Are you looking for a break from the crowds at the Louvre and want to see some of the best small museums in Paris instead?
The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay aren’t the only museums worth visiting in Paris. A handful of Paris’s smaller museums provide a more personal and distinctive museum-going experience.
Some of the best places to get away from the rush and bustle of Paris are the city’s many small museums, where you’ll find some of the city’s most interesting and unique collections.
Things you'll find in this article
- 14 Best Small Museums In Paris
- 1. Musée Carnavalet
- 2. CERNUSCHI MUSEUM FOR ASIAN ART
- 3. Musée de Cluny
- 4. Musée National Eugène Delacroix
- 5. Gustave Moreau Museum
- 6. Musée de la Vie Romantique
- 7. Musée de l’Erotisme
- 8. Musée du parfum Fragonard
- 9. Museum of Counterfeit Goods, Paris
- 10. Musée Jacquemart-AndréAndre
- 11. Musée Marmottan Monet
- 12. Musée de Montmartre
- 13. Musée Rodin
- 14. Maison de Victor Hugo
14 Best Small Museums In Paris
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Location: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, France
This remarkable museum is dedicated to showcasing the captivating history of Paris, spanning an impressive timeline of 2,500 years.Prepare to explore the rich heritage and cultural evolution of this magnificent city. Step into a captivating world where history comes alive.
The extraordinary collection features a treasure trove of rare artifacts salvaged from the depths of time.
Marvel at the surviving left foot of a once majestic statue, a poignant reminder of the grandeur of King Louis XIV.
Immerse yourself in the revolutionary spirit as you gaze upon the Declaration of the Rights of Land and the Citizens, a powerful testament to the French Revolution. And prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning stained glass pieces, each one a masterpiece in its own right.
2. CERNUSCHI MUSEUM FOR ASIAN ART
Location: 7 Av. Velasquez, 75008 Paris, France
This is the second most important collection of Chinese and Asian art in all of France, and it is one of the oldest museums in all of Paris.
Cernuschi is located in a stately estate that formerly belonged to Enrico Cernuschi, a global traveler and connoisseur who amassed the collection through ardent and devoted effort.
The Chinese collection, which spans prehistory to modern times, has been enriched over the years through private contributions, and it also includes sections dedicated to the art of Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.
The Chinese collection encompasses the period from antiquity to present times.
3. Musée de Cluny
Location: 28 Rue du Sommerard, 75005 Paris, France
The Musée de Cluny is one of the most distinctive Paris museums due to its focus on medieval art and culture. The museum’s Gothic manor building dates back to the 15th century, contributing to its air of antiquity and allure.
The museum’s most popular exhibits are the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries.
These tapestries are some of the most important works of medieval art, and they are on display in a space designed to highlight their aesthetic value.
There are almost 23,000 items from the Middle Ages on display at the museum, including sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, and manuscripts in addition to the tapestries.
4. Musée National Eugène Delacroix
Location: 6 Rue de Furstenberg, 75006 Paris, France
The Musée National Eugène Delacroix, the artist’s old home and studio, is now a fantastic little museum in the heart of Paris.
Artistically, Eugène Delacroix was a major force for France in the nineteenth century. He defied the conventions of early 19th-century art with his daring use of color and daring techniques. The collection of drawings, paintings, and letters at the Musée National Eugène Delacroix is a sure must-see for any art enthusiast
5. Gustave Moreau Museum
Location: 14 Rue Catherine de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris
An absolute eye-opener is the Musée National Gustave Moreau, which may be found in the 9th arrondissement at the base of Montmartre.
If you’re familiar with the symbolist paintings created by Moreau, you’ll know that you’re in for a real treat because his work is so beautiful.
The museum is housed in the family home of the painter, and it features hundreds of paintings and watercolors that display the work of a painter who many people regard to be the master of French Symbolism.
When you gaze at some of the paintings for even a short time, your eyes will start to hurt from the amount of meticulous information that is packed into them.
6. Musée de la Vie Romantique
Location: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris, France
The 9th arrondissement is home to the Museum of Romantic Life, also known as the Musée de la Vie Romantique. It is located close to Montmartre. The museum’s collection includes a wide variety of portraits and works of art from the early 1800s, which is considered to be the Romantic period in painting.
The museum has green shutters and a gorgeous garden, making it appear as though it should be located in the countryside of Southern France, even though it is located in an easily accessible area. You may get a wonderful break from the hustle and bustle of the city by grabbing a cup of tea at Rose Bakery, the museum’s tea house, and then taking a stroll about the site.
7. Musée de l’Erotisme
Location: 72 Boulevard de Clichy 75018 Paris
Nestled in the vibrant Pigalle Quarter, just a stone’s throw away from the charming Villa des Platanes and the foot of the iconic Butte of Montmartre lies a captivating museum. The Museum of Eroticism, also known as Musée de l’Erotisme, is dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of human sexuality.
