A Guide To Paris Museums – From Dior To The Louvre
There are so many museums in Paris it can get overwhelming. For an art lover you could spend your entire trip inside museums. Not that it’s a bad thing. I do recommend the Paris museum pass. It will give you access to many of the museums and monuments in and outside of Paris for a reduced rate. Choose from 3 day passes for 55 euros, 4 days for 70 euros, or 6 days for 85 euros. I have always found these to be worth the admission prices when going to multiple museums. Get your passes at https://www.parismuseumpass.fr/t-en
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I will start with Museums covered under the Paris museum pass.
The L’ouvre
This is an obvious one. Home to the most famous woman in the world, The Mona Lisa. Room 711, encased in bullet proof glass. The room will be packed and hot, but it’s ok. You can’t visit the Louvre without seeing her. Other famous paintings in the Louvre include Delacroix’s “Liberty Leading the People” This is a great one. Also “The Death of the Virgin” by Caravaggio.
Some famous sculptures are also housed in the Louvre including Venus de Milo, my favorite. Also, Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Great Sphinx of Tanis. Book your time slot in advance to avoid the long lines. The Louvre is massive, with 3 wings. This is definitely an all day visit. If you don’t have that much time you can just do what we do and map out a plan to see your favorites.
Musée d’Orsay
Once a railway station, this converted museum houses a vast array of impressionist art from Monet to Van Gogh. Manet to Renoir. You’ll also be delighted to find the bronze statue “The Ballerina” by Degas.
Musée d’l’Orangerie
This is where you will find Monet’s Water Lilies in all their glory. The display is beautiful. Eight large Water Lillies are on a full curved wall. It really is spectacular. Once you have taken it all in you can head out and explore the rest of the museum. You’ll find works from Renoir, Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, and Rousseau, just to name a few. This is one of my favorite museums in Paris.
Musée Rodin
Once the mansion to Rodin, here you will find his most famous statue The Thinker, nestled in the beautiful gardens. The grounds really are gorgeous. Inside the mansion you will find more of his famous statues representing his career.
Musée Eugène Delacroix
This beautiful little museum tucked away in the 6th arrondissement was once the studio of Delacroix. Now it houses some of his artwork, paintings, memorabilia, and more. Out back you’ll find a charming little garden area.
Musée Picasso
For Picasso lovers, here you’ll find the worlds largest Picasso collection.
The Pantheon
Visiting the Pantheon is a must in my opinion. Here in the center of the main floor marvel at Foucault’s Pendulum, named after its maker and inventor of the gyroscope. Head down to the crypts and pay respect to some of the worlds greatest. The great Marie Curie is laid to rest here. As well as greats such as Josephine Baker, Victor Hugo, Rousseau, and Louis Braille. When you leave the Pantheon just around the corner you’ll fine the Marie Curie Museum. Admission to this museum is free. I highly recommend this museum even if you don’t have a love of science. Marie Curie was an engineer and the first woman to win a Nobel prize. More than one!
Now for those Not covered under the Paris Museum Pass
Paris Catacombs
I personally wouldn’t call this a museum. The Paris catacombs are series of once underground quarries turned into burial tombs some 20 meters below the city. We were not able to see the catacombs on our first visit to Paris as there was a worker strike. This is a very popular tourist attraction. Make your reservations well in advance. Reservations must be made online. https://www.catacombes.paris.fr/en/visit
La Galerie Dior
For my fashionistas. This is one of the most beautiful museums in Paris if you love fashion. 30 Avenue Montaigne, where Christian Dior moved to in 1946. Now home to his vast collection of masterpieces including the famous Lady Diana dress. Showstoppers in every room and the wall of handbags is definitely a IG photo spot! Grab a cafe au lait at the end of your tour. Tickets are 12 euros. More info at https://www.galeriedior.com/en/practical-information
Musée Marmottan Monet
This charming little museum in the 16th arrondissement is home to amazing works by impressionist painters not limited to Monet. You’ll find masterpieces from Morisot, Delacroix, Manet, Sisley, Pissarro, and Degas as well. For more info and tickets visit https://www.marmottan.fr/en/
Petit Palais
This charming little Palais in the 8th arrondissement has a lovely collection of artwork and sculptures, including a Rembrandt Self Portrait in Oriental Attire. Grab a tea and relax in the charming garden area. Admission is free so don’t miss a visit.
The Museum pass also covers the Arc de Triomphe, which will give you amazing views of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. It also covers your visit to Notre Dame, which unfortunately is closed due to the fire. I am grateful we were able to visit before the tragedy. Hoping to be back when it reopens.
Versailles and Fontanbleau are also covered under the museum pass. Check out Day Trips From Paris for more info on the palaces.
[…] Paris, no doubt is full of museums with priceless art. Honestly, I don’t have a favorite because I love them all. The Louvre is a must for the Mona Lisa alone. The room is hot and crowded and I was rather shocked at how small she was the first time I saw her. Nonetheless, she is a sight to see. You need to plan most of the day if you want to see it all. Head to the Musee de L’Orangerie and stare in awe at Monet’s Waterlilies. Musee d’ Orsay is another favorite. Musee Rodin has beautiful gardens and the famous Thinker Statue. These are all free to enter with your museum pass. For a detailed list of all the best museums in Paris read A Guide To Paris Museums – From Dior To The Louvre […]
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