Paris’ Lesser-Known Museums
It is without a doubt that Paris is home to much of the finest works of art in the world. But did you know that in addition to the renown galleries of the Louvre and Musée D’Orsay, there are a number of lesser-known museums with world-class exhibits throughout the city as well? Here are some of my favorites, and best of all, there are hardly any lines!
Musée Marmottan Monet– If you want to see works by Monet, then this is the place you want to be. After Monet’s death, his son, Michel Monet, decided to donate his own personal collection of his father’s works to this museum, thus creating the largest Monet collection in the world. The home itself, which used to be a hunting lodge for the Duke of Valmy, is gorgeous and also includes art by Manet, Gaughgin, Renoir as well as Napoleonic art and furnishings.
2 Rue Louis Boilly, Paris, 75016
Métro: La Muette; Boulainvilliers
Musée Bourdelle– Located in the heart of the Montparnasse district and very near to the Montparnasse Tower, the Musée Bourdelle displays a collection of sculptures, drawings, photographs, as well as some painted works. Antoine Bourdelle, who was also formerly an assistant to Auguste Rodin, lived and worked in this atelier. The sculpture studio has surprisingly remained unchanged giving an up close and personal view of the artist’s life during that era (1880’s to early 1900’s). Enjoy some time at this museum and its gardens, then head to the Ciel de Paris where for the price of a cocktail, you can have one of the best views over the city!
18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, Paris, 75015
Métro: Montparnasse Bienvenüe; Falguiere
Fragonard– Le Musée du Parfum- The Fragonard perfume museum occupies a Napoleon III townhouse built by Lesoufaché, a student of Garnier of the world renown Opéra Garnier. In addition to the perfume exhibit itself, admire the beautiful decoration and architecture of the period.
9 rue Scribe, 75009 PARIS
Métro: Opéra; RER A -Station Auber
Musée Cognacq Jay– Théodore Ernest Cognacq and his wife Marie Louise Jay not only dedicated their time as founders of the department store La Samaritaine in Paris, they were also passionate collectors of 18th century decorations and fine art. Musée Cognacq Jay beautifully showcases these items in the old Marais mansion built in 1575 and also displays some works by Rembrandt, Cezanne and other notable artists.
8 Rue Elzevir, Paris, 75003
Métro : Saint-Paul, Chemin-Vert, Rambuteau
Musée Carnavalet– Two townhouses join together to tell the story of Paris from a bygone era. The Carnavalet beautifully captures the history of Paris and includes mainly original works, some of which were destroyed at the time of the revolution and later restored. The museum presents a timeline including objects, furniture, sculptures, maps, paintings, photography….a little bit of everything from the Middle Ages, to the Revolution, and the new Republique. You can also get a glimpse into the private lives of famous Parisians such as Madame de Sévigné and Marcel Proust who once upon a time lived at this property.
23 rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris
Métro : Saint-Paul, Chemin-Vert, Rambuteau
Musée Delacroix– This museum is dedicated to the painter Eugene Delacroix (1798-1863) who lived here in this last apartment. The musem contains Delacroix memorabilia such as drawings, notes, sketches, studio items, and photographs. The garden is also lovely and makes for a great place to relax on a warm afternoon.
6 Rue de Furstenberg, Paris, 75006
Métro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Mabillon
Musée du Quai Branly– The Musée du Quai Branly exhibits an outstanding collection of indigenous art from Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. The Quai Branly is also a research center, educational center, and cultural space all in one.
37 Quai Branly, Paris, 75007
Métro: Alma-Marceau, Iena, Ecole Militaire
Musée de l’Orangerie– Orignally built to shelter orange trees of the Tuileries Garden, the Orangerie museum picks up where the Louvre left off and displays Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. The famous Water Lilies by Monet are exhibited here as well as works by Modigliani, Picasso, Matisse, Renoir, Cezanne, and many others.
Jardin de Tuileries
Métro: Concorde
Musée du Vin– Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to this museum of wine. Ancient tools and other objects that were commonly used throughout the evolution of wine are well preserved and displayed here. Notes about which regions were known for certain items are fun to look at too. At the end of the visit, you’ll have a sampling of up to 3 different wines (not very good ones though), depending on the package selected at the door. Wine education classes in English are also available.
5 Square Charles Dickens/ Rue des Eaux – 75016 Paris
Métro: Passy
Musée Jacquemart-André– This museum was created from the private home of Édouard André of a prominent banking family, and his wife Nélie Jacquemart, a painter. The couple dedicated much of their time and money to travel in Italy and amassed one of the largest collections of Italian art in France. Besides the exhibition of fine paintings and decorative items, this mansion also offers an intimate look into what life would have been like for an aristocratic family during the 19th century.
158 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris 75008
Métro: Saint-Augustin, Miromesnil or Saint-Philippe du Roule
