There are so many cultural and architectural gems to explore in Paris... Discover this selection of museums, permanent collections, and monuments that are free all year round.
LessIn the 5th arrondissement, at the heart of the "Curie campus," lies the Curie Museum. Just steps from the Pantheon, where Pierre and Marie Curie have rested since 1995, discover for free this Parisian museum rich in science and history. In Marie Curie's former laboratory, the museum retraces the various stages of the illustrious family's journey to five Nobel Prizes. Simply fascinating...
Saint-Tropez has its Gendarmerie Museum, and Paris has its Police Prefecture Museum. Located in the heart of the police headquarters of the 5th and 6th arrondissements, this enriching place traces the history of the Parisian police from the 17th century to the present day. Major historical events, famous criminal cases, weapons, uniforms, evidence. With free access, treat yourself to a visit that is out of the ordinary.
From Sunday to Friday, and on Thursday evenings, visit the Mémorial de la Shoah for free. In this 5000 m2 space, silence prevails, and emotions are inevitable. As the first European information center on the subject, the Mémorial de la Shoah helps you understand the genocide of the Jews during the Second World War.
After over 2 years of closure, the Fragonard Perfume Museum has reopened its doors, much to our delight. In an atypical and didactic manner, the museum invites visitors to discover all the stages of manufacturing this luxury everyday object: perfume. Raw materials, harvesting, extraction, distillation, formulation, industrialization, bottling, creation, the profession of "nose"... The Fragonard Perfumery reveals all its secrets here, free of charge.
The Museum of the Legion of Honor and Orders of Chivalry presents collections unique in the world. On the forecourt of the Musée d'Orsay, within the Hôtel de Salm, a place steeped in history unveils itself to aesthetes. The museum's history dates back to the year 1911. That year, an exhibition dedicated to French decorations and the Legion of Honor at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs was organized. The success was such that it encouraged the creation of a museum inside the Palace.
Classified as Historical Monuments and free to visit every day: the Arènes de Lutèce! Located in the 5th arrondissement, this Gallo-Roman amphitheater, a remnant of the time when Paris was called Lutetia, delights passersby. And for good reason: this place is the oldest vestige of human settlement on the lands of Paris still visible in the capital!
In Paris, the splendid Musée de la Vie Romantique unveils its permanent collections for free. You can also discover fascinating temporary exhibitions (for a fee) and the bucolic Rose Bakery tea room. In the "Nouvelle Athènes" district, explore the former home of the painter Ary Scheffer. With its courtyard, garden, and the beauty of its collections, the Musée de la Vie Romantique is undoubtedly a jewel of French cultural heritage.
Poet, playwright, writer, novelist, and romantic French artist, Victor Hugo is the author of iconic novels such as Les Misérables, Notre-Dame de Paris, The Man Who Laughs, or The Legend of the Ages. In Place des Vosges, the house of the writer with the golden pen is an essential place to visit. From the antechamber to the red salon, passing through the dining room, the Chinese salon, the small salon, the work cabinet, or the bedroom... visit the apartment of the man of letters for free.
After more than 4 years of renovation, the Carnavalet Museum - History of Paris has reopened its doors. With a completely redesigned scenography and enhanced architecture, the temple of the history of the capital proudly displays its 625,000 works. Except for temporary exhibitions, you can enjoy a free visit to the permanent collections of the oldest museum in Paris. It's a true journey through the City of Light throughout the ages...
It was during the 1900 Universal Exposition that the Petit Palais (City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts) was inaugurated. Designed by architect Charles Girault, it is now considered an architectural gem. Except for temporary exhibitions, the Petit Palais - City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts offers you a free artistic stroll, allowing you to admire the beauty of its permanent collections.