Your Guide to Museums in Paris

Paris has about 130 different museums throughout the city, so it can be hard to decide where to go. Everyone automatically thinks about the Louvre when they think of Paris, but there is so much more. From paintings to sculptures, and even bones, here are some of the best museums Paris has to offer.

Musee D’Orsay

The Musee D’Orsay is located right on the Seine and is a train station converted into a museum, so the building itself is a work of art. Inside you can find many well-known Van Gogh, Monet, and Degas paintings, sculptures from Rodin, and many other beautiful works of art. On the top floor, you can look out at the city through the clock tower. It is one of my favorite places to spend a few hours on a rainy day.

Musee de l’Orangerie

L’Orangerie is a very small museum that only has a few rooms, but it is by far my favorite museum, because standing in front of the panoramic Monet paintings of waterlilies makes you feel as if you are standing in his garden in Giverny. They have benches placed in front of each of the paintings, giving you the perfect opportunity to relax and admire the beauty.

Catacombes de Paris

If you’re looking for a non-traditional museum experience, check out the Catacombs. Venture down underground Paris for a more unique look at the city’s history. The remains of more than 6 million people are hidden under the city in tunnels, and a section of it is open for the public to walk around in. It’s a spooky experience you definitely won’t forget!

Centre Georges Pompidou

The Centre Pompidou is located right near the CEA Paris center, so if you have some free time after class, stop in to view some interesting modern art. The building is known to be one of the ugliest buildings in Paris due all of its structural systems -- such as pipes and ducts being visible on the outside -- so it’s definitely worth a look. The building also holds a public library, so you can get some studying done as well!

Musee Rodin

On a sunny day, the Musee Rodin is the best place to be, because half of the works of art are located in an outdoor garden! It is home to many of Rodin’s most famous sculptures such as The Gates of Hell, The Kiss, and The Thinker. It is also one of the filming locations from Midnight in Paris!



Alexis O'Sullivan is a CEA Alumni Ambassador who studied abroad in Paris, France, during the Spring 2019 semester. She is currently a student at Marist College.