23 Best Small Museums in Paris That Are Hidden Jewels

Last Updated on October 10, 2024 by April Nicole

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Are you on the search for the best small museums in Paris, France? I’ve got you covered! Keep reading…

Paris, the city of lights, is renowned for world-famous institutions like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Yet, beneath the glittering surface of the Eiffel Tower and the grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral lies a world of petite palaces and tucked-away galleries. These hidden gems hold the keys to captivating stories and artistic treasures, each offering a unique glimpse into the soul of Paris.

I’ve put together a list of 23 great small museums in Paris in this guide. Practical details like admission costs, opening hours, and how to use the Paris Museum Pass to save money are also provided!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you. Merci!

If you are in a hurry, here’s a summary of the best small museums in Paris:

23 Best Small Museums in Paris

This is my selection of Paris’s top small museums. If you don’t have time to visit every museum, I’ve included a map showing all of the locations at the end of this article.

Petit Palais

The Petit Palais, an architectural gem built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Parisian design. As the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts, it offers visitors a rich journey through a diverse range of art collections spanning from antiquity to the early 20th century. The building itself, with its ornate Beaux-Arts architecture, is a work of art, featuring a grand dome, intricate mosaics, and a charming inner garden that serves as a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. best small museums in Paris

Inside, the Petit Palais impresses with its vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Notable works include masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, and Delacroix, alongside an impressive array of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings, including pieces by Monet and Cézanne. The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, which complement its permanent collection, offering new insights into various artistic movements and historical periods. This museum is not just an art repository; it’s a celebration of artistic achievement across centuries.

Practical Info:

Address: Ave Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 6pm; Late night on Fridays until 9pm (closed Mondays)
Ticket Prices: Free entry to the permanent collections; Temporary exhibitions may have a separate charge

Museum of Fairground Arts (Musée des Arts Forains)

The Museum of Fairground Arts, located in the Bercy district, is a magical journey into the world of antique carnival and fairground artifacts. This private museum, created by collector Jean Paul Favand, features a whimsical collection of merry-go-rounds, vintage carousels, and rare fairground games from the 19th and 20th centuries. Guided tours offer a hands-on experience, allowing visitors to ride on historic carousels and play old-fashioned games.

Practical Info:

Address: 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris, France
Hours: By reservation only, usually available during French school holidays and specific weekends
Tickets: Approximately €16 (adults), €8 (children 4-11)

Guimet Museum (Musée National des Arts Asiatiques)

The Guimet Museum, in the 16th arrondissement, is an exceptional museum dedicated to Asian art and one of the largest of its kind in Europe. The museum’s collection spans from the Neolithic period to the present day, featuring an extensive array of Asian art, including rare sculptures, textiles, and porcelain. The museum offers a peaceful retreat with its Japanese garden, adding to the serene experience of exploring Asian cultures. small museums in Paris

Practical Info:

Address: 6 Place d’Iéna, 75116 Paris, France
Hours: Wed – Mon: 10am – 6pm
Tickets: €11.50 (adults), Free (under 18)

Eugène Delacroix Museum (Musée national Eugène Delacroix)

The Eugène Delacroix Museum, located in the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood, is dedicated to the life and work of the famed Romantic artist Eugène Delacroix. This intimate museum is set in Delacroix’s last apartment and studio, where he lived from 1857 until his death in 1863. It provides a unique insight into the artist’s life, his creative process, and his influence on the world of art.

Visitors can explore the artist’s personal artifacts, including his easel, palette, and studio furnishings, offering a tangible connection to Delacroix’s everyday life. The museum’s collection includes a range of Delacroix’s works, from early drawings and drafts to his later paintings, along with letters, photographs, and personal memorabilia. The highlight is Delacroix’s studio, preserved as it was during his lifetime, where he created some of his most famous works.

Practical Info:

Address: 6 Rue de Fürstenberg, 75006 Paris, France
Hours: Wed – Mon: 9:30am – 5:30pm
Tickets: €7 (adults), €5 (reduced rate), Free (under 18) | Free if you have the Paris Museum Pass.

