13 Best Museums in Paris (that aren’t the Louvre!)

Looking to avoid the queues at the Louvre? Check out these other top Paris museums, including some of the best small museums in Paris!

The Louvre is one of the best museums in the world. You don’t need me to tell you that.

But if you’re only visiting Paris for a short trip, spending hours queueing outside the Louvre (up to three hours on a particularly bad day!) may not seem worth it when this city has so much more to offer.

For example, fans of Monet may prefer the small, but particularly beautiful Musée de l’Orangerie, which is just a few minutes away.

Or there’s the Institut du Monde Arabe to find out more about France’s long history with the Arab world.

Alternatively, there’s the palaeontology museum that, rather alarmingly, looks like something straight out of Game of Thrones.

I’ve compiled a list of 13 of the best Paris museums that aren’t the Louvre, and every single one of these can be considered one of the best museums in Paris.

If you’re new here, hi! I’m Laura – a self-confessed francophile who fell head over heels for Paris years ago. I studied French literature at Oxford University and spent a year living in the city, wandering its cobbled streets, eating croissants and browsing old bookshops. Paris has never stopped feeling like magic to me, and I return as often as I can. Here, you’ll find my favourite places and experiences in the city that will always have my heart.

Musée Rodin

The Musée Rodin is, without a doubt, one of my favourite museums in Paris, and I make a point to try revisit it every time I’m in the city.

Dedicated to the life and work of the legendary sculptor Auguste Rodin, it houses some of his most iconic creations, including The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell.

The first time I visited this Paris museum is probably the first time I truly began to appreciate sculpture as an art form.

It’s impossible not to when you’re standing in front of these immense works and seeing the insane precision needed to carve every curve.

I was honestly awed by the craftsmanship involved – the patience, the detail, the strength required to bring marble and bronze to life like this.

The museum is housed in Rodin’s former residence, the elegant Hôtel Biron, and its interiors are every bit as inspiring as the art itself. Think high ceilings, ornate mirrors, and sweeping staircases.

The gardens outside are similarly dreamy with long pathways lined with flowers, sculptures dotted among the greenery, and plenty of benches where you can sit and simply take it all in. There’s also a cafe to one side of the gardens, so this museum really is the perfect place to spend an afternoon.

Address: 77 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Website: https://www.musee-rodin.fr/
Opening Hours: 10am-6:30pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday)

Musée de l’Orangerie

Just a few minutes’ walk from the Louvre, the Musée de l’Orangerie is a much smaller and quieter space and one of my favourite spots in all of Paris.

This elegant museum specialises in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, offering an intimate and deeply moving experience away from the crowds.

Its crown jewel is undoubtedly the series of eight monumental Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet, permanently installed in two serene, oval-shaped rooms designed to the artist’s own specifications.

The paintings completely surround you, creating the feeling of standing within Monet’s garden at Giverny (well worth a day trip from Paris!).

This gallery is utterly peaceful, meditative, as well as breathtakingly beautiful.

Beyond Monet, the museum’s collection includes remarkable works by Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Henri Rousseau, and many others.

Though small in scale, the Musée de l’Orangerie offers an extraordinary concentration of talent and beauty in one space.

Address: Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France
Website: https://www.musee-orangerie.fr/en
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday; 9am-9pm on Friday (closed Tuesday)

Musée de Montmartre

The Musée de Montmartre takes visitors on a journey through the history of this hilltop neighbourhood from its humble beginnings with windmills scattered across the slopes to the glittering lights of the Moulin Rouge.

There’s even a whole room dedicated to the French Cancan!

I’ll admit, I didn’t know a lot about the history of Paris beyond the basics of the French Revolution, so it was really interesting to see how this beloved quartier of Paris evolved over the centuries.

The museum traces Montmartre’s transformation from a rural village on the outskirts of the city into a thriving hub for artists, writers, and dreamers – a place that once inspired figures like Renoir, Modigliani, and Toulouse-Lautrec.

