The types of museums in Paris

This week's infographic - from the series created in partnership with Air France in celebration of the 10th anniversary of Conexão Paris - classifies the types of museums in Paris. We created categories that will help you decide which and how many museums to visit.

Paris has around 110 museums that are divided, from an administrative point of view, into 3 main categories:

This division is purely bureaucratic and does not help tourists navigate the sea of choices available. Each of the above categories has museums of art, history, anthropology, science, fashion, decoration, architecture and engineering, perfumes, etc.

Most are must-see (incontournables, as the French say), while others not so much. In fact, it depends on the interests and preferences of each person; what is essential for me may be dispensable for you. Within a general consensus - and leaning a bit towards the museums we have a greater appreciation for - we have separated, in the infographic below, some Parisian museums into 4 distinct categories. This will help you decide which and how many museums to visit, depending on your interests and available time.

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national museums, such as the Louvre.
city-owned museums in Paris, such as the Carnavalet, whose access to the permanent collection is free (click here to read our article about them).
private museums, such as Jacquemart André.

The Main

These are the largest, most famous, and have the most incredible collections. As some say: going to Paris without visiting the Louvre is not really going to Paris.

Louvre Museum. Buy your Louvre Museum tickets in advance.
Orsay Museum. Buy your Orsay Museum tickets in advance.
Centre Pompidou. Buy your Centre Pompidou tickets in advance.
Rodin Museum.
Picasso Museum. Buy your Picasso Museum tickets in advance.

The Outsiders

Those who are also important and incredible but do not belong to the main circuit.

Quai Branly Museum. Buy your Quai Branly tickets in advance.
Decorative Arts Museum.
Louis Vuitton Foundation. Buy your Louis Vuitton Foundation tickets in advance.

The Secrets

Smaller museums (in terms of size), off the main circuit and unknown to the general tourist.

Jacquemart André Museum.
Guimet National Museum of Asian Arts.
Marmottan Museum.

The Specifics

Museums that deal with a specific subject or theme that may not interest the majority.

Grande Galerie de l'Evolution.
Army Museum.
Carnavalet Museum.

The interactive map below will help you locate the museums mentioned in the infographic:

See all our infographics - they will help you plan your trip!

This infographic was produced by Conexão Paris in partnership with Air France

The types of museums in Paris