Paris is a city with a rich artistic heritage, and a visit to the City of Light is never complete without experiencing its artistic side. The city is renowned for its art museums, galleries, and public art installations. As an art lover, you can easily explore the city’s artistic heritage by following our guide.
Musée du Louvre
The Louvre is the world’s largest museum, and it houses over 38,000 artworks from prehistory to the 21st century. The museum’s vast collection includes masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, and many more. The museum’s highlight is undoubtedly Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, one of the most famous paintings in the world. While exploring the museum, you’ll discover a multitude of galleries showcasing paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and artifacts from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay is located on the Left Bank of the Seine. It showcases art from the mid-19th to the early 20th century, and it’s known for its extensive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist artworks. The museum’s highlights include Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait, Claude Monet’s Impression, Sunrise, and Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker.
Centre Pompidou
The Centre Pompidou is a cultural center dedicated to contemporary art. It’s located in the heart of the Marais district, and it’s a recognizable building with its striking exterior that shows off the building’s ducts and pipes. The center’s collection includes works of art from the 20th and 21stcenturies, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and videos. The museum’s highlight is undoubtedly Salvador Dalí’s The Persistence of Memory.
Musée de l’Orangerie
The Musée de l’Orangerie is a museum located in the Tuileries Gardens. The museum is primarily known for its display of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies paintings, which were painted in series between 1915 and 1926. The museum also has an impressive collection of 19th, and 20th-century artworks, including works by artists such as Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso.
Palais de Tokyo
The Palais de Tokyo is another contemporary art museum. Located in the 16th arrondissement, it has an extensive collection of contemporary art, installations, and sculptures. The museum’s exhibitions focus on the latest trends and concerns in contemporary art, making it an exciting place to explore and discover new artists.
Street Art
Paris is a city that takes pride in its street art. You can take a guided tour to explore the city’s vibrant street art scene with a knowledgeable guide who will point out the best street art spots in the city. Le Mur des Je t’aime is located in the Place des Abbesses in Montmartre and is a 40 square meter wall of tiles bearing the words I Love You in more than 250 languages.
Paris has an impressive artistic heritage, and it’s up to you to explore the city’s museums, galleries, and street art to discover your favorites. Whether it’s ancient or contemporary, the city’s art scene is thriving and ready for you to experience it.