The permanent displays offer an intimate glimpse into this artistic golden age, while the museum’s temporary exhibitions keep things fresh and exciting

When I visited, there was a large exhibition on how Paris, and Montmartre specifically, is presented on screen and viewers were treated to some of the most characteristically “Parisian” scenes from over 100 famous French and American films.

It was such a clever way to show how Montmartre continues to capture the world’s imagination both in art and in film.

Address: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris
Website: https://museedemontmartre.fr/en/
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm every day

Musée Bourdelle

Student to Rodin, Antoine Bourdelle may not be as instantly recognisable as some of France’s other celebrated sculptors, but the Musée Bourdelle is easily one of my favourite small museums in Paris – and one of the best free ones, too.

Tucked away in the 15th arrondissement, the museum occupies Bourdelle’s former home and studio, where he lived and worked for much of his life.

The space itself feels atmospheric with light streaming through tall windows, sculptures towering in every corner, and the faint sense that the artist has only just stepped out for a moment.

What makes it even more special is the thoughtful interactive section that explains exactly how marble and bronze statues are created.

It takes you through the process step by step, from initial sketches and clay models to casting and finishing, in a way that’s surprisingly engaging.

It’s one of those things I’ve always been curious about but never actually looked up. And really, isn’t that the perfect kind of discovery to make in a museum?

If you want to stay for a little while then you can visit the cafe on the upper level, which is a beautiful bright airy space with yellow walls. The entry way to the cafe is a short corridor lined with books – the dream!

Address: 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris
Website: https://www.bourdelle.paris.fr/en
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday)

Palais de Tokyo

A breath of fresh air in traditional Paris, the Palais de Tokyo is where modern and contemporary art take centre stage.

Unlike many of the city’s more classical museums, this space feels bold, experimental, and ever-changing – a true celebration of creativity in all its forms.

I’ve visited the Palais de Tokyo a few times, usually drawn by its incredible fashion and design exhibitions, which never fail to impress.

The building itself is stunning, a striking blend of Art Deco architecture and industrial minimalism.

And if that wasn’t enough, you’re rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in Paris – a breathtaking perspective of the Eiffel Tower just across the Seine.

Whether you come for the art or simply to soak up the atmosphere, the Palais de Tokyo always manages to surprise and inspire.

Address: 13 avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris
Website: https://palaisdetokyo.com/en/
Opening Hours:12-9pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday)

Grand Palais

Most famous for its vast glass-domed roof (a masterpiece of Belle Époque architecture!), the Grand Palais is one of Paris’s most striking cultural landmarks.

It’s worth visiting just to admire the building itself with its sweeping ironwork, marble columns and soft light filtering through the domed glass ceiling.

Some of the best art exhibitions in Paris are held here, ranging from major retrospectives of legendary artists to bold contemporary installations.

There’s always something happening here – photography, sculpture, fashion, modern art – and I’ve yet to visit when there wasn’t an exhibition that intrigued me.

Each one feels carefully curated, beautifully presented, and genuinely thought-provoking.

This is easily one of my favourite museums in Paris, a place where you can happily spend hours wandering from room to room, completely absorbed.

After the Louvre, it’s probably the most spectacular museum in the city, and, honestly, few buildings can rival the sheer elegance of that glass vault.

Isn’t it magnificent?

Address: 3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris
Website: https://www.grandpalais.fr/en
Opening Hours: 9:30am-8pm Tuesday to Sunday (late finish on Friday at 10:30pm, closed on Monday)

Petit Palais

The Petit Palais may stand in the shadow of its larger neighbour, the Grand Palais, but it more than holds its own when it comes to charm and artistic significance.

Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, this elegant museum is a true gem, and, best of all, it’s free to visit.

Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of French art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, carefully curated since 1870.

The galleries feature works by artists such as Courbet, Delacroix, and Cézanne, alongside sculptures, decorative arts, and intricate pieces that capture the beauty of the Belle Époque.

