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Special Focus Museums, Paris, France | |
| Paris has a lot of museums, and you'll probably find one on whatever art or topic interests you. | ||
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While some museums like the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay have large, broad collections, others focus on specific topics or types of collections. There are some museums that focus on an individual artist, and others that emphasize a culture or an interest. Here are some that you might want to consider, depending on your own personal interests. Musée des Années TrenteThe Musée des Années Trente (Museum of the 1930s) in the Paris suburb of Boulogne-Billancourt has a superb collection of all arts from the 1930s (les années trente): painting, sculpture, architecture, furniture, décor, ceramics and glass, by a wide variety of artists active between the World Wars. More... Musée de la MusiqueThe Musée de la Musique has a wonderful collection of historic instruments, and an audio guide that allows you to hear some of the instruments as well. More... Musée des Arts ForainThe Musée des Arts Forains is one of the more unusual museums in Paris. Located near the Parc de Bercy, it contains large items of Belle Époque fairground equipment and displays about some of the lavish shows and games of the past. More... Musée Édith PiafThe small, private Musée Édith Piaf pays homage to this famous French singer. Visits are by appointment only. More... Institut du Monde ArabeThe Institut du Monde Arabe, on the Left Bank not far from the Jardin des Plantes, is a treasure trove for those interested in the history, culture, and art of the Arab World. More... Musée de l'Art et de l'Histoire du JudaïsmeFor those interested in Jewish culture, the development of Jewish communities over time, and the Dreyfus Affair, the Musée de l'Art et de l'Histoire du Judaïsme in the Marais is the place for you. More... Atelier des LumièresThe Atelier des Lumières, opened in 2018, brings together art, music, and technology to create beautiful large-scale displays of works of art that are projected onto the walls, ceiling, and floors. More... Musée GuimetThe Musée Guimet is a wonderful museum of Asian Art, with a broad collection that ranges from India to Japan. Its breath taking displays are both gorgeous and educational. More...
Montmartre MuseumCloser to home, if you want to learn more about the history of Montmartre, go to the Montmartre Museum. Its small and has a long and fascinating history as the home/workplace of many famous artists. More... CatacombsThe Catacombs certainly qualify as special interest. With the remains of over 6 million Parisians, the underground tour is both fascinating and macabre. More... Musée des ÉgoutsAnd if you're into public works, or just curious about how the sewers work in a city like Paris, head to the Musée des Égouts. It's a fascinating look at the history of the sewer system. More... Cité de Architecture & du PatrimoineThe Cité de Architecture & du Patrimoine will fascinate those who are interested in architecture. With plaster casts of elements of many famous churches and monuments, the museum allows you to study them up close. More... Musée de la MarineSailors and maritime history buffs should head to the Musée de la Marine (in the Palais in Chaillot, near the Musée de l'Homme and just across the plaza from the Cité de l'Architecture). Ship models, both old and new, paintings, and more provide a fascinating look at maritime history. More... Maison Victor HugoThose interested in Victor Hugo, and in particular The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, might want to visit the Maison Victor Hugo and also climb the towers of Notre-Dame. More... "Special interest" is hard to define, so you may have other interests that aren't covered in this list. But I would bet that you'll find a Paris Museum that covers your particular area of interest.
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Above, Historic guitars, Musée de la Musique, Paris.
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