Visiting Art Museums is one of the most interesting things to do during vacation in Paris. There are so many amazing museums in the city that are clamoring for attention. Out of all these museums, there are some that always attract a crowd and are definitely worth a visit. They are a must-see especially for visitors coming to the French capital for the first time.
If you’re an art lover, and you're looking for something worthwhile to spend your time with, we recommend the following top must-see art museums in Paris. We decided to go with this list considering they are ideal for discovering an unexpected slice of the city and avoiding long queues.
Musée Jacquemart-André is proof that a museum doesn't necessarily have to be big to deliver the expected glamour. It shows that good things also come in small packages. The museum is always free of large crowds unlike major galleries.
The private museum is situated in the former home of Edouard Andre, a renowned 19th-century art collector. It consists of the cultural treasures he and his wife amassed during their lives. The museum is a magnificent Second Empire mansion boasting fabulous furniture, luxurious chandeliers, ornate frescoes, vibrant wall coverings, and rich tapestries.
2. MUSÉE DE LA VIE ROMANTIQUE
Musée de la Vie Romantique is another must-see museum in Paris. It consists of pretty green shutters and a cobbled courtyard. The English meaning of the name of the museum is ‘Museum of Romantic Life’. This intimate gem is home to Ary Scheffer, a Dutch-French painter who usually hosts salons for artists, writers, and musicians.
The ground floor of the museum is devoted to famous French Romantic novelist George Sand. She was a neighbour who visited regularly. Some of the items on the ground floor include her paintings, furniture and jewellery, spanning the 18th and 19th centuries. While Scheffer’s paintings are displayed on the first floor.
3. MUSÉE GUIMET
Musée Guimet is a place for captivating asian art. It is a treasure trove of spiritual paintings from Tibet, serene Buddha figures from Afghanistan, intricate Indian fabrics, and Samurai swords from Japan.
The museum was established in 1889 by industrialist Emile Guimet. It consists of over 5000 years of Asian art, artefacts, and decorative art. Other items include historic pieces sourced from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and China.
4. MUSÉE DE LA CHASSE ET DE LA NATURE This is also a private museum which name translates to ‘Museum of Hunting and Nature’ in English. It is one of the unforgettable museums in Paris. Located in-between the neighbouring Hôtel de Guénégaud and Hôtel de Montgelas buildings. The museum is home to items that explore the relationship between humans, animals and the natural environment through the ages.
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