As this is a less well-known spot in Paris, it’s a lovely place to wander without the crowds often found in larger Paris museums.

If you step outside into the central courtyard and you’ll discover one of the museum’s loveliest surprises – a serene, colonnaded garden filled with trees, mosaic walkways, and a small café, perfect for a quiet pause between exhibits.

It’s one of those places where you can simply sit, sip a coffee, and soak up the beauty of Paris.

Address: Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, France
Website: https://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Tuesday to Thursday, 10am-8pm Friday, Saturday (closed on Monday)

Musée Gustave Moreau

Musée Gustave Moreau is one of the most enchanting small museums in Paris and a must for art lovers. It was once the home and studio of the Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau, but has now been transformed into a museum dedicated to his extraordinary body of work.

Even if you haven’t heard of him before, you’ll almost certainly have encountered works he has influenced.

Moreau was a teacher at the École des Beaux-Arts and counted Henri Matisse among his students, inspiring a whole generation of early 20th-century artists.

The house itself is a masterpiece. Every inch of wall space seems covered with art – vast canvases, delicate sketches, and unfinished studies stacked and layered as though the artist had just stepped out of the room.

It’s hard to believe that one man could have produced so many magnificent works in a single lifetime.

And of course, no visit is complete without seeing the museum’s iconic spiral staircase, a sweeping iron structure that connects the studio floors.

You’ve probably seen it floating around on Instagram – and yes, it’s even more beautiful in person.

Address: 14 Rue de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris, France
Website: https://musee-moreau.fr/fr
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Thursday to Monday (closed on Tuesday and Wednesday)

Musée Jacquemart-André

The Musée Jacquemart-André is one of Paris’s most elegant and romantic museums and it feels more like stepping into a grand private home than a traditional gallery.

This hidden gem is located on Boulevard Haussmann in a former 19th-century mansion that once belonged to Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, a wealthy couple with a passion for art and travel.

Together, they devoted their lives to collecting paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts from across Europe, and their home now stands as a tribute to that shared love of beauty.

The interiors are jaw-droppingly ornate with sweeping staircases, frescoed ceilings, chandeliers, and grand salons filled with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, Fragonard, and Van Dyck.

Wandering through these gilded rooms and marble halls feels like travelling back in time to Paris’s Belle Époque.

What makes the museum even more special is how personal it feels. Each room feels opulent, but you feel as though the owners might still appear at any moment to host a soirée or pour tea in the drawing room.

Unlike many larger institutions, the Jacquemart-André invites you to experience art as it was meant to be lived with – woven into the fabric of everyday life.

It’s also home to an excellent tea room beneath an enormous painted ceiling, often considered one of the most beautiful museum cafés in Paris and it’s perfect for a quiet coffee after exploring.

Address: 158 Bd Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France
Website: https://www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com/en
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Monday to Thursday; 10am-8pm Sunday; 10am-10pm Friday

Musée national d’Histoire naturelle

I’ll admit, I visited the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle with the expectation that this would be more of a family attraction and of little interest to me. However, it completely exceeded my expectations and ended up being one of my favourites on this list.

I found myself standing in front of every display, tapping through all the interactive screens, and genuinely wanting to learn more about the evolution of our planet and the incredible diversity of species that have called it home.

The highlight is undoubtedly the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution (Gallery of Evolution) – a vast hall filled with hundreds of lifelike animal models.

From majestic elephants and towering giraffes to sea creatures suspended mid-swim, the exhibition captures the story of life on Earth in a way that is equal parts educational and inspiring.

The attention to detail here is extraordinary, and whether you’re a science enthusiast or just a curious wanderer, this museum is a reminder of how truly fascinating our natural world is. And how much there still is to discover!

Address: 57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
Website: https://www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr/fr/grande-galerie-de-l-evolution
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday

Galerie de paléontologie et d’anatomie comparée

The Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie Comparée is one of those places that leaves you a little awestruck – and maybe just a tiny bit unsettled.