This unique establishment is a celebration of the exquisite erotic art collection curated by the esteemed antique dealer Alain Plumey and the knowledgeable teacher Jo Khalifa. Prepare to be enthralled as you explore the fascinating world of sensuality and desire through their carefully selected artworks.
8. Musée du parfum Fragonard
Location: 9 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris, France
Step into a world of scented wonders at the enchanting Perfume Museum. Established in 1983, this captivating museum is housed in a charming Napoleon III townhouse, crafted in 1860 by the talented Lesoufaché, a protégé of the renowned architect Garnier.
The decoration exclusively reflects the style and aesthetics of that specific period. Step into a world of elegance and fragrance as you explore the rooms of this remarkable establishment. Each room is adorned with exquisite period furnishings, transporting you back in time to a bygone era of opulence and refinement.
But that’s not all – prepare to be captivated by an extraordinary collection of perfume exhibits. Admire the antique perfume bottles, marvel at the intricately designed containers, and discover the charm of vintage toiletry sets. Immerse yourself in the history and allure of perfumery as you wander through this enchanting museum, conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Opéra Garnier.
9. Museum of Counterfeit Goods, Paris
Location: 16 Rue de la Faisanderie, 75116 Paris, France
Situated on a quiet street, the Musée de la Contrefaçon is a hidden gem among the plethora of museums in Paris. Its unassuming facade may cause it to go unnoticed by passersby, making it one of those charming, easily overlooked treasures of the city.
However, this museum offers a captivating peek into an imaginary realm governed by powerful global syndicates, where their illicit activities yield staggering fortunes in the millions. Here, you’ll find displays of counterfeit goods from designer bags, shoes and watches, and even car parts.
10. Musée Jacquemart-AndréAndre
Location: 158 Bd Haussmann, 75008 Paris, France
You absolutely must visit this magnificent 19th-century mansion, as it offers an awe-inspiring experience that will transport you back in time. One of the main highlights is the breathtaking winter garden, meticulously designed by the talented duo Edouard André and Nélie Jacquemart.
Inside, the couple’s art collection is truly impressive, showcasing a diverse range of remarkable pieces. Among the highlights is an exquisite Fragonard painting titled “Head of an Old Man,” which never fails to captivate viewers. There are also striking portraits created by Jacquemart himself, adding a personal touch to the artistic ensemble.
11. Musée Marmottan Monet
Location: 2 Rue Louis Boilly, 75016 Paris, France
This intimate Parisian museum on the city’s outskirts houses a collection of more than a hundred impressionist paintings by Claude Monet. In the middle of the twentieth century, Monet’s son and sole heir left the collection to the Marmottan.
There are some of Monet’s most impressive paintings on display there, such as “Impression, Sunrise.” This artwork is often credited with sparking the impressionist art movement.
This tiny museum is a must for any fan of Monet’s work, even if it is a little out of the way.
12. Musée de Montmartre
Location: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris, France
On the Butte, a tiny hill in Montmartre surrounded by gardens and vineyards, you’ll find the Musée de Montmartre. It was previously known as “La Maison du Bel Air,” and construction on the structure began in the 17th century.
Artists such as Raoul Dufy and Auguste Renoir, both well-known in France, came here to work and be inspired.
The museum has an extensive collection of posters and artwork from the height of the Montmartre art movement in the 19th century.
There is also a reproduction of the studio of Suzanne Valadon, a great artist of the period and the first woman painter to be invited to join the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts.
13. Musée Rodin
Location: 77 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
One of the most stunning little art museums in all of Paris is the Musée Rodin. Important sculptures by Auguste Rodin, such as “The Thinker” and “The Kiss,” are on display at the museum.
Before he died in 1916, Rodin gave all of his sculptures and paintings to the government of France. He requested that they be shown in the Hôtel Biron, which is now the museum.
Many of his sketches, paintings, and prints are on display in the museum’s historic French building, which first opened to the public in 1919.
The gorgeous garden where several of the statues were placed is easily the best part of the museum.
One of the most stunning private gardens in all of Paris, it is the perfect place to relax and contemplate some of Rodin’s finest works.
14. Maison de Victor Hugo
Location: 6 Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris, France
Victor Hugo, a well-known French author, called the Marais home for a total of sixteen years (1832–1948).
He lived in one of the grand red-brick residences on the southwest corner of the Place des Vosges. This home now serves as a museum dedicated to honoring his legacy.
Victor Hugo’s residence is on display in the museum, complete with the author’s original furnishings, artwork, and artifacts.
Some may be surprised to learn that he was also a talented painter, photographer, and interior designer in addition to author. His appreciation for Chinese art and culture stands out.
As a beautiful representation of his adoration for Chinese imports, the Chinese Lounge is furnished with ceramics, embroidered silks, and elaborately carved wooden furniture.
Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.