museum, which also features a sculptor garden and paintings that were acquired by the artist.
Musée du quai Branly
More than 300,000 pieces of art and artifacts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas can be found at Musée du quai Branly, which is located on the banks of the River Seine at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. The museum opened in 2006 and features ceremonial masks from Alaska, sculptures from Mali, and necklaces once worn by warriors in India.
Palais de Tokyo
Open since 2002, Palais de Tokyo offers a young, innovative alternative to the classic museums in Paris, welcoming immersive visiting exhibits created by artists from Europe and beyond. The art here is among the finest contemporary art in the world, so if you want to discover the next big stars of the art world, see who’s on display here first.