18 free Museums in Paris (+tips to save on the others)

December 10, 2022

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This post about free museums in Paris was updated on the 9th of December 2022 by Lena

Free museums in Paris. Hard to believe, isn’t it? But how would that sound if I’d tell you that there’s a plethora of Museums in Paris that you can actually visit for free year-round? And an equally long list of outstanding museums in Paris that you can visit for free at least once a month?

And it’s actually no joke and neither a clickbait to keep you here on my website – you can see the most famous art for free! Let me tell you how to find those free museums in Paris!

contemporary art galleries in paris — ^{Pinault Collection in Paris}

If you are traveling on a budget, don’t miss these money-savers:

In this article, I am starting by telling you exactly which museums in Paris are free to visit. The 2nd part of this post is about tips and tricks on how to enter the not-free museums without paying admission free.

CHECKLIST for your Trip to Paris

18 Free Museums in Paris that are worth it

If you are looking for museums in Paris that are free to visit, check out this list! I found for you the best free museums in Paris that you should add to your bucket list.

#1 Musée Carnavalet

23 Rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris | closed on Mondays

The Musée Carnavalet is dedicated to the rich and storied past of none other than the city of Paris itself. Exploring two old mansions with dozens of galleries, you can take an epic journey through three thousand years of history – from prehistoric times to the 21st century. The museum displays over 600,000 pieces of artifacts and artwork, including sculptures, photography, furniture, and historical documents.

My personal favorite though is a pair of earrings: each earring has 2 parts, a Guillotine and the head of Marie Antoinette, respectively, Louis XVI.

Anyway, if you have an interest in French culture, you’ll ultimately find yourself entranced by all that there is to explore here.

The Musée Carnavalet in Paris that is for free — ^{Musée Carnavalet}

#2 Petit Palais – Musée des Beaux-Arts

Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris | closed on Mondays

The Petit Palais is an iconic Parisian landmark on the Champs-Élysees with a long and rich history. Built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, it is now the museum of fine arts of Paris.

This museum is a great spot to marvel at the stunning architecture of the Petit Palais and also enjoy some outstanding artworks. It specifically exhibits the history of art from its beginnings until the present era. Including sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and objects.

#3 Musée Cernuschi

7 Av. Velasquez, 75008 Paris | closed on Mondays

Step into another world when you visit Musée Cernuschi, the Museum of Asian Art! Located in the residence of Henri Cernuschi, the many works of art here offer a wonderful opportunity to explore a variety of cultures and civilizations from around Asia. The Museum features over 15000 objects, mostly paintings, and objects from China, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea.

Tip: The museum is located close to Parc Monceau, where you also find the Maison Loo, the Pagoda of Paris.

#4 Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris

11 Av. du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris | closed on Mondays

If you’re looking for an experience with modern art unlike any other, then the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris is definitely worth a visit! Located in the eastern wing of the Palais de Tokyo, this contemporary Art Museum enchants you with over 15,000 works from some of the most iconic art movements of the 20th and 21st centuries.

It’s a great spot for any art enthusiasts who want to really dig in and explore one of the most influential periods in art history.

Tip: For an excellent view of the Eiffel Tower, visit the parvis of the museum or the right end of the Palais de Tokyo.

two days in Paris itinerary — ^{The Eiffel Tower as seen from the Palais Tokyo}

#5 Musée Bourdelle

18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris | temporarily closed

Musée Bourdelle is a unique Parisian experience! It’s the old studio of the notable French sculptor Antoine Bourdelle and serves as an example of ateliers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In addition, you’ll find more than 500 works created by Bourdelle himself, including his personal collection of works by artists such as Delacroix! This is your chance to explore the history and immerse yourself in the art without even having to pay a cent. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity!

#6 Musée de la Vie Romantique

16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris | closed on Mondays

Located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, The Musée de la vie Romantique offers a unique experience that unlocks the secrets of the rich and turbulent times during which legendary poet George Sand lived.

Did you know, George Sand is a woman? Her real name was Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin de Francueil and she used a male pseudonym to get published. However, she went further and even wore male attire in public.

Anyway, the house was built in 1830 and was formerly owned by her. This museum stands as a tribute to her creativity and spirit. You can admire personal items such as letters, manuscripts, drawings, and even sketches by Delacroix – all remarkable evidence of Sand’s unconventional lifestyle. If you need a break, the museum has a cute greenhouse café.

Free museums in Paris: Musée de la View Romantique — ^{Musée de la vie Romantique – The House of Georges Sand}

Tip: Combine your visit to the Musée de la Vie Romantique with a visit to the legendary Montmartre neighborhood.

#7 Musée Zadkine

100bis Rue d’Assas, 75006 Paris | closed on Mondays

Located in the heart of Paris near the Jardin Luxembourg is Musée Zadkine. This museum is a celebration of the Russian sculptor Ossip Zadkine and his works.

