- The Louvre
Musée du Louvre, 75058 Paris
Open Mon, Thurs-Sun 9:00am – 6:00pm and Fri 9:00am – 9:45pm
Admission*: €16 (*Free on the first Sunday of each month from October -March)
While in Paris, you simply can’t miss the chance to explore the world’s largest and most visited museum. Attracting a staggering number of visitors each year, the Louvre is a magnificent space filled with rich galleries and passageways. Approximately 35,000 pieces of art and artifacts are on display, all split into different areas. Collections include art from all over the world ranging from Egyptian, Greek and Roman to Middle Eastern, French and Dutch art. Visitors will not be disappointed in the number of paintings, sculptures and treasures to discover.
- The Centre Pompidou
Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004
Open Sun – Mon and Wed – Sat 11:00am – 10:00pm
Admission*: €13 – €11 (*Free admission on the first Sunday of every month)
With its brightly colored, exposed pipes and unique architectural design, the Centre Pompidou is a well-known site in Paris. The building not only houses the largest museum of modern art in Europe, but also a vast public library, a center for music research, and the Public Information Library. Though initial reactions to the building were far from enthusiastic, Centre Pompidou now holds a special place in the hearts of many locals and is a must-see for any visitor in Paris.
Musée d’Orsay / Photo: via Flickr
- Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay, 62, rue de Lille, 75343
Open Tues, Wed, Fri-Sun 9:30am – 6:00pm and Thurs 9:30am – 9:45am
Admission*: € 11 (*Free admission the first Sunday of every month)
Originally a train station, Musée d’Orsay is now home to a variety of works from France’s national collection, including pieces from the impressionist, postimpressionist and art nouveau movements. The museum boasts the world’s largest collection of impressionist and postimpressionist art– a part of the museum visitors will not want to miss. Some notable pieces include: Monet’s Gardens at Giverny, Van Gogh’s self-portraits, Starry Night, and Degas’ ballerinas.
- Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais
3 av du Général Eisenhower, 8e
Open Mon, Wed – Sun 9:00am – 10:00pm
Admission*: €13 (*Prices and times can vary for individual exhibits)
Designed by three different architects for the 1900 World’s Fair, the Grand Palais features a variety of changing exhibits and attracts more than 2.5 million visitors every year. During wartime the Palais played an entirely different role, serving as a military hospital during World War I and a truck depot for Nazi soldiers during World War II. With its gorgeous glass roof above the central hall, the museum is now a vibrant, dynamic center for numerous art events and exhibits. Be sure to make a stop at this beautifully crafted building filled with wondrous works of art.
- Musée de l’Orangerie
Water Lillies at L’Orangerie / Photo: Patrick (via Flickr)
Jardin des Tuileries, 1e
Open Sun – Mon and Wed – Sat 9:00am – 6:00pm
Admission*: € 9 (*Free admission the first Sunday of every month)
Situated in the heart of Paris, the Musée de l’Orangerie offers two major collections for visitors to enjoy. Two larges rooms feature Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. Visitors can spend time gazing at the paintings, which Monet was inspired to create after the horrors of World War I. The second collection is The Walter-Guillaume Collection, which displays creative works from Paul Guillaume and his wife, Domenica. Musée de l’Orangerie is a great place to get your fill of postimpressionist works.
- Musée National du Moyen Age
6 place Paul Painlevé, 5e
Open Mon, Wed – Sun 9:15am – 5:45pm
Admission*: €8 (*Free admission the first Sunday of every month)
The National Museum of the Middle Ages— as it translates to in English — serves as a unique example of 15th century secular Gothic architecture. Decorated with Gothic doorways, a hexagonal staircase and a vaulted chapel, the rare structure of the building will pique the interest of those visiting. Known for its collection of medieval art, specifically the Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, the museum also showcases Roman-era bathhouses and four beautiful medieval gardens. For an exciting trip back to the Middle Ages, make sure to add Musée National du Moyen Age to your itinerary.
Posted by World Endeavors on January 3, 2017
World Endeavors believes that international travel has the power to change lives, broaden horizons, and deepen intercultural understanding. The world is undergoing rapid changes, with societies becoming more interconnected and environmentally aware; at the same time a more challenging global economy inspires in many a need to reach out and make a positive difference while seeking personal growth opportunities. There has never been a better time than now to travel abroad.