I have to admit, walking through its long, echoing hall lined with skeletons, I couldn’t help feeling like I’d wandered straight into the season finale of Game of Thrones.

A collection of ancient fossils, or the army of the undead? You decide.

Inside, you’ll find row upon row of meticulously arranged dinosaur and animal skeletons, from delicate birds to enormous whales. The sheer scale of the collection is astonishing – hundreds of skeletons standing shoulder to shoulder, ready to attention, and all in a beautiful 19th century building with large, airy windows.

It’s one of the most unique museums in Paris, and though it might not be for the faint-hearted, it’s absolutely unforgettable.

Equal parts science, history, and dark wonder, the gallery captures that perfect blend of fascination and unease and really does make you feel rather small.

Address: 2 Rue Buffon, 75005 Paris, France
Website: https://www.mnhn.fr/fr/galerie-de-paleontologie-et-d-anatomie-comparee
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Wednesday to Monday (closed on Tuesday)

Institut du Monde Arabe

re’s arguably never been a more important time to explore France’s complex and often uneasy relationship with the Arab world, and the Institut du Monde Arabe is the perfect place to begin that journey.

Founded in 1980 to strengthen cultural dialogue between France and Arab nations, the museum and cultural centre offer a fascinating insight into centuries of shared history, art, and influence.

I’ll be honest: the permanent collection here does feel a little sparse, both in terms of content and interpretation. However, the temporary exhibitions are consistently excellent and beautifully curated.

They often explore topics like contemporary Arab identity, fashion, photography, and modern art, providing a much richer experience than the core displays alone. It’s well worth checking their website before you visit to see what’s on as chances are there’ll be something on that you won’t want to miss.

As with many other Paris museums on this list, even if you’re not in the mood to mooch around the exhibits, the building itself is an architectural masterpiece.

Designed by Jean Nouvel, its façade is made up of hundreds of metal panels inspired by traditional Arabic mashrabiya screens, which are geometric patterns that adjust automatically to control the light filtering into the interior. It’s pretty mesmerising from the inside.

And don’t leave without heading up to the rooftop terrace, which offers one of the most underrated views in Paris – a stunning panorama that includes the back of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Address: 1 Rue des Fossés Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris
Website: https://www.imarabe.org/fr
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 10am-7pm Saturday, Sunday; 10am-9:30pm Wednesday

Musée de la vie romantique (Temporarily Closed)

The Musée de la Vie Romantique has been closed since Monday September 16, 2024 . The reopening is scheduled for March 2026. 

Widely regarded as one of Paris’s most charming and picturesque museums, the Musée de la Vie Romantique truly feels like a slice of a bygone era.

Nestled at the foot of Montmartre, this hidden gem remains one of the city’s best-kept secrets. It’s a quiet retreat from the bustle of Parisian streets and a must-visit for anyone with a soft spot for art, history, or literature.

Inside, the museum’s collection of 19th-century paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects beautifully captures the spirit of the Romantic era (my fave!).

There’s something deeply calming about wandering through its softly lit rooms, taking in portraits, sketches, and sentimental artefacts.

Fans of French literature will especially appreciate the rooms dedicated to George Sand, one of the most fascinating writers of her time. Her memorabilia (letters, jewellery, personal items) offer an intimate glimpse into her life and her circle of artistic friends, which included Chopin, Delacroix, and Liszt.

If there’s one drawback, it’s that the museum could use a few more information panels to help bring the exhibits to life. But what it lacks in signage, it more than makes up for in charm.

Before you leave, make sure you step outside into the leafy courtyard, where you’ll find a delightful garden café. There are ivy-covered walls, wisteria, and gentle French chatter and it’s the perfect place to indulge in coffee and cake, whether you visit the museum or not.

Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris
Website: museevieromantique.paris.fr/en
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday)

So there you have my top recommendations for small museums in Paris! But make sure you go back for the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Pompidou and take your time exploring these large museums too.

If you liked this post, check out these other posts about Paris:
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