Paris is indeed a city of Art. The environment of the French Capital says by itself.
With a total of 130 museums to visit in Paris, there are museums for all tastes, even if you are not planning to spend anything on this.
Some museums are completely free all year around, but besides them, you can also try getting to some of the top museums in the world for free as well.
Every first Sunday of the month, Paris offers free entrance to its top museums, so don't miss the chance!
In this post, we will cover these 12 museums to visit for free in Paris, and 5 more museums that offer free entrance once per month.
1. Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
The Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is your go-to for modern and contemporary art in the French capital.
Located in the 16th arrondissement, near the Seine and the Eiffel Tower, the museum is housed in the east wing of the Palais de Tokyo, an iconic Art Deco building from the 1937 International Exposition.
Its extensive collection spans the 20th century, displaying works from notable artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, and Raoul Dufy, as well as key figures from movements like Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism.
2. Petit Palais (Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris)
The Petit Palais in Paris is an architectural gem and a must-visit museum for lovers of fine arts.
Built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition, this grand building, located on the Champs-Élysées, the Petit Palais features an impressive collection of art spanning from antiquity to the early 20th century.
Among its highlights are works by renowned artists such as Gustave Courbet, Eugène Delacroix, and Claude Monet.
3. Maison de Balzac
Located in the quiet Passy neighborhood, the Maison de Balzac is dedicated to the life and works of the famed French writer Honoré de Balzac.
The museum is nestled in a modest 19th-century house, this was the residence where Balzac lived incognito to escape creditors from 1840 to 1847.
The museum offers an intimate look into the personal and professional world of the writer, featuring original manuscripts, first editions, letters, and even some of Balzac's personal belongings.
It's a rare glimpse into the daily life of one of the most prolific figures of French literature, known for his vast series of novels collectively titled La Comédie Humaine, which depicted French society in the post-Napoleonic era.
4. Musée Carnavalet
The Musée Carnavalet is located in the historic Marais district, and dedicated to the rich and multifaceted history of Paris.
Housed in two grand adjoining mansions, the Hôtel Carnavalet and the Hôtel Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau, this museum traces the evolution of the French capital from its ancient origins to the present day.
Its extensive collections include everything from medieval artifacts, sculptures, and paintings to revolutionary memorabilia and 19th-century photographs.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Musée Carnavalet is its detailed coverage of the French Revolution, displaying items like Marie Antoinette's personal belongings, the key to the Bastille, and revolutionary pamphlets.
5. Musée de la Libération de Paris
The Musée de la Libération de Paris is a museum dedicated to the story of Paris during World War II, particularly focusing on the city's occupation and subsequent liberation.
Located in the 14th arrondissement, near Montparnasse, the museum is housed in a historically significant building that once served as the headquarters for French Resistance leader Colonel Rol-Tanguy.
Through an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and personal testimonies, the museum chronicles the challenges Parisians faced under Nazi occupation, highlighting acts of resistance, the role of key figures like Charles de Gaulle, and the city's eventual liberation in August 1944.
6. Musée Cernuschi
One of Paris's most distinguished museums, the Musée Cernuschi is dedicated to Asian art.
Located in the elegant Monceau neighborhood of the 8th arrondissement.
Founded by the Italian-born banker and art collector Henri Cernuschi, the museum opened in 1898, showcasing his extensive collection of East Asian artifacts.
The museum's primary focus is on Chinese art, with more than 12,000 pieces spanning from antiquity to modern times.
The most iconic piece in the collection is the massive bronze Buddha of Meguro, which dominates the main hall and draws admirers from around the world.
7. Musée Bourdelle
The Musée Bourdelle is a museum dedicated to the life and work of renowned French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.
Situated in Bourdelle's former studio and home, the museum offers visitors an intimate look into the creative world of the artist, who was a student of Rodin and later a teacher to many famous modern sculptors, including Giacometti.
The museum's collection features from monumental sculptures to detailed sketches and personal belongings, illustrating his artistic evolution and profound impact on the world of sculpture.
8. Musée Cognacq-Jay
The Musée Cognacq-Jay is a hidden gem offering visitors a glimpse into the refined tastes of 18th-century France, displaying works by masters like Jean-Baptiste Greuze, François Boucher, and Jean-Honoré Fragonard.
Additionally, it includes beautiful decorative art pieces, such as delicate porcelain, tapestries, and fine furniture, opening a window to the luxurious lifestyle of the 18th-century French aristocracy.
Housed in a beautiful 16th-century mansion in the Marais district, the museum is home to the personal collection of Ernest Cognacq and his wife Marie-Louise Jay, founders of the La Samaritaine department store.
9. Musée des Archives Nationales
Located in the historic Hôtel de Soubise in the Marais district, the Musée des Archives Nationales offers a unique window into the history of France through its collection of documents, manuscripts, and historical records.
As part of the National Archives, the museum preserves some of the most significant documents in French history, from medieval charters to key papers from the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era.
Among the highlights of the museum are the diploma from Charlemagne, the last letter of Marie-Antoinette, the Constitution of the Fifth Republic, and the founding paperwork for Sainte-Chapelle.
10. Musée Edith Piaf
Hidden away in the 20th arrondissement, the Musée Édith Piaf offers a glimpse into the life of one of France's most beloved singers: Édith Piaf.
This small, private museum is located in the apartment where Piaf lived during the early part of her career, and it's packed with personal memorabilia, including photographs, records, dresses, and even a collection of her famous black dresses.
Though relatively unknown to many tourists, this hidden gem is a must-see for music lovers and those curious about Piaf's rags-to-riches story.
11. Musée de Parfum Fragonard
France is famous for its perfumes, so it is not a surprise when you realise it has a whole museum dedicated to it!
The Musée de Parfum Fragonard gives you the chance to explore displays of antique perfume bottles, historic tools, and learn about the various stages of perfume production, from the distillation of essential oils to the art of creating the perfect scent.
Located near the Opéra Garnier, this museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century townhouse and provides visitors with an inside look at the history and craftsmanship behind France's renowned perfume industry.
12. Musée de la Légion d'honneur
Dedicated to the prestigious French national orders and decorations, the Musée de la Légion d'Honneur is located near the Musée d'Orsay, and explores the fascinating history of the Légion d'Honneur, France's highest order of merit, founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
It features a vast collection of medals, insignia, historical documents, and portraits, offering insight into the individuals and events that have shaped the history of France.
Free on the First Sunday of the Month
Besides these museums mentioned above, which are completely free all year round, it is interesting to note that most of Paris' museums are also free on the first Sunday of the month, from October to March.
The list includes:
- 1. Louvre Museum
- 2. Musée d'Orsay
- 3. Musée Picasso
- 4. Musée Rodin
- 5. Centre Pompidou
Conclusion
Lack of money should never be a barrier to experiencing the wonders of Paris's museums.
Many of the city's top institutions, including world-renowned ones like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay, offer free admission on specific days each month, making art and culture accessible to everyone.
This means that even those on a tight budget can witness iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa or Monet's Water Lilies without spending a cent.
So, there's no excuse to skip these experiences—Paris offers countless opportunities to explore its treasures without breaking the bank.