The best museums to visit in Paris with your students
Paris, the city of love and lights, is home to several iconic landmarks. Among its wide variety of attractions, Paris proudly hosts some of the world's best museums, offering students a unique window into the past and present.
Whether you’re planning a primary school trip to Paris, or simply searching for ideal destinations to take your high school students, we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll share our top picks of the best museums in Paris, perfect for engaging young minds.
Why visit a museum in Paris?
Visiting a museum in Paris takes you on a journey into art, history, and culture unlike any other. With world-class collections, educational experiences, and breathtaking settings, Parisian museums are an essential part of any school trip.
World-class art collections
Paris is the birthplace of masterpieces, with museums like the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay housing works by legendary artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet. Walking through these galleries, you can witness the evolution of art firsthand, from classical sculptures to Impressionist paintings. Top pieces include Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Monet’s Water Lilies and Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône.
Educational experience
Museums in Paris are not just for art enthusiasts—they are educational places for students of all ages. Whether exploring space at Cité de l’Espace with a replica of the Ariane 5 rocket or diving into cinema history at the Cinémathèque Française with the Lumière brothers' first-ever camera, these exhibits are essential for education, offering engaging insights into history, culture, and innovation.
Unique atmosphere and architecture
Beyond the exhibits, Paris museums offer an atmosphere of grandeur and elegance. The buildings themselves, often housed in historic landmarks like the Palais Garnier, a masterpiece by architect Charles Garnier, or the Hôtel Biron, home to the Musée Rodin, enhance the experience.
How many museums are in Paris?
Impressively, Paris has over 130 museums, showcasing everything from world-renowned art and historical artefacts to niche interests like fashion, science, cinema, and even perfume.
This includes iconic places like the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, alongside smaller, specialised museums like the Musée de l'Orangerie or the Musée Rodin. These are dedicated to specific artists or historical periods, offering deeper insights into different aspects of art and culture.
With such a vast array of options, there’s something for every interest.
5 of the best museums in Paris
On school trips, you’ll unlikely have time to visit every single museum mentioned above. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our top museums in Paris below, helping you make the most of your time in the city.
1. Musée du Louvre
No school trip is complete without a trip to the Musée du Louvre. Located in the heart of Paris on Rue de Rivoli, this former royal palace is one of the world's largest and most visited art museums, housing an extensive collection of art and artefacts.
From the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa to the majestic Winged Victory of Samothrace and the timeless elegance of Venus de Milo, every exhibit within the Louvre ignites curiosity and sparks creativity.
2. Musée d'Orsay
Next on our list of the best Paris museums is the charming Musée d'Orsay, nestled along the banks of the Seine. Housed in a former railway station, this museum is a celebration of the Impressionist and Post-Impressionist movements. Students on an art and design trip to Paris can marvel at works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas, gaining insight into the revolutionary spirit that defined 19th-century art.
With its world-class collection, the Musée d'Orsay offers a delightful blend of beauty and history. Fun fact: The Musée d'Orsay was also the venue for Olympic events at the 1900 and 1924 Games. The Louvre is open every day except Tuesdays and holidays, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
3. Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie (Science City)
Cité des Sciences is Europe’s largest science museum, and It’s a place where science isn’t just something to read about—it’s something to experience! Students will learn about the latest in scientific advancements, such as cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence, while also gaining insights into traditional fields like physics, astronomy and mathematics.
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM, however, it is closed on Mondays. Pre-booking is often recommended to avoid long queues.
4. Natural History Museum (Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle)
With its rich collection of fossils, minerals, and taxidermy animals, it’s the perfect place for students on science trips or history trips to Paris. Housed within the beautiful Jardin des Plantes, it is divided into several distinct galleries, including the Evolution Gallery, which showcases the journey of life on Earth. It also boasts a fascinating Gallery of Paleontology, where visitors can encounter giant dinosaurs and ancient reptiles.
It’s like stepping into a living textbook that will leave students with a deep sense of wonder and curiosity. To get to the museum, take the Paris Métro to the Jussieu station (Line 7 or Line 10), which is just a short walk from the main entrance. Alternatively, the Gare d'Austerlitz train station is nearby, offering easy access by train.
5. Musée National Rodin
Open from Tuesday to Sunday (10:00 AM – 6:30 PM) the Musée Rodin offers a serene and inspiring journey through the life and works of one of the greatest sculptors of all time—Auguste Rodin.
Situated in a stunning mansion surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, students can see masterpieces like The Thinker and The Kiss up close, and gain an appreciation for how Rodin pushed the boundaries of sculpture, exploring themes of of human emotion, expression, and physical form.
As one of the best museums in Paris, it’s the ideal spot for students of all ages to reflect on the power of art and think about its relationship between nature, and architecture.
Visit the best museums in Paris with NST
Ready to embark on an unforgettable educational school trip to Paris? Let us help you plan the ultimate school trip, complete with visits to the city's finest museums. Contact us or request a quote today to discuss your requirements. We’re always happy to help!
