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Paris Museums
The many Paris museums are a fascinating short-cut to knowledge, creation and human adventure. There are the"greats" which give the visitor the opportunity of seeing some of the greatest works of art ever created by human genius. There are the "classics", where the enlightened amateur can rediscover past experiences and relive longfelt emotions. Then there are those magic places, former artits'worshops, which are like so many mysterious caskets in which the passer-by can find and experience sensations preserved in all their original freshness.

Thousands of years of history await you behind the doors of the Museums of Paris. The most famous of all is the Louvre, where we you should try to put aside at least half a day to visit. Many other museums are home to masterpieces from all over the world and if you can find the time we recommend a visit.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre began as a fortress in 1190 and later became a royal residence. In 1793, it was transformed into a museum and was recently modernized and expanded. The "Grande Pyramide" designed by I. M. Pei, which actually serves as a skylight to the entrance, is only one of the billion-dollar additions. The Louvre's collection of the world's art spans over 3,000 years.
Orsay Museum

The building was classified a Historical Monument in 1978 and a civil commission was created to oversee the construction and organisation of the museum. The President of the Republic, François Mitterrand, inaugurated the new museum on December 1st, 1986. The Quai d'Orsay, a former train station built on the ruin of the Palais d'Orsay, was first inaugurated in 1900 and was designed by Laloux for the Universal Exposition.
Picasso Museum

Inaugurated in 1985, the national Picasso museum is housed in the splendid 17th century Hotel Sale, one of the most beautiful mansions of the Marais quarter. The Musee Picasso is situated in the heart of historic Paris, and has a collection of several thousand works of Pablo Picasso. Picasso was born in 1881 and he began to study art in 1895. During his life he created diverse works: painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics, engraving, and even poetry. After his death in 1973, many of Picasso's works went to the French state, which decided to form a museum with the collection.
Grevin Museum

At a time when there was no such a thing as television, around 1870, a journalist called Arthur Meyer conceived the idea of making 3D representations of famous people who were on the front page of his well-known daily newspaper called "Le Gaulois". He asked Alfred Grevin (1827-1892) who was a talented cartoonist, sculptor, and designer of costumes for the theatre, to help him with this project.

It moved into one of the famous Grand Boulevards of Paris over a hundred years ago, and ever since it has immortalized leading personalities of the world and key scenes from history. This outing is unusual, picturesque, amusing and full of surprises.
Carnavalet Museum

Housed in the Hotel Carnavalet, a Renaissance mansion built in 1545, this museum retraces Parisian history, from the Roman empire to the end of the 17th century. Entire rooms, with original decorations, furniture and works of art, show the evolution of Parisians interiors, from the reign of Henri IV (beginning of the 17th century) to the 20th century.
Chateau de Versailles

Versailles is an exception to our list, since it is not really a Museum nor it is in Paris. It is, however, the best day-trip you could make while in Paris. Louis XIV built this palace in just 40 years to make it the residence of the court and the capital of France. Its gigantic proportions (the western facade is nearly 2,000 feet wide) and the masterpieces of French artists and craftsmen were used by Louis XIV to showcase the power of the French Monarchy. 
Georges Pompidou Center / Beaubourg

The Centre Pompidou, also known as Beaubourg, was built in 1977 under the reign of President Georges Pompidou. Its modern design (it kind of looks like an oil refinery) contrasts abruptly with the surrounding buildings dating from the early 19th century. In this center, you'll find a museum, a huge library, art galleries, an industrial design center, a concert hall and record archives.
Rodin Museum
Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) lived and worked in the Rococo Hotel Biron (built in 1728) which now houses a unique museum where you can fully comprehend the genius of the sculptor. It is in the Hotel's courtyard that you will find "The Thinker".
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