Marmottan Museum of Monet (Musée Marmottan Monet)

Nestled in the 16th arrondissement, the Musée Marmottan Monet houses the world’s largest collection of Claude Monet’s paintings. This museum, once a hunting lodge, is a pilgrimage site for Impressionism lovers. It’s home to masterpieces like “Impression, Sunrise,” which gave the Impressionist movement its name. Beyond Monet, the museum also showcases works by Morisot, Degas, and Renoir, offering a comprehensive look at Impressionist art. small museums in Paris

Practical Info:

Address: 2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 6pm; Late night on Thursdays until 9pm
Tickets prices: €12 (adults), €8.5 (reduced rate), Free (under 18)

Musée de l’Orangerie

Tucked away in the beautiful Jardin des Tuileries, the Musée de l’Orangerie is a small impressionist museum in Paris, housing Claude Monet’s breathtaking “Water Lilies” series. These enormous murals, gracefully adorning two oval rooms, offer a panoramic and almost immersive experience, inviting visitors into Monet’s tranquil and lily-covered pond at Giverny. The calmness and beauty of these rooms make them a meditative space, allowing for a personal connection with the art.

But the Musée de l’Orangerie is more than just Monet. The museum also boasts an impressive collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces. This includes a varied selection of works by renowned artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse, part of the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume collection. Each piece in the collection is thoughtfully displayed, offering insights into the evolution of modern art. best small museums in Paris

Practical Info:

Address: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris, France
Hours: Wed – Mon: 9am – 6pm
Tickets prices: €12.50 (adults), Free (under 18 and first Sunday of each month)

Gustave Moreau Museum (Musée national Gustave Moreau)

The Musée Gustave Moreau, situated in the artist’s former home and studio in the 9th arrondissement, is a testament to Moreau’s life and work. This intimate museum, spread across three floors, allows visitors to step into the world of this Symbolist painter. The ground floor exhibits his personal belongings and sketches, while the upper floors display his major works, offering insights into his creative process and imagination.

Practical Info:

Address: 14 Rue de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris, France
Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 10am – 5:15pm
Tickets prices: €7 (adults), Free (under 18)

Rodin Museum (Musée Rodin)

The Rodin Museum, situated in the elegant Hôtel Biron, offers a comprehensive exploration of the life and works of the master sculptor Auguste Rodin. As visitors stroll through the museum, they encounter an extensive collection that showcases Rodin’s creative evolution, from early works to his most famous sculptures like “The Thinker” and “The Kiss.”

The museum’s interior is as captivating as the art it houses. Each room is carefully curated to reflect the different phases and themes of Rodin’s career, including his studies of the human form, the influence of his travels, and his passion for capturing emotion and movement in bronze and marble.

However, it’s the museum’s gardens that often leave the most lasting impression. These beautifully landscaped grounds are dotted with some of Rodin’s most iconic sculptures, including “The Gates of Hell,” a monumental piece that features 180 figures from Dante’s “Inferno.” The garden, divided into a rose garden and a large ornamental garden, provides a serene backdrop to these powerful works, allowing for a unique outdoor gallery experience.

Practical Info:

Address: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 6:30pm
Tickets prices: €12 (full access), €4 (garden only), Free (under 18)

La Galerie Dior

La Galerie Dior, a recent addition to Paris’s museum landscape, is a celebration of the iconic fashion house’s history and influence. This museum, situated in the heart of Paris, offers a journey through the world of Christian Dior and the subsequent artistic directors who have shaped the brand. The exhibitions showcase a stunning array of haute couture garments, accessories, sketches, and photographs, highlighting the craftsmanship and creativity that have defined Dior’s legacy. small museums in Paris

Practical Info:

Address: 11 Rue François 1er, 75008 Paris, France
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 7pm
Tickets prices: Approx. €12 (adults), €8 (students and under 26), Free (under 18)

Jacquemart-André Museum (Musée Jacquemart-André)

The Jacquemart-André Museum, housed in a 19th-century mansion, offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of Edouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, avid art collectors of their time. This museum showcases their private collection, featuring European masterpieces from the Renaissance to the French School of the 18th century. The opulent interiors, including a grand staircase and winter garden, add to the museum’s allure, making it not only an art destination but also an architectural marvel.

Practical Info:

Address: 158 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France
Hours: Daily: 10am – 6pm; Late night on Mondays until 8:30pm
Tickets prices: €15 (adults), €11 (students), Free (under 7)

Carnavalet Museum (Musée Carnavalet) in Par

The Carnavalet Museum, nestled in the heart of the Marais district, is a journey through the rich and intricate history of Paris. Housed in two magnificent Renaissance mansions, the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, this museum offers an immersive experience into the city’s past, from its ancient beginnings to modern times.

The museum’s extensive collection includes over 600,000 works, encompassing paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and furniture, each piece telling a story of Paris and its inhabitants. Noteworthy exhibits include artifacts from the French Revolution, a series of paintings depicting old Paris, and personal belongings of famous Parisians like Marcel Proust and Émile Zola.

