17 Best Small Museums In Paris

Paris is often celebrated for its grand institutions like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, where masterpieces steal the spotlight. Yet, beneath this glittering surface lies a treasure trove of small museums that offer an intimate glimpse into the city’s rich cultural tapestry. 

Whether you’re in Paris for just a few days or are eager to uncover more of its hidden gems, exploring these lesser-known spaces can enrich your experience in ways you might not expect. 

Each venue tells its own unique story, showcasing everything from avant-garde contemporary works to fascinating historical narratives that breathe life into the city’s past. So grab your map and prepare yourself for this journey through the 17 best small museums in Paris will open your eyes to a side of Paris that many visitors never see!

17 Best Small Museums in Paris

Among the small museums Paris, I have listed some of the best ones for you:

• Museum of Fairground Arts
• Musee National Eugene Delacroix
• Musee Gustave Moreau
• La Galerie Dior
• Carnavalet Museum
• Petit Palais
• 59 Rivoli
• Musee de l’Orangerie
• Maison de Victor Hugo
• Dali Paris
• Musee Rodin
• Musee Jacquemart-Andre
• Musee de la Vie Romantique
• Montmartre Museum
• Musee Curie
• CLUNY Museum
• Musee Bourdelle

Best Smaller Museums in Paris

Whether you’re on the hunt for tiny art museums or hidden gems filled with cultural treasures, these smaller venues reveal Parisian artistry and history through their narratives each visit is a chance to discover something new and unexpected.

Museum of Fairground Arts (Les Pavillons de Bercy – Musée des Arts Forains)

Nestled away in the vibrant Bercy district, the Museum of Fairground Arts stands as one of the best small museums in Paris, delighting both adults and children alike. This private museum is a treasure trove dedicated to fairground objects dating from 1850 to 1950, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the world of whimsy and amusement. 

Visitors are treated not just to static displays but also to experience exhilarating rides on beautifully restored carousels, including an enchanting vintage bicycle carousel that whirls with charm.

What truly sets this museum apart is its intimate atmosphere; you must book your visit in advance for a guided tour that immerses you in the history and artistry behind each piece. While regular tours are conducted in French, occasional English sessions grant non-French speakers a rare opportunity to share in the magic. 

Museum of Fairground Arts Hours: By reservation only. 

Admission fees: vary €18.80 for adults, €14.80 for persons with disabilities, and €12.80 for children aged 4-11 with free entry for little ones under four years old.

Location: Bercy, 12th Arrondissement

Musee National Eugene Delacroix

Nestled in the heart of Paris, the Musée National Eugène Delacroix stands as a gem among the best small museums Paris, offering an intimate glimpse into the life and artistry of one of France’s most celebrated Romantic painters. 

As you step into Delacroix’s former apartment, where he resided from 1857 to 1863, it feels like entering a time capsule that evokes his creative spirit. The space is adorned with personal artifacts and pieces showcasing Delacroix’s great works, allowing visitors to connect with his artistic journey firsthand.

Beyond the walls filled with vibrant paintings and evocative sketches lies a tranquil garden and studio.

Musee National Eugene Delacroix Hours: Open from Wednesday to Monday, with extended hours on the first Thursday of each month.

Admission Fee: Admission is just €9 and free for specific groups.

Location: Saint-Germain-des-Pres, 6th Arrondissement

Musee Gustave Moreau

Tucked away in the heart of Paris, the Musée Gustave Moreau stands as one of the best Paris museums in the city, inviting visitors to explore the fascinating world of French Symbolism. Renowned for its iconic spiral staircase that ascends through a labyrinth of artworks, this museum offers a unique glimpse into Moreau’s intricate mind.

Visitors can wander through his former apartment, gaining insights into his life and the inspirations behind his stunning creations. As you ascend to the top floors dedicated to his workshops and artistic processes, you’ll feel a deepened connection with human creativity.

Musee Gustave Moreau Hours: Open daily (excluding Tuesdays) from 10 am to 6 pm.

Admission Fee: With admission set at just 8 euros, it’s accessible without demanding significant time or expense students and under-26s from EU countries enjoy reduced rates too! What’s even more inviting is that on the first Sunday of every month, entry is free for everyone.

Location: Pigalle, 9th Arrondissement

La Galerie Dior

La Galerie Dior stands out as one of the best small museums in Paris for fashion lovers. Nestled within the historic Hôtel de la Ville, this space is not just a collection of garments; it’s a vibrant storybook that encapsulates Dior’s transformative impact on fashion.

The gallery showcases an impressive array of sketches, iconic looks, and exceptional pieces from various collections that tell tales of haute couture craftsmanship and artistic innovation. 

La Galerie Dior Hours: Open daily except Tuesday from 11 am-7 pm. 

Admission Fee: Adults is €12, Under 26, students, and teachers are €8, and free for children under 10 and select parties. 

