Free Museums In Paris – Art, History & Culture Await

You don't have to spend a single € to immerse yourself in history, art, and adventure when you take advantage of the free museums in Paris. One of the greatest innovations instituted by former mayor Bertrand Delanoë was throwing open the doors at all the city-owned museums, making admission free for all visitors!

It's just another example of why we love Paris — things are always getting better. Here are the top free museums in Paris to add to your want-to-do list. Most of them can be visited in a hour or two, leaving plenty of time to explore the neighborhood and find a small cafe for lunch.

Petit Palais – Paris Museum of Fine Arts

The colonnaded facade of the Petit Palais, photo by Mark Craft

Whenever we happen to be in the 8th Arrondissement near the Seine we always stop in to the perfectly pleasing Petit Palais and make a beeline for the Monet. This elegant building, along with its bigger brother across the street, was constructed for the World Exposition of 1900. Today it's the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.

Highlights include 19th-century paintings by Sisley, Cézanne, and Modigliani plus a canvas by Monet that rivals Impression: Sunrise. There is a lot more art, including medieval and Renaissance paintings, and architectural remnants from medieval Paris. Take time for a drink in the charming café set in the interior garden court.

• Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008
• Metro: Clémenceau

Musée Carnavalet – Museum of the History of Paris

Courtyard at Musée Carnavalet, photo Musée Carnavalet

Set in two rambling mansions in the Marais (one of which was originally home to Madame Sévigny, the famous 17th-century diarist) Musée Carnavalet is the perfect place to discover the history of Paris. It's rarely crowded and has many fascinating permanent exhibits as well as a pretty garden to relax in. We love wandering its hallways and discovering hidden corners and unusual objects from the past of Paris. There's also a very good historic photo collection.

A multi-year and multi-million euro renovation (both time and money went over budget, of course) transformed this paean to the city's history into one of the best free museums in Paris, and another one to put on you list for when you're in the Marais.

• 23 rue de Sévigné, 75003
• Metro: St Paul
  

Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

Dancers by Matisse, photo by Mark Craft

This spacious museum is dedicated to the art of the 20th and 21st centuries. It occupies half of the Palais de Tokyo, the Japanese exhibitions space built for the 1937 Universal Exposition in Paris. Today, the space is choc-a-bloc with the best-known painters of the modern era — think Picasso, Matisse and an entire generation of similar painters.

A gossipy bit about the museum: it was infamously the site of a burglary in May 2010 when five modern masterpieces were stolen, including Picasso's Le Pigeon Aux Petit Pois. Both the thieves and the paintings are still at large. So, if you find a Picasso or Matisse for sale cheap on eBay, you know where it likely came from.

• 11 avenue du Président Wilson, 75116
• Metro: Alma-Marceau or Iéna
• Website…

Musée Cognacq-Jay – 18th Century Arts & Furniture

François Boucher, Retour de Chasse de Diane, photo Musée Cognacq-Jay

Ernest Cognacq, a business magnate of the Belle Époque era, and his wife Théodore-Ernest, founded La Samarataine, one of Paris' grands magasins, back in 1869. When they died in the 1920s, they bequeathed their possessions to the city of Paris.

Like a few other free museums in Paris, Cognacq-Jay is housed in an historic mansion, this one built in the Marais in 1575. The museum features a beautiful collection of fine art and decorative items focusing on 18th century France.

• 18 Rue Elzevir, 75003
• Metro: St-Paul, Chemin Vert, Rambuteau

Musée de la Liberation de Paris

The facade of the Museum of the Liberation of Paris, photo Ville de Paris

The Second World War was one of the darkest periods in the history of Paris and this three-in-one museum covers a trio of aspects of the era. Opened in 1994 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris from Nazi Occupation, the museum also covers the lives and works of iconic French World War II leaders General Leclerc and Resistance leader Jean Moulin.

Moulin remains the most famous member of the French underground in World War II. He was arrested in 1943, tortured and murdered by the Nazis. His ashes were moved to the Panthéon in 1964. Leclerc was a French general who fought in many theaters of World War II and was instrumental in the liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944. He died in a plane crash in 1947.