Practical Info:

Address: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 6pm
Tickets prices: Free

Cluny Museum – National Museum of the Middle Ages

The Cluny Museum, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, is a unique blend of ancient and medieval art. Housed in a 15th-century Gothic mansion with ancient Roman baths, it showcases a wide array of medieval artifacts, including the famous “Lady and the Unicorn” tapestry series. The museum provides a comprehensive look at medieval life, art, and craftsmanship.

Practical Info:

Address: 28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris, France
Hours: Wed – Mon: 9:15am – 5:45pm
Tickets prices: €9 (adults), Free (under 18)

Museum of Romantic Life (Musée de la Vie Romantique)

The Museum of Romantic Life, set in the former home of painter Ary Scheffer in the 9th arrondissement, is a tribute to the Romantic era in art, literature, and music. This small, charming museum offers a glimpse into the artistic circles of 19th-century Paris, with memorabilia related to George Sand and Chopin. The museum’s garden café provides a tranquil spot to reflect on the Romantic movement’s impact.

Practical Info:

Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 6pm
Tickets prices: Free entry to the permanent collections; Temporary exhibitions may have a separate charge

Bourdelle Museum (Musée Bourdelle)

The Bourdelle Museum, a hidden gem in the Montparnasse district, celebrates the life and work of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle. This museum, Bourdelle’s former studio and home, offers an intimate look into the artist’s creative process. Visitors can explore a vast collection of his sculptures, drawings, and photographs. The museum’s extension, designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc, seamlessly blends the old studio with new exhibition spaces, highlighting the timeless nature of Bourdelle’s work.

Practical Info:

Address: 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 6pm
Tickets prices: Free entry to the permanent collections; Temporary exhibitions may have a separate charge

Dalí Paris

Dalí Paris, located in the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre, is dedicated to the Surrealist master Salvador Dalí. This museum showcases a significant collection of Dalí’s sculptures, engravings, and drawings. It offers a comprehensive look at Dalí’s diverse artistic pursuits, highlighting his unique blend of surrealism, humor, and innovation. The museum also features rotating exhibitions, making it a must-visit for fans of Dalí and surrealism.

Practical Info:

Address: 11 Rue Poulbot, 75018 Paris, France
Hours: Daily: 10am – 6:30pm
Tickets prices: €13 (adults), €9 (students and under 25), Free (under 8)

Palais Galliera

The Palais Galliera, the City of Paris Fashion Museum, is a fashion aficionado’s dream. Located in a Renaissance-style palace in the 16th arrondissement, the museum boasts an extensive collection of clothing and accessories from the 18th century to the present. The exhibitions, which change regularly, showcase the evolution of fashion, the work of renowned designers, and the art of haute couture, making each visit a unique experience.

Practical Info:

Address: 10 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, Rue de Galliera, 75016 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 6pm; Late night on Thursdays until 9pm
Tickets prices: Varies with exhibitions, usually around €10 – €12 (adults), reduced rates for students and seniors

Montmartre Museum (Musée de Montmartre)

The Montmartre Museum, set in one of Montmartre’s oldest houses, offers a journey into the history of this iconic bohemian neighborhood. The museum’s collection includes paintings, posters, and photographs depicting the area’s artistic and cultural evolution. Visitors can explore the studios of artists like Raoul Dufy and Suzanne Valadon, capturing the spirit of Montmartre’s vibrant artistic community.

Practical Info:

Address: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris, France
Hours: Daily: 10am – 7pm
Tickets prices: €13 (adults), €11 (students and under 25), Free (under 10)

Musée national Jean-Jacques Henner

The Musée national Jean-Jacques Henner, dedicated to the Alsatian painter Jean-Jacques Henner, is housed in a 19th-century mansion in the 17th arrondissement. This intimate museum displays Henner’s works, known for their unique use of light and shadow. The museum offers a glimpse into Henner’s artistic journey, showcasing his portraits, landscapes, and nudes in a serene setting.