Zadkine’s house, along with his workshops, have been transformed into this awe-inspiring museum where you can admire around 300 sculptures made by the master himself. Not just limited to sculptures, at Musée Zadkine you can also find drawings as well as photographs and tapestries too. If you’re looking for an artistic diversion in Paris, Musée Zadkine is simply unmissable!

Free Museums in Paris: Discover Art, History and Culture

#8 Musée de la Libération de Paris

4 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris | closed on Mondays

Located on the left bank of the Seine, Musée de la Libération de Paris is a one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to telling the story of the French resistance during the Nazi Occupation. It’s designed to honor Jean Moulin – an iconic leader and major figure in the resistance movement – whose biography serves as a blueprint for the exhibitions inside.

Plus, if you’re feeling daring, you can explore a whole different side of history by visiting the underground catacombs that were once used by freedom fighters! So take advantage of this unique insight into WWII and discover what it was really like to be a part of the liberation.

Tip: If you are around for lunch or dinner, visit Rue Daguerre. It’s a pedestrian street nearby with many cafés and restaurants.

Tip2: Combine this museum with a visit to the Catacombs, it’s just across the street.

Free Museum in Paris: Musée de la Liberation — ^{One of the most impressive free museums in Paris: The Museum about the French Resistance. Here: The underground hideout}

#9 Musée Cognacq-Jay

8 Rue Elzevir, 75003 Paris | closed on Mondays

Théodore-Ernest Cognacq was an avid collector of fine art and decorative items – with an impressive collection of around 1200 pieces! He had a special emphasis on 18th-century France, assembling paintings by Rembrandt, Degas, Cezanne, and more. But that’s not all – there are also splendid Chinese ceramics, fantastic sculptures, and other exotic goods in the mix.

Fun Fact: Théodore-Ernest Cognacq was the founder of the recently reopened department store Samaritaine!

#10 Atelier Brancusi

Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris | closed on Tuesdays

Constantin Brancusi lived and created much of his famous artwork in Paris, and thankfully, there is still a place where art lovers can go to appreciate his genius.

Since 1997, his studio in the French capital has been reconstructed opposite the Centre Pompidou, and it houses upwards of 250 works that this renowned artist created, plus 1600 glass photographic plates and prints. Whether you’re an admirer of sculptures or avant-garde design, anybody who visits here is bound to marvel at the skill and creativity of this incredible artist. Now’s your chance to get up close with some true masterpieces!

Free Museums in Paris often still require a reservation — ^{Free Museums in Paris}

#11 Maison de Balzac

47 Rue Raynouard, 75016 Paris | closed on Mondays

If you’re a fan of French novelist Honoré de Balzac, then a visit to the museum located in his former residence is an absolute must!

You won’t find much of the original furniture there anymore, but you can still lay your eyes on his desk and chair. Absolutely fascinating! The library contains a wealth of manuscripts and books dedicated to Balzac, so don’t miss out on that either. Taking a tour of the house itself makes it easy to imagine what it must have been like while he lived there.

As if the thought of being where the works of one of France’s most famous writers were created isn’t enough, this place will give you insights into Balzac’s personal life as well – all interesting things for sure!

The house of Balzac is in fact one of the 3 literacy museums of Paris. The other two are the Maison Victor Hugo and of course the Musée de la Vie Romantique in Georges Sand house.

#12 Memorial de la Shoa

17 Rue Geoffroy l’Asnier, 75004 Paris | closed on Saturdays

You find the Memorial of the Shoa in the Marais quarter, which has been a Jewish district for centuries.

Outside of the museum, you find the Wall of Names that lists the names of approximately 76000 French Jews that were deported and murdered by the Nazis during WWII. The wall is always open and accessible.

The inside of the museum is divided into 4 parts. The Crypt is a place of silence where the ashes of victims of different camps are buried.

The Jewish Files are on display as well. They are the files that were created by the Vichy Regime to identify Jewish citizens.

The Exhibit Rooms document the history of French Jews during the Holocaust, including many materials from video recordings, to texts and photographs.

And lastly, the Wall of the Righteous honors non-Jewish people who helped save Jews during the 2nd World War.

#13 Musée du Parfum Fragonard

9 Rue Scribe, 75009 Paris | open every day

Want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time? Your perfect trip awaits at the Fragonard Parfum Museum in Paris. In this exclusive private museum, you can peek at some of the oldest and most beautiful perfume bottles, distillation stills, and toiletry sets from ancient times. It’s like taking a private journey through history.

Plus, with tours running every 30 minutes, you won’t have to wait long before your little trip down memory lane begins!

#14 Musée de la Prefecture de Police

4 Rue de la Montagne Ste Geneviève, 75005 Paris | closed on Weekends & Mondays

This is a rather quirky museum that’s a treasure chest for every crime fan out there. From uniforms and guns as obvious exhibits, you find mostly evidence for France’s most historic cases on display. Even the pistole that was used to murder the president of France.

#15 Maison de Victor Hugo

6 Pl. des Vosges, 75004 Paris | closed on Mondays

Step inside Musée de Victor Hugo and get ready to be taken back in time! This was the house where Victor Hugo lived for 16 years, and it certainly made its stamp on French culture. After all, he wrote big parts of Les Miserables during his stay here.