Location: Champs-Elysees, 8th Arrondissement.

Carnavalet Museum (Musée Carnavalet)

It provides an intimate setting where visitors can delve into the evolution of this iconic city. Spanning centuries, you’ll find information that chronicles everything from prehistoric settlements to Gallo-Roman times, allowing for a profound understanding of Paris’s cultural metamorphosis.

The museum is housed in two stunning mansions that themselves are steeped in history, providing a beautiful backdrop for its extensive collection. With artworks ranging from paintings by celebrated artists to intricate period furnishings, walking through each room feels like stepping back in time.

Carnavalet Museum Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am-6 pm. 

Admission Fee: Permanent collections are free to visit! Guided tours start at €5. 

Location: Le Marais, 4th Arrondissement

Petit Palais

Constructed for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, this architectural gem now serves as the Museum of Fine Arts in Paris, showcasing a remarkable collection that spans from Antiquity to the early 1900s. 

Unlike its larger counterparts, such as the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, visiting Petit Palais allows for a more leisurely appreciation of masterpieces without overwhelming crowds. The museum boasts an impressive array of works by iconic artists like Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin, Eugène Delacroix, Monet, and Rembrandt. 

Petit Palais Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am-6 pm. It is open until 8 pm on Friday and Saturday for temporary exhibitions. 

Admission: Permanent collection is free. For the temporary exhibitions, it is €15 for the full price, and €13 for the reduced price.

Location: Champs-Elysees, 8th Arrondissment

59 Rivoli

59 Rivoli stands as a vibrant testament to Paris’s evolving artistic landscape. Once a lively artist squat, it transformed in 2006 into an engaging hub for creativity and innovation, seamlessly blending its rich history with contemporary expression. 

This unique venue hosts 30 artist studios, 15 permanent and another 15 dedicated to temporary artists in residency, providing a fresh wave of inspiration every few months.

59 Rivoli pulses with life through its musical events held every Saturday and Sunday at 6 pm from September to June.

59 Rivoli Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 1-8 pm. 

Admission: Free to the public.

Location: Louvre Neighborhood, 1st Arrondissement

Musee de l’Orangerie

Musee de I’ Orangerie gem is not just home to Claude Monet’s breathtaking Water Lilies, but its design also creates an immersive experience that allows visitors to feel enveloped by nature itself. The two oval-shaped rooms housing these mesmerizing paintings are specially designed to enhance their beauty.

Beyond Monet, descending into the basement reveals a lesser-known treasure: an impressive collection gathered by art dealers Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume.

Musee de l’Orangerie Hours: Open Wednesday-Monday from 9 am-6 pm.

Admission: €12.50 for full price, €10 for select parties, and free for select parties such as EU residents under 26 and children under 18. It is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month, but you must make a reservation in advance. 

Location: Louvre Neighborhood, 1st Arrondissement

Maison de Victor Hugo

This small museum, housed in a 17th-century mansion, is dedicated to the famous French romantic writer and politician who called this place home from 1832 to 1848. Inside, visitors are treated to an impressive collection boasting over 50,000 works of art ranging from evocative paintings to historical photographs. 

Each piece narrates a chapter of Hugo’s creative journey, immersing you deeper into the emotional canvas he painted through classics like Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. 

Maison de Victor Hugo Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am-6 pm. 

Admission: Free for the permanent collection. Temporary exhibitions start at €5. 

Location: Le Marais, 4th Arrondissement

Dali Paris

Dali Paris stands out as one of the best small museums in Paris, showcasing the largest private collection of Salvador Dali’s art in France. With over 300 pieces, including mind-bending sculptures and intricate engravings, this intimate museum invites visitors into Dali’s surreal world.

Dali Paris also hosts temporary exhibitions featuring works from other contemporary artists who challenge reality and push boundaries.

Dali Paris Hours: Open daily from 10 am-6 pm. 

Admission: €16 for adults, reduced prices of €13 and €11 for select parties, and free for children under 8. €3 for an audio guide. 

Location: Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement

Musee Rodin

For those who love sculptures and sculpture gardens, this hidden gem invites visitors to meander through its beautiful grounds, adorned with lush greenery and exquisite masterpieces. 

Inside the museum itself, you’ll discover magnificent pieces that reveal the raw emotion and intricate craftsmanship of the renowned sculptor. Among them is the iconic The Thinker,” which has come to symbolize deep contemplation across cultures. 

Musee Rodin Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am-6:30 pm. The sculpture garden closes at nightfall depending on the time of year. 

Admission: €14 for full price, and free for everyone on the first Sunday of every month from October until March and certain parties. 

Location: Les Invalides, 7th Arrondissement

Musee Jacquemart-Andre

One of the best small museums in Paris, offering an intimate glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Belle Époque. Once the home of art collector Édouard André and his wife Nélie Jacquemart, this exquisite museum showcases their impressive assemblage of artworks including masterpieces by artists such as Fragonard and Boucher. 