Practical Info:

Address: 43 Avenue de Villiers, 75017 Paris, France
Hours: Wed – Mon: 11am – 6pm
Tickets prices: €6 (adults), Free (under 18 and first Sunday of each month)

Curie Museum (Musée Curie)

The Curie Museum, located in the former laboratory of Marie Curie, is a tribute to the pioneering work of the Curie family in the fields of physics and chemistry. This museum offers an in-depth look at the life and achievements of Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. The exhibits include original scientific instruments, personal belongings, and rare photographs, providing a unique insight into the world of early 20th-century science and the legacy of the Curie family. Small Museums in Paris

Practical Info:

Address: 1 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
Hours: Wed – Sat: 1pm – 5pm
Tickets prices: Free

59 Rivolii

59 Rivoli, a pulsating heart in the center of Paris, stands as a beacon of contemporary artistic expression. This remarkable space, once an abandoned building and now transformed into a legal art squat, encapsulates the vibrant and unconventional spirit of Paris’s art scene. Across its six floors, visitors can meander through open studios where over 30 artists create and display their work, ranging from painting and sculpture to multimedia installations.

This direct interaction with artists adds a unique, personal dimension to the art experience. The building itself is a piece of art, with its façade adorned in a constantly evolving tapestry of street art, capturing the dynamic and ever-changing face of urban creativity. 59 Rivoli not only offers a glimpse into the artistic process but also stands as a symbol of artistic freedom and innovation in the heart of the city.

Practical Info:

Address: 59 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 1pm – 8pm
Tickets prices: Free

Victor Hugo’s House (Maison de Victor Hugo)

The Maison de Victor Hugo, located on the picturesque Place des Vosges in the Marais district, is a museum dedicated to the life and work of the renowned French writer Victor Hugo. This apartment, where Hugo lived for 16 years, has been meticulously restored to reflect the period during which he wrote some of his most famous works, including a portion of “Les Misérables.”

Visitors to the museum can explore the various rooms of the apartment, each telling a different part of Hugo’s story. The antechamber highlights his childhood and early successes, the Chinese living room reflects his fascination with the East, and the dining room showcases his involvement in politics and high society. The most poignant room is perhaps his bedroom, where he passed away in 1885. Small Museums in Paris

Practical Info:

Address: 6 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10am – 6pm
Tickets prices: Free entry to the permanent collections; Temporary exhibitions may have a separate charge

Musée Nissim de Camondo

The Musée Nissim de Camondo, situated on the edge of Parc Monceau, is a hidden jewel of Paris. This museum, created in a stunning Parisian mansion, is dedicated to French decorative arts from the second half of the 18th century. It was established by Moïse de Camondo to honor his son, Nissim, who died during World War I. The museum offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the French elite, with beautifully preserved rooms showcasing exquisite furniture, paintings, and tapestries. Small Museums in Paris

Practical Info:

Address: 63 Rue de Monceau, 75008 Paris, France
Hours: Wed – Sun: 10am – 5:30pm
Tickets prices: €9 (adults), Free (under 18)

Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature

The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, located in the historic Marais district, is a unique museum blending art, culture, and nature. Dedicated to hunting and the relationship between humans and the natural environment, it houses an eclectic collection of hunting gear, taxidermy, and art related to nature and wildlife. The museum’s interactive exhibits and contemporary art installations provide a thought-provoking and unique experience.

Practical Info:

Address: 62 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France
Hours: Tue – Sun: 11am – 6pm; Late night on Wednesdays until 9:30pm
Tickets prices: €8 (adults), €6 (reduced rate), Free (under 18)

Small Museums in Paris Map

This is a map that shows every small museum in Paris that is mentioned in this article. A list of all the museums can be seen by selecting the icon with the arrow on the left. Once you’ve chosen which one to visit, more information about the address will appear.

Small Museums in Paris – The Paris Museum Pass

For a fraction of the cost, the Paris Museum Pass is an excellent option to see many of the city’s museums.

Musée de Cluny, Musée Rodin, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée Jean-Jacques Henner, Musée Eugène Delacroix, Musée Gustave Moreau, Musée Nissim de Camondo, and Musée Picasso are among the eight small museums that are included in this article that can be seen with the pass.

The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Sainte-Chapelle are just a few of the bigger museums in Paris that are accessible to you in addition to these smaller ones.

A comprehensive list of all the museums included by the Paris Museum Pass is available here.

The cost of the pass varies according on how many days you want to use it for. Options are available for two, four, and six days. Below is a list of the prices:

• 2 day Paris Museum Pass – €55 per person
• 4 day Paris Museum Pass – €70 per person
• 6 day Paris Museum Pass – €85 per person

There are two ways you can get the pass: you can buy a paper pass in person at one of the specified locations or reserve an electronic pass online.

I strongly advise obtaining the Paris Museum Pass if you want to visit several museums during your trip to Paris. You’ll ultimately save a ton of money thanks to it. For some of the larger museums, remember to make reservations in advance since time slots tend to fill up quickly.