Not to mention that many of his contemporaries like Alexandre Dumas and Balzac were welcomed within these very walls.

The Maison de Victor Hugo is also the place where he died. In 1885, at the age of 83.

Maison de Victor Hugo - a free museum in Paris — ^{Place des Vosges in the Marais – where Victor Hugo lived}

#16 Musée Curie

1 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris | closed Sunday – Tuesday

Musée Curie is a must-see for every science geek or if you are interested in the history of radiological research. Previously Marie & Pierre Curie’s laboratory, this expertly curated museum contains photographs and documentation that offer an in-depth look at the famous scientific duo.

You’ll learn about the unique contributions of both Marie and Pierre Curie, as well as their discoveries that shaped the field of radiation today. Plus, visitors can explore the workspace of a brilliant couple to get a glimpse into the life of renowned scientists.

Interesting: Marie Curie is one of the 6 women buried in the Panthéon!

#17 Musée d’Art et d’histore de Sainte-Anne

1 Rue Cabanis, 75014 Paris | closed Monday & Tuesday

Step into the bizarre and often gritty world of history medicine with a visit to the Sainte Anne Hospital Museum of Art and History.

This unique museum focuses on medical procedures, psychiatry, and brain diseases from centuries past. The exhibits aren’t for the faint of heart, but their educational value is undeniable for everyone interested in medical histories and scientific developments. Be amazed, be awestruck, and learn something as you explore this unique glimpse into the ages!

#18 Musée de la Legion d’Honneur

2 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris | closed Monday & Tuesday

If you are a fan of honors, medals, and decorations? Then you need to check out the National Museum of the Legion of Honour and of orders of chivalry.

From medals and decorations awarded since King Louis XI to Napoleonic souvenirs, you can trace the evolution of decorations given in recognition that heroes throughout history have been honored with!

Tip: Combine this Museum with the Musée d’Orsay, it is just across the street.

Free Museums in Paris — ^{The café in the Musée de la Vie Romantique – Free Museums Paris}

Visit the most popular Museums in Paris for free

If you’re keen on exploring even more art and culture without exceeding your travel budget, read on. Because you can visit even the most prestigious museums in Paris for free. If you know how.

Free entrance to museums in Paris for kids, teens, and tweens

If you are under 18, you are already lucky enough to have free admission to all the national museums of Paris. If you are a citizen of the EU and under 26, you’re also granted free admission.

This applies to the following Paris museums:

Louvre
Musée d’Orsay
Musée Rodin
Musée du quai Branly
Arc de Triomphe
Musée de l’Orangerie
Musée Picasso
Musée national du Moyen Âge
Musée de l’Armée
Grand Galerie d’Evolution
Sainte Chapelle
Panthéon
Conciergerie
Museum of Liberation (admission is always free! read more here)

Free Museums in Paris: Arc de Triomphe — The Arc de Triomphe is free for everyone under 18 – and free for EU citizens under 26

Good to know: even though they are free of charge if you’re under 18 or an EU citizen under 26, some of them still require you to reserve a ticket. Check their website to know more. Also, bring your ID.

But even if the criteria above aren’t applying to you, read on the know-how you still can enjoy free entries in many museums in Paris!

Tip: For more flexibility, you can also get the Paris Museums Pass which grants you access to more than 60 sights and museums in Paris!

Free Museums Paris: Know the admission-free days

If the free museums are not enough for your thirst for art and you’re no tween anymore, don’t despair. You have as well the possibility to get into the Paris Museums for free on a few days of the year. Read on to know when exactly.

Don’t miss these articles:

Visit the LOUVRE for free

If you want to see the Mona Lisa, the Venus of Milo, and other famous artworks in the Louvre, you can, but the truth is told, it’s getting more and more difficult.

At the time of writing, the Louvre is free for everyone only on the 14. of July, the French National Day.

For those under 18 and EU citizens under 26, the Louvre is free every day.

There’s no free entrance to the Louvre on the first Saturday or Sunday of the month anymore.

Know how to visit the louvre for free - one of the most popular free things to do in Paris — visit the Louvre for free – just know when to go!

Visit the MUSÉE D’ORSAY for free

While it’s difficult to get into the Louvre for free, you have better chances at the Musée d’Orsay. That’s because you can visit the Musée d’Orsay for free every first Sunday of the month, year-round.

For those under 18, and EU citizens under 26, the Musée d’Orsay is free every day.

Do use their website to make a reservation.

^{The Musée d’Orsay – A free museum in Paris on the first Sunday of the month}

Visit the Musée National Picasso for free

The Picasso Museum in Paris is free every first Sunday of the month, year-round. For those under 18, and EU citizens under 26, the Musée National Picasso is free every day. Reservations might still need to be mandatory.

Visit the Musée Rodin – for free!

The Musée Rodin is free on the first Sunday of the month, but only from the 1st of October to the 31st of March.

For those under 18, and EU citizens under 26, the Musée Rodin is free every day.