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You’re probably tired of reading and hearing about Covid-19 updates in France. Trust us, we are too! But if you’ve been following us on social media where we regularly share news about what’s happening in Paris locally, you’ll be excited to hear that ‘small’ museums are among some of the establishments that will be allowed to re-open on May 11!
But what are these ‘small’ museums exactly? For so long, the big great museums of Paris like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée du quai Branly have kept the spotlight on them. But now, under this strange new circumstance we’re all under, something positive has come out!
Read on below for our list of the best small museums in Paris to visit in 2020!
| Disclaimer: The museums mentioned in this article have yet made official announcements if they will indeed re-open on May 11. |
1. Dali Paris in Montmartre
Yes, a museum dedicated to Dalí exists in Paris! Located in the heart of picturesque Montmartre, only two steps away from the famous Place du Tertre, Dalí Paris presents the only permanent exhibition in the city entirely dedicated to Dalí.
Here, you can appreciate more than 300 of Dalí’s works with a special highlight on his sculptures and engravings. What better time to start digging deep into an artist like Salvador Dalí?
Dali Paris
Address: 11 Rue Poulbot, 75018
Metro access: Abbesses (Line 12)
Official website
2. Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner
You might have never heard of the French painter Jean-Jacques Henner. That’s alright, we forgive you. Luckily, there’s an entire museum in the beautiful and calm 17th arrondissement that’s dedicated entirely to his works who’s been recognized as one of the most successful and most important painters of his time.
Apart from being able to enjoy his stunning paintings during the Impressionist period, you can also walk through the majestic halls of the 19th century mansion the museum is housed in. What makes this museum unique is how the walls are covered with paintings from top to bottom!
Musée National Jean-Jacques Henner
Address: 43 Avenue de Villiers, 75017
Metro access: Villiers (Line 2 / 3)
Official website
3. Maison Victor Hugo
If you’ve enjoyed Les Misérables and the Hunchback of Notre Dame, you have Victor Hugo to thank. He is one of the most prominent figures in French literature and his words have far exceeded influence in the literary world. If you ever find yourself wandering through Le Marais, Maison Victor Hugo is just on Place des Vosges.
Visiting this museum will transport you back into the time when Victor Hugo stayed here from 1832 to 1848. The furniture and decor in the apartment has been arranged according to three different time periods in Hugo’s life: before exile, during exile, after exile.
Maison Victor Hugo
Address: 6 Place des Vosges, 75004
Metro access: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
Official website
4. Musée Cognac-Jay
When you visit the Cognacq-Jay Museum‘s official website, the first thing you’ll read is “a taste of the 18th century” and that’s exactly what you’ll get from your visit. The museum, housed inside the beautiful hôtel particulier Hôtel Donon in Le Marais, displays an elaborate collection of art from the 18th century.
Most of the paintings in the museum focus a lot on intimate subjects of portraits and interiors, therefore offering a uniquely engaging vision of French life in the 18th century.
Musée Cognac Jay
Address: 8 Rue Elzevir, 75003
Metro access: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
Official website
5. Musée Carnavalet
Even if you’re not that much of a fan of art, Musée Carnavalet in Le Marais is absolutely worth a visit even just to admire its stunning Renaissance architecture. The museum is one of the last remaining examples of this architectural style in the city. It has been undergoing some restoration and renovation and it was actually scheduled to re-open in spring of this year!
True Paris-lovers will make it a priority to visit this museum as it is the only place that is dedicated to telling Paris’ history from its origins to present day. The museum has everything from archeological collections, mementos of the French Revolution, to paintings, sculptures, and items of art.
Musée Carnavalet
Address: 16 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003
Metro access: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
Official website
6. Musée de Montmartre
This museum is one of our favorite hidden gems in Montmartre. This museum stands in Montmartre’s oldest structure, built in the 17th century! This museum originally served as studios of famous French artists like Pierre-August Renoir, Raoul Dufy, and Émilie Bernard. Today, it has on display a collection of paintings, posters, and drawings by Henri Toulouse-Lautrec, Modigliani, and more!
Not only is it a gorgeous museum to visit in the middle of such a historic neighborhood, it also has a verdant garden with a cozy café from where you can enjoy an afternoon break.
Find more of our favorite museum cafés here.
Musée de Montmartre
Address: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018
Metro access: Lamarck – Caulaincourt (Line 12)
Official website
7. Maison de Balzac
The 16th arrondissement doesn’t get much foot traffic apart from people wanting to see the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadero. But we’re huge fans of this area for its quiet streets, gorgeous Haussmannian buildings, and local shops. Maison de Balzac, named after the famous French novelist, is one of the area’s most hidden gems.
If you’re a fan of Balzac, you’ll love touring his ancient home where his personal things are still being held like first editions, manuscripts, and illustrations. The museum also has paintings and often organises concerts and readings! But even if you’re completely unfamiliar with Balzac, we still think you should come to this museum for some calm and exceptional Eiffel Tower views!
Maison de Balzac
Address: 47 Rue Raynouard, 75016
Metro access: Passy (Line 6)
Official website
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