Musée Bourdelle – Free Museums in Paris

Bourdelle's studio today, filled with sculptures, photo by Mark Craft

Step into the world of sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, a pioneer of modern art, at the Musée Bourdelle. Located in a quite neighborhood of the 15th, this serene space features lush gardens dotted with monumental sculptures. Once Bourdelle's studio, the museum offers an intimate glimpse into the creative process, from initial sketches to towering masterpieces. A haven for art lovers, it provides a tranquil retreat from the city's bustle.

Best of all, it's one of the handful of free museums in Paris, making it perfect when you seek art but don't want to break out the euros. With rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection that spans decades, the Musée Bourdelle is a pleasing mix of art, history, and inspiration. It's a hidden gem where creativity flourishes, waiting to be discovered.

• 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015
• Metro: St-Paul, Chemin Vert, Rambuteau

Musée de la Vie Romantique

At the Musée de la Vie Romantique, photo by Mark Craft

The Musée de la Vie Romantique is a whimsical escape to Paris's romantic past. Once the home of painter Ary Scheffer, this museum is a tribute to 19th-century romanticism, showcasing art, literature, and mementos of George Sand and her contemporaries. With its quaint garden and cozy atmosphere, it's a delightful break from modern-day Paris.

Counted among Paris's free museums, this hidden gem makes art and history accessible to all. Whether you're drawn to its intimate displays or the serene garden café, the Musée de la Vie Romantique is a must-visit for those who dream of Paris's romantic charm.

• 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009
• Metro: Pigalle
• Website…

Maison Victor Hugo

The writing room, or study, showing his tall, stand-up desk, photo Maison Victor Hugo

At the Maison Victor Hugo, dive into the life and works of one of France's greatest literary figures. Housed in Victor Hugo's former apartment on Place des Vosges, this museum is a treasure trove of personal artifacts, manuscripts, and furnishings. Every corner reflects Hugo's creativity, from his poetry to his political activism.

A wonderful example of a Paris museum set in an historical space, the Maison Victor Hugo offers a rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of a literary legend. With an atmospheric setting and fascinating exhibits, it's a must for book lovers and fans of Esmeralda alike.

• 6 Place des Vosges, 75004
• Metro: Chenin Vert

Palais Galliera – Musée de la Mode

Palais Galliera and its park, photo Ville de Paris

Celebrate the artistry of haute couture at the Palais Galliera, Paris's iconic fashion museum. Housed in a grand Beaux-Arts building, the museum's temporary exhibitions showcase the evolution of style through centuries. From Dior's groundbreaking silhouettes to contemporary design, this is where fashion history unfolds.

The museum's pretty gardens add to its allure, making it a fashionable stop in every sense. You might not be a fashionista, but the historic and artistic wonders make Palais Galliera a Parisian highlight you won't want to miss.

• 10 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie 75116
• Metro: Iéna

Maison de Balzac

Maison de Balzac, photo Maison de Balzac

Go even deeper into the world of 19th-century literature by adding Maison de Balzac to your museum list. This hidden gem in the 16th Arrondissement was once home to the prolific author Honoré de Balzac. Explore his manuscripts, personal items, and the very desk where he penned many of his works, including The Human Comedy.

Found on a quiet street with views of the Eiffel Tower, Maison de Balzac is another a peaceful literary retreat in a busy city. It's a time capsule that will immerse you in French literature.

• 47 Rue Raynouard 75016
• Metro: La Muette or Passy
• Museum Webpage…

Musée Cernuschi d'Art Asiatique

The Vietnamese Collection at Musee Cernuschi, photo Wikimedia by Chatsam

The Musée Cernuschi invites you on a journey through the art and history of Asia. Situated near Parc Monceau, this elegant museum is home to an impressive collection of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean art. Highlights include exquisite ceramics, bronzes, and the museum's showpiece: a towering bronze Buddha from the 18th century.

As one of the free museums in Paris, the Musée Cernuschi gives you a serene yet enriching cultural experience… affordably. It's a true hidden gem for curious travelers.

• 7 Avenue Vélasquez 75008
• Metro: Malesherbes