There are over 100 museums in Paris, but here are the 5 you should go to:

1. Le Musée Rodin

I arrived at this museum rather indifferent to Rodin, but I had seen it written up as a top Paris museum in numerous publications and soon learned why. Located in the 7th arrondissement, the museum is set in the Hôtel Biron, which was built in the mid-eighteenth century and served as a home until becoming a museum in 1919. This building is absolutely beautiful, the perfect setting for Rodin’s sculptures. And, it has amazing grounds that make for a lovely stroll, even during the colder months. Regardless of whether you enjoy Rodin’s work, I would highly recommend this museum – and give yourself ample time to explore not only the museum, but also the gardens.

2. Le Musée Yves Saint Laurent

If you like fashion, you should definitely check out the Musée Yves Saint Laurent. Situated on the Right Bank in the 16th arrondissement, the museum used to be the home of Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. It now houses some of Saint Laurent’s most iconic looks and gives a history of his career and personal life. I spent about an hour there and was able to see everything thoroughly. I absolutely loved this museum! On another note, check out Chez Francis for lunch or dinner and sit outside for a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower (food is decent, but the setting could not be better).

3. Le Musée d’Orsay

Although the Musée d’Orsay is famous for its housing of many impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, do not ignore the rest of the museum. All of its art is there for a reason and is truly incredible. I particularly loved the orientalist art on the first floor, although Van Gogh, Monet, and other greats never cease to amaze. Give yourself a good amount of time for this museum, as you won’t want to miss anything.

4. Le Musée de l’Orangerie

Although the Musée de l’Orangerie is certainly a small museum, it is not to be overlooked, as it is home to Monet’s most iconic water lily paintings. The paintings are displayed in two oval-shaped rooms, allowing visitors to completely absorb themselves in their beauty. This museum takes no longer than an hour to get through, meaning you can easily pair it with other activities, especially given its central location in the 1st arrondissement. This museum is not to be missed, especially if you are also travelling to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny!

5. Atelier des Lumières

This is not your typical museum, but it is definitely worth the visit. The Atelier des Lumières is an hour-long light show in which paintings come to life on the room’s walls and floors, accompanied by music to set the mood. I saw an exhibition featuring 3 shows – Van Gogh, Dreamed Japan, and Verse – all of which were incredible. Words simply cannot describe this experience, but take a look at the photos below for a better idea.

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Notable Mentions

Even though those museums are my top 5, there are still so many amazing museums to see in Paris, so here are a few more of my favorites:

Le Louvre – a must-see if it is your first time in Paris, but a huge museum that you will certainly not see in full; check out the Jardins des Tuileries (located just outside the museum) while there, as they’re some of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever seen

Le Musée Picasso – located in the Marais (one of my favorite districts in Paris) in a beautiful former home and contains many of Picasso’s best works

Le Musée de Parfum – a free guided tour of the history and making of perfume by le Fragonard, worth doing if you are interested in perfume

Le Centre Pompidou – a modern and contemporary art museum offering a comprehensive history of these artistic styles with some great expositions as well; check out le Crêperie Beaubourg next door for une galette playben (savory crepe containing baked apples and cheese) – delicious!

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I also visited la Fondation Louis Vuitton (art and culture) , le Musée des Arts Décoratifs (decorative arts and design), le Musée des Arts et Métiers (industrial design – inventions and scientific instruments), le Jeu de Paume (photography), le Palais de Tokyo (modern and contemporary art), le Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris (modern and contemporary art), and le Petit Palais (fine arts). If you would like information about any of these museums, please leave a comment!