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Bucket list experience:

Front view of Museum of Modern Art building and the art carved onto the walls on a sunny blue day
Last updated: 24 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Anna Brooke

In a grand Seine-side palace built for the World Fair of 1937, Paris’ museum of Modern art covers the major 20th-century movements of fauvism, cubism, surrealism, realism, neorealism and expressionism, with works by iconic artists including Braque, Modigliani, Chagall, Leger, Picasso and Matisse.

The biggest piece by far greets you as you arrive: Raoul Dufy’s 1937 Fee Electricte, an awe-inspiring, monumental painting that depicts mythology and technology in sumptuous flurries of blues, yellows and oranges.

Don’t forget to check out the museum’s temporary exhibitions, which cover works by today’s Contemporary artists.

While you're there

Don’t miss the adjacent Palais de Tokyo, a vast, stark space that showcases big-scale experimental art. The Palais’ chic brasserie, Monsieur Bleu, serves modern French fare and offers views of the Eiffel Tower.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Take metro line 1 to Les Sablons station, or there’s a shuttle service direct to the museum from 44 Avenue de Friedland.

As with all of Paris’ big attractions, you should pre-book your tickets via the Fondation Louis Vuitton’s website.

When to do it

The museum is open all year round, Wednesday to Monday. Closed Tuesday.

It will be busy all day, but Mondays, Wednesdays and lunchtimes are quietest.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Shangri-La Paris

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.3 miles]

Experience a truly imperial lifestyle in the former residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte (Napoleon’s great nephew), with unbeatable views of the Eiffel Tower.

Official star rating:

Hotel du Champ de Mars

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[1.1 miles]

Bargain prices and boutique style at this family-run hotel near the Eiffel Tower. One of city’s most popular affordable hotels.

Official star rating:

Hotel Le Royal Monceau Raffles

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[1.3 miles]

Soak up the buzz at design legend Philippe Starck’s gloriously decadent take on a grand palace hotel – in a very convenient location for seeing the sights.

Official star rating:

Le Bristol Paris

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[1.5 miles]

A legendary Paris grande dame hotel and altar to old-school opulence, at the historical heart of the city. 

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Paris

Ile-de-France, France

Crammed with iconic buildings, world-class art and a culinary scene steeped in history, Paris is one of the world’s great capitals, overflowing with style, romance, and art de vivre. 

Website >
Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Quai Branly Museum

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.4 miles]

Fascinating primal art and indigenous artefacts from all over the globe, theatrically presented in Jean Nouvel’s striking modern building. 

Best for ages: 13+ | £10

Eiffel Tower

Paris, Ile-de-France, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]

Gustave Eiffel’s eccentric, iron-clad tower built as a temporary exhibit for the World Fair in 1889, has views all over the city and has become iconic symbol of Paris.

Best for ages: 4+ | £23

Rodin Museum

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.7 miles]

This exceptional collection of works by one of the world’s most famous sculptor, is presented in his former home and gardens in Paris.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10

Arc de Triomphe

Paris, Ile-de-France , France[1.1 miles]

An ornate, 50m-high arch commissioned by Napoleon to honour fallen French soldiers. Now an iconic Paris landmark.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Jules Verne Restaurant

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.7 miles]

World-class food and unrivalled Paris views at Michelin-starred Frederic Anton’s daring restaurant on the Eiffel Tower’s second level.

Best for ages: 12+ | £120

Interior of the centre of the mall with four floors of shops and beautiful glass dome
Experience

Galeries Lafayette

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[0.9 miles]

Chic department store with a dazzling Art Nouveau cupola, famed for its food court, luxury fashion brands and rooftop restaurants. Paris’ most famous shopping destination.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Cafe de la Paix

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.6 miles]

An institution with the best vanilla mille-feuille in Paris, served in gilded surrounds with views onto the Palais Garnier Opera House.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

Louis Vuitton Foundation

Paris, Ile-de-France, France[2.8 miles]

One of Paris’ main museums for Contemporary & Historical art exhibitions, set in a stunning avant-garde silver and glass structure designed by Frank Gehry.

Best for ages: 18+ | £16