A Punch of Culture in Paris
Five fabulous museums to visit in Paris besides The Louvre
Paris is one of the world's main hubs of culture and the arts. Astonishingly, the City of Light has 130 museums – everything from the Arab World Institute to the Louis Vuitton Foundation. Most travelers equate Paris with the Louvre and you will be remiss not to visit the largest museum in the world. However, be open to seeing some of the other magnificent venues as well.
Here are five museums you might give serious consideration of visiting.
Musée d'Orsay
Housed in the refurbished Gare d’Orsay or the Orsay Train station along the Seine, the Musée d’Orsay is the second largest museum in Paris and worth every second you spend there. The museum is home to 80,000 works of art hailing mostly from the 19th to early 20th centuries. This is absolutely the best museum for impressionism, but since there are just so many works, there are a few must-sees as a starting point, then you can move on from there. We suggest you put these on your list first:
- Women Ironing by Edgar Degas
- Poppy Field and Camille Sur Son Lit De Mort by Claude Monet
- Gustave Caillebotte – Floor Scrapers and Arearea by Paul Gaugin
- Self Portrait and Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh
- Luncheon Grass by Claude Manet
- Bal Moulin Galette by Auguste Renoir
Card Players by Paul Cezanne
Paris Museum of Modern Art
The Paris Museum of Modern Art (MAM) is a wonderful museum to visit with children. It is much less intense and children appreciate the whimsical nature of some of the museum’s 13,000 works. The palace in which all these works are housed is an incredible example of 1930s architecture. Permanent collections present all the main artistic trends from the beginning of the 20th century up to the present day, and include major artists from those periods such as:
- Pablo Picasso
- Raoul Dufy
- Amedeo Modigliani
- André Derain
- Francis Picabia
- Marc Chagall
- Christian Boltanski
- Philippe Parreno
- Peter Doig
The museum also owns rare and exceptional pieces, such as the first two versions of La Danse By Matisse and Dufy’s fantastic La Fée Électricité.
Penthouse Spencer
Penthouse Spencer epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury living at the esteemed Hotel de Pourtales in Paris. Nestled in the upscale Madeleine neighborhood of the eighth arrondissement, it offers a distinguished experience amidst the quarters of the Elysee Palace, where guests may encounter the political elite of the Fifth Republic. This Penthouse is crafted in contemporary chic luxury, embodying understated luxury and supreme comfort. Spanning the sixth, seventh, and eighth floors, the suite boasts 3,950 sq ft of elite living space within the iconic neoclassical building. Its sleek design features open-concept spaces accentuated by oversized windows and architectural skylights, creating a warm and sophisticated ambiance. Three bedrooms can accommodate up to 6 guests. Guests can access a private elevator, wine storage, and a gym within the building to fully enjoy this luxurious residence. The rooftop terrace, spanning nearly 1000 sq. ft, offers an enchanting view of Paris' cultural landmarks. A serene private garden also sets Penthouse Spencer apart, redefining luxury living in the City of Lights.
Rodin Museum
Auguste Rodin, the most famous French sculptor, has one piece for which he is most noted – The Thinker which you can find at the museum that pays him homage. The main structure of the mansion on the property is sitting on a beautiful, well-manicured garden where you can find sculptures created by Rodin, including The Thinker. You can also see pieces from other artists, including his prize student, Camille Claudel. There are more than 6,000 sculptures in the collection. Here are some must-sees at the museum:
- The Thinker
- Meditation or The Inner Voice
- The Kiss
- The Age of Bronze
- The Cathedral
- The Gates of Hell
- The Waltz of The Waltzers by Claudel
Taking in all these marvelous museums in between watching matches at the French Open is exciting and educational but also tiring. You need to have a home base where you can relax in one of the most stunning Paris luxury homes imaginable and that’s most definitely Townhouse Amanda. This sleek and seductive home, with full services, modern amenities and 24/7 support, is on the private Ile Saint Germain on the Seine just five minutes from west Paris.
Musée National Picasso-Paris
Art lovers know that Pablo Picasso is Spanish, not French, but he had a tender love affair with the City of Light and spent much time there. Paris loved Picasso so much that it honored him with a museum – Musée National Picasso-Paris. The museum is in Hôtel Salé, tucked into the Marais district. Those who appreciate Picasso’s work will find thousands of pieces from the artist housed here. Here are some must-see masterpieces:
- Portrait of Dora Maar
- Café-Concert du Paralelo
- The Barefoot Girl
- The Acrobat
- The Sacred Heart
- The Crucifixion
- Two Women Running on the Beach
Maison Montespan
Maison Montespan is a captivating urban villa in the heart of Paris, exuding quintessential charm and prestige. Situated in the coveted 16th arrondissement, guests are within moments of the Trocadero and Avenue Victor Hugo, immersing themselves in the romanticism and elegance of French fine living. This sprawling three-story estate boasts fresh, modern interiors with subtle hints of aristocratic heritage, featuring glorious parlors and seating areas designed to enchant the aesthete. Impeccably curated, the interiors blend high culture refinement with contemporary chic, showcasing a hand-curated art collection. The estate offers five fantastic ensuite bedrooms, accommodating up to 10 guests. Spectacular amenities include a glossy Steinway piano, an indoor pool area, a yoga space, a sauna, and a fitness area, offering a haven of recreation and leisure. The stunning rooftop terrace, embraced by lush flora and a wonderful city view, delivers the serenity and seclusion of a country manor in the heart of the bustling metropolis. Maison Montespan is truly a unique luxury residence to be noticed.
Louis Vuitton Foundation
The amazing architecture of the building that houses the Louis Vuitton Foundation is worth the trip. Renowned architect Frank Gehry designed the impressive structure and is a precursor to what you’ll find inside. You’ll find works of art by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Ellsworth Kelly, Olafur Eliasson, Gilbert & George, Jeff Koons, and many others. Some are very elaborate art installations. Works fall into four categories: Contemplative, pop, expressionist and music and sound. There are some fascinating pieces in the collection of 330 by 120 artists. What to see:
- Infinity Mirror Room by Yayoi Kusama
- Sleeping by Nick Mauss
- From the series The Theater of Disappearance by Adrian Villar Rojas
- Tamon-kun by Takashi Murakami
- Cambrian Explosion 10 by Pierre Huyghe
- Ntombi II, Paris by Zanele Muholi
- My Ideal by Xiaogang Zhang
- Rmb City secondlife city planning by Cao Fei
- Rose II by Isa Genzken
When you wish to fly off to Paris for something in particular like Paris Fashion Week 2024, please reach out to a client relations team member at LVH who will begin the planning process. Every travel detail will be handled with exceptional professionalism. You will not only have luxurious accommodations including full services and support, but LVH will also create a custom itinerary for you complete with VIP tickets to those events you desire to see. In fact, we always go the extra mile to provide you with an itinerary meeting your every wish, no matter how grand, ensuring your trip is one you will always remember fondly.