Paris, the city of love and lights, is famed for its grand architecture and world-class museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Yet, beyond these giants, Paris harbors countless small, unique museums offering more intimate and profound explorations of French history, culture, and art. Join “Discovery To Wonders” as we uncover these hidden gems, where lesser-known stories and surprising art collections await.
Musée National Picasso: Home of a Genius
Located in the heart of the Marais district, Paris’s artistic core, the Musée National Picasso boasts the world’s largest collection of Picasso’s works. Housed in the magnificent Hôtel Salé, a 17th-century historical monument, the museum showcases not only masterpieces of painting, sculpture, and ceramics but also reveals the life and career of one of the 20th century’s greatest artists.
Exterior view of Musée National Picasso in Paris
Picasso’s heirs donated around 203 paintings, 158 sculptures, 29 relief sculptures, 88 ceramics, and over 3,000 drawings and engravings to the museum. In 1990, following the death of Pablo Picasso’s wife, Jacqueline Picasso, the museum received a further 47 paintings, 2 sculptures, and approximately 40 valuable drawings, ceramics, and sculptures.
Visiting the Musée National Picasso offers not only a chance to admire Picasso’s extraordinary talent but also to delve into his artistic influences, personal relationships, and life’s journey. The museum also displays works by other renowned artists collected by Picasso, such as Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Douanier Rousseau, André Derain, Georges Braque, Joan Miro, and African art.
The Petit Palais: An Art Treasure in a Small Palace
True to its name, Petit Palais (“Small Palace”) is a charming museum situated on Avenue Winston Churchill. Built for the 1900 World Exposition, the Petit Palais impresses with its refined Beaux-Arts architecture and spaces filled with natural light.
Exterior facade of Petit Palais museum in Paris
The open design of the Petit Palais allows natural light to flood the space, highlighting the beauty of the artworks. Windows and doors are fitted with clear glass, creating stunning views overlooking the Presidential Palace, the Queen’s Garden, and the picturesque Seine River.
Inside, the museum is a treasure trove of art, featuring sculptures, paintings, and even jewelry by famous artists from around the world. Exhibitions are arranged chronologically from 1900 back to Roman and Greek civilization. It’s an ideal destination for those who appreciate classical art and wish to explore Parisian history.
Musée de l’Orangerie: Immerse Yourself in Monet’s Water Lilies
Located in the Tuileries Garden, Musée de l’Orangerie is a must-visit for Impressionism enthusiasts. The museum is renowned for its collection of Claude Monet’s “Nymphéas” (Water Lilies) paintings, an artistic masterpiece that evokes tranquility and serenity.
Interior view of Musée de l'Orangerie with Monet's Water Lilies paintings
Smaller in scale compared to other famous museums, Musée de l’Orangerie offers a quiet and intimate setting to admire Monet’s enormous water lily canvases. Soft natural light filters into the rooms, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
Beyond the “Nymphéas” collection, the museum also exhibits works by other Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painters such as Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore the development of modern art and gain a deeper understanding of the artistic movements that made Paris famous.
Musée Rodin: Admire Sculptural Masterpieces
Set within the Hôtel Biron, an elegant mansion with beautiful gardens, Musée Rodin displays the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of Rodin’s career, from iconic pieces like “The Thinker” and “The Burghers of Calais” to lesser-known creations.
Sculpture of "The Thinker" in the garden of Musée Rodin
The collection includes 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs, and 7,000 art objects. Wandering through the gardens, visitors will also encounter other Rodin sculptures – “The Thinker” and “The Burghers of Calais”.
A visit to Musée Rodin allows you to not only appreciate Rodin’s masterful sculpting talent but also to learn about his life and personal relationships. The museum also features works by Camille Claudel, a talented sculptor and Rodin’s lover.
Musée Cernuschi: Explore Asian Art
If you seek to discover Asian art in Paris, Musée Cernuschi is an unmissable destination. Ranking as the second largest museum of Asian arts in France and fifth in Europe for Chinese art, Musée Cernuschi offers deep insights into the culture and history of Asian countries, particularly China, Japan, and Korea.
Display of ancient artifacts inside Musée Cernuschi
The museum houses over 12,000 individual pieces, primarily Asian artworks (especially from China, Japan, and Korea). It also showcases artworks by Chinese-French artist Zao Wou-ki, including watercolors, bronzes, and ceramics.
Musée Cernuschi is an Asian art treasure trove with valuable artifacts such as bronzes, ceramics, paintings, Buddhist statues, and decorative art pieces. The museum also hosts special exhibitions on various themes related to Asian art and culture.
Musée Grévin: Meet Celebrities in Wax
Musée Grévin is a famous wax museum in Paris, where you can meet historical figures, movie stars, singers, and famous athletes in wax form. The museum offers a fun and unique experience, especially for children and families.
Wax figures of celebrities and historical figures in Musée Grévin
Located at 10 Boulevard Montmartre, Musée Grévin features a Baroque-style domed hall dating back to 1882. The museum displays over 300 wax figures of famous personalities such as Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson, Mahatma Gandhi, Alfred Hitchcock, Lucky Luke, Lara Croft, and more.
It is an ideal spot to take memorable travel photos and is one of the most popular attractions in the city for groups of friends or families with children.
Centre Pompidou: A Hub for Modern and Contemporary Art
Located in the Beaubourg area, Centre Pompidou is a modern cultural and art center with unique architecture and a rich collection of contemporary art. Inside the Centre Georges-Pompidou is the National Museum of Modern Art, housing 59,000 modern and contemporary works by approximately 5,000 artists like Piet Mondrian, Frida Kahlo, Henri Matisse, Vassily Kandinsky, and others.
Exterior view of Centre Pompidou with its colorful pipes and modern design
The Centre Pompidou also showcases other art forms, with collections of architecture, design, and visual arts. With its distinctive architecture and diverse collection, Centre Pompidou is a must-visit for contemporary art lovers.
Explore Paris Your Way
Paris is more than just its large and famous museums. These small but unique museums are hidden gems, offering more intimate and profound experiences of French history, culture, and art. Take the time to explore these museums for a more comprehensive view of Paris and create unforgettable memories.
“Discovery To Wonders” hopes this article has helped you discover the small but unique museums in Paris. Plan your trip and experience the hidden treasures of the City of Lights for yourself. Which museum will you explore first?