The Petit Palais, photographed by Thomas Brenac
Paris’s art scene draws millions each year to its iconic institutions, with museums like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou famed for their awe-inspiring displays of antiquities, Impressionist paintings and modern masterpieces. Beyond these grand galleries, however, there are also a host of quieter, equally captivating smaller museums in Paris, that offer a more intimate encounter with the city’s art and history.
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Often set in historic homes, old artists studios, or grand hôtels particuliers (private mansions), these spaces capture the romance, elegance, and diversity of French culture away from the bustling crowds. On a rainy autumn day, when the city feels as poetic as an impressionist landscape, these tucked-away spaces — showcasing everything from surrealism to haute couture and the decorative arts — offer a cozy retreat, perfect for art lovers, history buffs and architecture enthusiasts alike.
Curated with the same care as their larger counterparts, explore these 10 lesser known museums in Paris, perfect for a gray, drizzly afternoon.
1. Musée Marmottan Monet
Housing the world’s largest collection of works by Claude Monet, including the evocative Impression, Sunrise, the Musée Marmottan Monet is set within an elegant mansion in the 16th arrondissement. The museum offers a peaceful, almost reverential atmosphere, with softly lit rooms that bring out the luminosity in Monet’s iconic water lilies and landscapes. The museum also features pieces by Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, making it a worthy pilgrimage for lovers of Impressionism.
2 Rue Louis Boilly, 16th arrondissement
2. Musée des Arts Décoratifs
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs holds an extensive permanent collection of decorative arts, spanning furniture, fashion and jewelry. Located within a wing of the Palais du Louvre, its architecture mirrors the grandeur of the main museum, with sweeping halls and beautifully curated rooms. Their temporary exhibitions are especially captivating. Recent highlights include spotlights on designers Iris van Herpen, Elsa Schiaparelli and Thierry Mugler.
107 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement
3. Palais Galliera
Recently reopened after a major renovation, the Palais Galliera is Paris’s museum of fashion and textiles. Offering rotating exhibitions they shine a spotlight haute couture collections from both French and international designers. In addition, the museum’s Beaux-Arts architecture and surrounding gardens create a beautiful retreat that exudes classic Parisian elegance. On warmer days, a drink can be enjoyed at the outdoor café overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
10 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 16th arrondissement
4. Dalí Paris
Located in the heart of Montmartre, Dalí Paris holds a whimsical collection of Salvador Dalí’s surrealist works, from paintings and sculptures to rare illustrations. The gallery’s quirky layout mirrors Dalí’s imaginative world. The rooms feel intimate and the curation is dream-like, transporting visitors into the artist’s eccentric mind. Perfect for fans of all things absurd.
11 Rue Poulbot, Montmartre, 18th arrondissement
5. Musée Zadkine
Dedicated to the works of Russian-born sculptor Ossip Zadkine, this hidden gem is set in Zadkine’s former studio. Tucked away in a tranquil garden near the Luxembourg Gardens, the museum showcases a range of sculptures, drawings and photographs, with natural light illuminating Zadkine’s organic, nature-inspired forms. Ideal for those something off the beaten path, this space offers an interesting glimpse into Paris’s quieter creative enclaves.
100 Bis Rue d’Assas, 6th arrondissement
6. Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin, found within the elegant Hôtel Biron, provides a deep exploration of Auguste Rodin’s artistic legacy. The museum showcases his most celebrated works, including The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell. You’ll also find his lesser known sketches and water-colors, as well as pieces by his protégé and muse, Camille Claudel.
The 18th-century mansion itself is stunning, with its grand salons providing an atmospheric backdrop for Rodin’s sculptures and personal artifacts. Outside, the walled garden’s winding paths lead to sculptures set amid the manicured lawns and tranquil fountains.
77 Rue de Varenne, 7th arrondissement
7. Musée de la Vie Romantique
This enchanting museum is a tribute to 19th-century Romanticism. Housing artifacts from the life of writer George Sand, along with period artwork and decorative objects, visitors enjoy an experience akin to stepping into a 19th-century novel. The picturesque villa that houses the Musée de la Vie Romantique comes complete with a charming café set amid the roses. A lovely location for an extended pause.
16 Rue Chaptal, 9th arrondissement
8. Musée Gustave Moreau
Once the home and studio of Symbolist painter Gustave Moreau, this museum offers a unique look into the artist’s life, featuring his mysterious, dreamlike works that explore themes of mythology and fantasy. Its grand staircase and rooms filled with art provide an immersive experience, inviting visitors to wander through Moreau’s imaginative, esoteric world.
14 Rue de La Rochefoucauld, 9th arrondissement
9. Petit Palais
The Petit Palais, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece, was originally built for the 1900 Universal Exposition in Paris. Now, it houses a diverse collection of French art, with paintings and sculptures from artists like Monet and Courbet displayed in its light-filled halls. The museum’s lush internal courtyard, complete with a café, creates a tranquil haven, perfect for escaping the rain or enjoying the summer sun.
158 Boulevard Haussmann, 8th arrondissement
10. Musée Jacquemart-André
The Musée Jacquemart-André displays the eclectic collection of Edouard André and Nélie Jacquemart, from Italian Renaissance art to French decorative objects. Set in a mansion with a sweeping drive in the upscale 8th arrondissement, its rooms exude 19th-century opulence. With gilded moldings, exquisite tapestries and elegant Rococo decor, the museum is ideal for those captivated by aristocratic Parisian design.