Paris prides itself not only on its rich artistic legacy, but also on the principle that art and culture should be accessible to everyone. Not surprising, then, that the city counts over fifteen museums whose permanent collections can be enjoyed entirely free of charge.
Please note that the Musée des Arts et Métiers and the Cluny Museum currently offer free entry on a trial basis, through June 2008.
The Musée Carnavalet's fascinating permanent collection is a must for both history buffs and those interested in learning about Paris' complex history. The collection gives a vivid, visually engaging account of he the city's history, from its foundings to the present day. The museum is housed in a stunning Renaissance-era building, the Hotel Carnavalet, in Paris' lively and elegant Marais district.
This sprawling museum houses over 8,000 works of contemporary art and is located at the Palais de Tokyo. After viewing the permanent collection, sip a coffee on the outdoor terrace, which offers a dramatic view of the Eiffel Tower.
The completely-renovated Petit Palais, situated near the prestigious Champs-Elysées, houses 1300 works from the antiquity through the early 20th century, featuring masterpieces by Courbet, Cezanne, Monet, and Delacroix. Temporary collections are free for visitors under the age of 13.
One of three municipal Paris museums dedicated to literarature, the Maison de Balzac honors the celebrated author of The Human Comedy. Honoré de Balzac lived in this house in the mid-19th century, and it now serves as a tribute to his works and era.
Housed in the medieval-era Hotel de Cluny, the Musée National du Moyen Age features some of the more important works of medieval art, including the breathtaking and enigmatic series of tapestries "The Lady and the Unicorn". The foundations of ancient roman baths, an aromatic herb garden, and objects drawn from daily life in the middle ages make this one of Paris' most intriguing spots. Access to the museum's permanent collection is free to visitors every day through June 2008.
Underappreciated sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, who frequented Rodin and trained fellow sculptors Giacommetti and Germaine Richier, once lived and worked in this residence, which now houses a remarkable collection of the artist's bronze, marble, and plaster works. The museum was extended in 1992.
Those interested in the history of couture should not miss the permanent collection at the Musée Galliera, which traces trends in fashion from the 17th century to the present day across some 100,000 costumes. The museum is housed in an elegant residence which once belonged to the Duchess of Galliera.
The most recent of Paris' municipal museums, the Leclerc Memorial/ Musée Jean Moulin was inaugurated in 1994 as a tribute to two key figures of the French resistance against Nazi occupation during WWII, Marshall Leclerc and Jean Moulin. The museum renders this dark period in French history accessible to visitors via chronological images, extensive archives and multimedia presentations. The occupation and liberation of Paris are reconstituted in vivid images.
Situated in a corner of the stately Place des Vosges, The Maison Victor Hugo celebrates the life and times of the 19th-century novelist, poetic and political thinker who dreamed up The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Les Misérables.
Late 19th-century art collector donated his extensive collection of Chinese art to the city of Paris at the turn of the 20th century. The museum's permanent collection features ancient Chinese pottery, bronzes, buddhist artifacts, in addition to an important collection of 20th century Chinese painting.
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