Each room invites visitors to step back in time, featuring elegant furnishings that truly resonate with the couple’s passion for art and beauty.

Note: Though currently closed for restoration until September 2024, anticipation builds around its reopening. 

Musee Jacquemart-Andre Hours: Open daily from 10 am-6 pm. Open until 8:30 pm on Monday during exhibition periods. 

Admission: €12 for the permanent collection and €17 for both the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions. Reduced prices apply to certain parties. 

Location: Champs Elysees, 8th Arrondissement

Musee de la Vie Romantique (Museum of the Romantic Life)

Once the residence of Dutch-French painter Ary Scheffer, this charming museum is a homage to the Romantic era, immortalizing gatherings of renowned artists such as George Sand, Charles Dickens, and Frédéric Chopin. 

Visitors can immerse themselves not only in impressive collections dedicated to Scheffer and his contemporaries but also relish moments of respite at its enchanting outdoor tea room surrounded by lush gardens. 

Musee de la Vie Romantique Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am-6 pm.

Admission: The permanent collection is free for everyone to visit. Prices vary for temporary exhibitions. 

Location: Pigalle, 9th Arrondissement

Montmartre Museum

Built-in the 17th century, it was once home and studio to celebrated artists such as Auguste Renoir and Suzanne Valadon. 

Visitors can immerse themselves in history by exploring Valadon’s expertly recreated workshop and apartment, which pulse with her creative energy and artful spirit. The museum boasts stunning gardens that once inspired Renoir himself. 

Montmartre Museum Hours: Open daily from 10 am-7 pm. 

Admission: €15 for the full admission during the exhibition period. Prices vary for select parties. Free for children under 10. 

Location: Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement

Musee Curie

Musée Curie stands as a testament to innovation and perseverance, celebrating the life and work of one of science’s most remarkable families. Housed in Marie Curie’s former laboratory, this gem among the best small museums in Paris dives deep into the world of radiological research. 

From pioneering discoveries in radioactivity to groundbreaking advancements that have shaped modern medicine, every exhibit offers visitors a glimpse into the legacy left by Marie and her family famed for their astounding achievement of five Nobel Prizes.

Guided tours are available in both French and English though it’s essential to book them in advance to ensure a fully immersive experience.

Musee Curie Hours: Open Wednesday-Saturday from 1-5 pm. Closed during August. 

Admission: Free

Location: Pantheon, 5th Arrondissement 

CLUNY Museum (National Museum of the Middle Ages)

For starters, it wasn’t crowded at all allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the serene ambiance that surrounds countless works of art from the Middle Ages. 

This institution challenges common misconceptions about this era, showcasing exquisite pieces like intricate altarpieces and ornate sculptures that reveal a society much more advanced than the stereotypical narrative of the Dark Ages.

One of the museum’s highlights is undoubtedly The Lady and Her Unicorn, a breathtaking set of tapestries celebrated for their vivid colors and detailed imagery. Visitors can stroll through remnants of ancient Gallo-Roman baths located on-site, marveling at architectural craftsmanship that has withstood centuries.

CLUNY Museum Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am-6:15 pm.

Admission: €12 for full admission, €10 for certain parties, including 18-25-year-olds from outside the EU, and free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month, people under 18, EU members under 26, and other parties. 

Location: 5th Arrondissement

Musee Bourdelle

This former studio is not merely a repository for his impressive collection of over 500 works; it reflects the artistic fervor and workshop culture that thrived in late 19th and early 20th-century Paris. Visitors can wander through spaces where Bourdelle molded countless bronzes and marbles.

What makes this museum particularly special is its juxtaposition of medium sculptures crafted from bronze, plaster, and marble coexist with photographs and paintings from both Bourdelle’s oeuvre and his collection.

Musee Boudelle Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am-6 pm. 

Admission: Permanent collection is free to visit. Temporary exhibition prices are €9 for the full rate, and €7 and free for select parties.

Location: Montparnasse, 15th Arrondissement

Here are 17 outstanding small museums in Paris that you should not miss. Featuring renowned artists, significant artworks, and important historical artifacts, these venues offer a more intimate experience, allowing you to enjoy the exhibits without the hustle and bustle often found in larger museums.

Conclusion

Exploring the 17 best small museums in Paris offers a unique and enriching experience that allows visitors to delve into the city’s diverse cultural landscape. Each museum presents its own distinct narrative, from showcasing lesser-known artists to preserving historical artifacts that might otherwise be overlooked. 

These intimate spaces not only provide an opportunity to escape the crowds found in larger institutions but also foster a deeper connection with art and history. 

Whether you are an avid museum-goer or a casual visitor, these hidden gems promise unforgettable moments and insights. So, next time you’re in Paris, make sure to carve out some time to discover these captivating small museums for yourself!

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