Lesser-Known Museums in Paris for Art Enthusiasts

So you’ve come to Paris and done the typical Paris museums. You’ve seen the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and the Monet collection and the clock at the D’Orsay— now what? Well, lucky for you, Paris is an art aficionado’s haven for classic and modern art.

Beyond the well-known museums and the Eiffel Tower, the city is brimming with a wealth of hidden artistic gems waiting to be discovered. We urge you to venture off the beaten path and explore the lesser-known museums in the city.

Need some help? Well, that is what this guide is for! Get ready to witness the work of Camille Claudel, Van Gogh, and many more paintings and sculptures.

Many museums on this list are very small and barely have a coat check, so drop off any large bags or luggage before visiting. Can’t leave them at the hotel or Air B&B? That’s no issue. Use Nannybag to store any size of luggage or bag.

You can safely store your belongings for only €6.00 per bag daily. Download the app to find budget-friendly luggage storage in Paris, drop off your bags, and now you’re officially ready to explore those hidden gems!

Musée de l'Orangerie

Nestled within the enchanting Jardin des Tuileries, the Musée de l'Orangerie is a hidden gem for art lovers seeking tranquility. The museum is known for housing Monet’s famous Water Lillies. The oval-shaped rooms allow you to be transported into a realm of ethereal beauty as you immerse yourself in the painting.

Notice the harmonious interplay of light and color as the shimmering reflections of water and floating flowers tickle your senses. In addition to Monet's magnificent Water Lilies, the museum also houses an impressive array of works by Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani, and other renowned artists of the early 20th century.

Address: Jardin Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris

Closest Metro Stop: Concorde (Lines 1, 8, and 12)

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except on Tuesdays

Price: €9.00, and entry is free for visitors under 18 years old and EU residents under 26 years old

Musée Rodin

Musée Rodin (Rodin Museum) invites you to discover the profound artistic legacy of one of the most celebrated sculptors ever. Housed in an 18th century mansion and surrounded by serene gardens, this museum shows the life and works of Auguste Rodin. As you enter this art museum, you'll be greeted by an extensive collection of sculptures, including Rodin's iconic masterpieces such as "The Thinker" and "The Kiss.” In the garden, you can admire larger sculptures set amidst lush greenery.

Address: 79 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris

Closest Metro Stop: Varenne (Line 13) or Invalides (Lines 8 and 13)

Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Price: €12.00, The garden can be visited separately for €6.00

Musée Gustave Moreau

This museum can be found tucked away in Pigalle. Housed within the former residence and studio of Gustave Moreau, this museum offers a truly intimate and personal encounter with the artist's works. In case you don’t know, Gustave Moreau is known as one of France's most visionary Symbolist painters.

The museum showcases Moreau’s iconic pieces and provides insights into his artistic process, with a collection of sketches, drawings, and personal artifacts on display. The overall ambiance of the museum is very appealing, with its richly adorned walls and ceilings that evoke a romantic and mystical spirit.

Address: 14 Rue de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris

Closest Metro Stop: Trinité - d'Estienne d'Orves (Line 12)

Hours: Open from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays and certain public holidays

Price: €10.00

Musée Nissim de Camondo

Musée Nissim de Camondo invites you to step back in time and experience the grandeur of 19th-century French aristocracy. The museum pays homage to the impressive craftsmanship and luxurious lifestyle of the Belle Époque. As you explore the rooms, you'll gain insight into the lives of the Camondo family, who resided here, and their passion for collecting fine art and decorative objects. It’s not hoarding if you come from wealth!

Address: 63 Rue de Monceau, 75008 Paris

Closest Metro Stop: Villiers (Lines 2 and 3)

Hours: Open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Price: €9.00

Musée Bourdelle

You can find Musée Bourdelle in the beautiful neighborhood of Montparnasse. The museum pays tribute to the visionary sculptor Antoine Bourdelle and offers a captivating journey through the artist's life and works. Encounter an extensive collection of Bourdelle's sculptures, drawings, and paintings and marvel at the artist's ability to capture the human form. The museum has a tranquil garden that offers a serene space to reflect and appreciate all of the art.

Address: 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris

Closest Metro Stop: Montparnasse - Bienvenüe (Lines 4, 6, 12, and 13)

Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Price: €10.00

Musée Jean-Jacques Henner

Housed within a beautiful Belle Époque mansion in Park Monceau, this museum showcases the artistic legacy of Jean-Jacques Henner, a renowned 19th century French painter. The mansion is adorned with intricate details and careful lighting to showcase the art pieces properly. The museum also offers insights into Henner's life and artistic process through a display of sketches, studies, and personal memorabilia. Whether you’re a fan of Jean-Jacques Henner’s works or an art aficionado, the museum offers some delightful pieces.

Address: 43 Avenue de Villiers, 75017 Paris

Closest Metro Stop: Wagram (Line 3)

Hours: Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Price: Regular admission fee is €10.00

Petit Palais

A true hidden gem, Petit Palais can be found on Avenue Winston Churchill. It’s located within a Beaux-Arts building, and this museum offers a captivating journey through centuries of artistic expression. You can find an extensive collection from antiquity to the early 20th century when you step inside.

The art collection comes from renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Renoir, Delacroix, and Rodin, among many others. Petit Palais also hosts temporary exhibitions, so make sure to check those out— there is an additional charge for these exhibits. Petit Palais is the perfect museum for art and history lovers.

Address: Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris

Closest Metro Stop: Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau (Lines 1 and 13)

Hours: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays

Price: Regular admission to the permanent collection is free of charge

Musée National des Arts Asiatiques

If you’re looking for something different, we suggest Musée National des Arts Asiatiques, also known as the Guimet Museum. In this museum, you can see masterpieces from China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia.

You’ll get the chance to combine art and culture as you marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of ancient sculptures, delicate ceramics, vibrant textiles, and intricate religious artifacts. The Guimet Museum also offers various educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours, allowing visitors to understand Asian art and culture. If you want to broaden your horizons, we suggest checking this out.

Address: 6 Place d'Iéna, 75116 Paris

Closest Metro Stop: Iéna (Line 9)

Hours: The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays and certain public holidays

Price: Regular admission fee is €12.00 for access to the permanent collection

Musée de Montmartre

Welcome to Montmartre! The cutest area in the city, with its cobblestoned streets and quaint buildings. This museum provides a glimpse into the vibrant cultural scene that flourished in Montmartre during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The beautifully preserved rooms were home and workplaces to renowned artists such as Renoir, Suzanne Valadon, and Maurice Utrillo. You’ll be able to explore the diverse collection of paintings, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of the infamous artistic community of Montmartre. The museum hosts temporary exhibits that are also worth checking out.

Address: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris

Closest Metro Stop: Lamarck - Caulaincourt (Line 12)

Hours: The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays and certain public holidays

Price: Regular admission fee is €12.00