Paris Museums Beyond the Louvre: Gems You Need to See

Everyone knows the Louvre. But Paris museums go far beyond the Mona Lisa. Step off the beaten path, and you’ll discover treasures that feel intimate, inspiring, and uniquely Parisian.

Start with the Musée d’Orsay. Set inside a former train station, it bursts with Impressionist masterpieces. Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas shine under its vast glass roof. It’s a museum that makes you feel the energy of modern art’s beginnings.

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Next, discover the Musée de l’Orangerie. Home to Monet’s Water Lilies, its serene oval rooms let you step inside the artist’s world. Surrounded by color and light, you’ll understand why this collection feels like a meditation on beauty.

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Then, wander into the Rodin Museum. Its elegant mansion and sculpture garden showcase Rodin’s genius. From The Thinker to The Kiss, every work feels personal and powerful. The gardens in particular make this museum unforgettable.

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For history lovers, the Musée de Cluny—Paris’ Medieval Museum—offers a trip back in time. Gothic tapestries, stained glass, and medieval treasures bring the Middle Ages to life. The highlight? The famous Lady and the Unicorn series.

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Finally, explore the Musée Carnavalet. Dedicated to the history of Paris itself, this museum tells the city’s story through revolutionary artifacts, Belle Époque paintings, and treasures from everyday Parisian life.

At My Private Paris, we design private tours that bring these Paris museums to life. You won’t just see paintings or artifacts—you’ll uncover the stories behind them, the context, and the characters who shaped history.

Paris is full of art and beauty. Beyond the Louvre, its museums open doors to worlds waiting to be explored.

If you want to experience this, contact us today for us to show you the best of Paris—your way.