Paris, a city rich in art, history, and culture, offers a plethora of museums. While many have an admission fee, several notable museums are Free museums in Paris today to the public, either permanently or on specific days or times. Here’s a list of some of the best free museums in Paris:
1. Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
- About: This museum showcases a diverse collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by artists like Picasso, Modigliani, and Braque.
- Location: 11 Avenue du Président Wilson, 16th arrondissement.
2. Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris
- About: The Petit Palais is home to an impressive collection of fine arts ranging from ancient to early 20th century. It’s not only the artworks that attract visitors but also the beautiful architecture of the building itself.
- Location: Avenue Winston Churchill, 8th arrondissement.
3. Maison de Victor Hugo
- About: Located at Place des Vosges, this museum is dedicated to the life and works of the famous French writer Victor Hugo, offering insight into his personal life, writings, and the times he lived in.
- Location: 6 Place des Vosges, 4th arrondissement.
4. Musée Curie
- About: This museum is dedicated to the life and scientific achievements of Marie Curie, focusing on her research and the discovery of radium. It’s a must-visit for science enthusiasts.
- Location: 1 Rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 5th arrondissement.
5. Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris
- About: Focused on the history of Paris, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the city’s past, from its ancient roots to modern times. It’s currently undergoing renovations but is worth visiting when it reopens.
- Location: 23 Rue de Sévigné, 3rd arrondissement.
6. Maison de Balzac
- About: This house museum is dedicated to Honoré de Balzac, one of France’s literary giants, offering a glimpse into his life, works, and the 19th-century Parisian society he chronicled.
- Location: 47 Rue Raynouard, 16th arrondissement.
7. Musée Cognacq-Jay
- About: The museum showcases the art collection of Théodore Cognacq and his wife Marie-Louise Jay, founders of the La Samaritaine department store. The collection includes paintings, miniatures, sculptures, and furniture, mainly from the 18th century.
- Location: 8 Rue Elzévir, 3rd arrondissement.
Free Admission Policies
- Remember, these museums are free for their permanent collections. Special exhibitions may have a separate charge.
- The first Sunday of each month offers free admission to many other museums not typically free, including some of Paris’s most famous institutions.
- Always check the museum’s official website before your visit for the most current information on opening hours and any potential changes to their free admission policies.
Exploring these museums offers a wonderful opportunity to dive deep into the artistic and historical richness of Paris without spending a euro.
Which museum in Paris is free?
Paris is renowned for its wealth of museums, and several of them offer free admission either permanently or on specific days. Here are a few notable museums in Paris that you can visit for free:
Permanently Free Museums:
- Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris: This museum showcases modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and other artworks.
- Petit Palais, Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris: The Petit Palais is an art museum that features a wide range of works from antiquity to the early 20th century.
- Maison de Victor Hugo: This historic house museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous French writer Victor Hugo.
- Musée Curie: Focused on the pioneering scientific work of Marie Curie, this museum is a must-visit for those interested in the history of science and medicine.
- Musée Carnavalet – Histoire de Paris: Dedicated to the history of Paris, this museum offers a deep dive into the city’s past, culture, and architectural evolution.
- Maison de Balzac: A house museum dedicated to the novelist Honoré de Balzac, offering insight into his life, works, and the era he lived in.
- Musée Cognacq-Jay: This museum houses a collection of 18th-century French art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
Other Free Opportunities:
- First Sunday of the Month: Many museums in Paris, including some that usually charge admission, are free to all visitors on the first Sunday of each month. This includes famous institutions like the Louvre Museum and Musée d’Orsay, but only during certain months of the year, so it’s important to check their official websites for the most up-to-date information.
- Under 26: EU residents under the age of 26 have free access to many museums and monuments in Paris, including those that charge admission.
- Special Events: Events like European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine) in September offer free access to numerous museums and historic sites across the city for a weekend.
Before visiting, it’s always a good idea to check the official website of the museum for the most current information regarding opening hours, any temporary closures, and specific details about what is included in the free admission. This way, you can plan your visit accordingly and make the most of your time in Paris.
What day are museums free in France?
In France, many museums and cultural sites offer free admission to their permanent collections on the first Sunday of each month, particularly during the off-peak tourist season, which is typically from November through March. This initiative is part of a cultural policy to make art and history more accessible to the public. However, the participating museums and the months during which they offer free admission can vary.
Key Points:
- First Sunday Free: This applies to many museums across France, not just in Paris. It’s advisable to check the specific museum’s website or contact them directly for the most accurate and current information.
- Peak Season Exceptions: Some popular museums might only offer free admission on the first Sunday during the off-peak months (November to March) due to the high volume of visitors during peak tourist season.
- All Year Round: Some museums, especially smaller or less well-known ones, might offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month throughout the year.
- National Museums and Monuments: Major national museums and monuments often participate in this scheme. Examples include the Louvre Museum and the Orsay Museum in Paris, which typically offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month during the off-peak season.
- Young People and Children: Additionally, many museums and cultural sites in France offer free or reduced admission fees to EU residents aged 18 to 25, and often free admission to those under 18, regardless of their nationality.
Tips for Visiting on Free Admission Days:
- Expect Crowds: These days are very popular, so be prepared for more visitors than usual.
- Arrive Early: To make the most of your visit, it’s a good idea to arrive early, right when the museum opens.
- Check Ahead: Always verify the museum’s participation in the free admission day and confirm that there are no special events or exhibitions that might affect access.
Remember, the policies regarding free admission can change, and special exhibitions within the museums may not be included in the free offer. Always check jobs on the museum’s official website for the latest information before planning your visit.
