Paris Museums/Memorials
The Louvre
One of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions, the Louvre is an iconic symbol of art and history. Located in the heart of Paris, France in the 1st arrondissement, its origins dating back over 800 years. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, the Louvre underwent several transformations before being established as a public museum in 1793. Today, it houses over 38,000 works of art spanning various periods and civilizations. Among its most famous exhibits is Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa as well as the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Code of Hammurabi.
Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious to explore the wonders of the world, the Louvre Museum promises an unforgettable experience. Brave the lineup, step inside and let the Louvre Museum’s treasures captivate your senses as it has millions before you.
The Pantheon
Located atop the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Pantheon is a national monument back to pre-French Revolution times. Built between 1758 and completed in 1790 by order from Louis XV (who incidentally never got to see it completed). Originally intended as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve (Paris’s patron saint), it was decided in 1791 to change it’s use to a Mausoleum for people of national importance. The decision on who is interred here has changed over the years from Napoleon Bonaparte during the 1st Republic through to the President in the present day. The crypt will be one of the destinations if you decide to visit but the memorials, paintings and exhibitions contained within the building are equally impressive. Coupled with a walk around the Luxembourg Gardens, it is a nice way to spend a few hours in Paris.
Les Invalides
Constructed by Louis XIV in the 17th century, Les Invalides was originally built as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Its primary purpose was to provide care and shelter for wounded soldiers and veterans who had served the French army. Today, Les Invalides houses several notable attractions including the Musée de l’Armée, the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte & Musée des Plans-Reliefs. While the original purpose as a hospital for veterans has evolved over time, part of the complex still serves as a military hospital, although much of the space is dedicated to the museum and cultural attractions. Les Invalides stands as both a historic monument and a cultural center, offering insight into France’s military history, housing significant artifacts, and serving as a final resting place for one of its most renowned leaders, Napoleon Bonaparte.
Musee D'Orsay
The Musee D’Orsay opened its doors in 1986, repurposing the former Gare d’Orsay railway station, which had fallen into disuse and faced demolition in the 1970s. The Beaux-Arts station was transformed into a museum to bridge the gap between the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou, showcasing art from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. The museum features paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photography, and furniture showcasing various artistic movements such as Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Realism, and Art Nouveau. The Musée d’Orsay offers a rich and immersive experience for visitors, allowing them to explore the evolution of art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries while enjoying the beauty of the building itself.
Musée de l'Orangerie
The Musée de l’Orangerie, or as it’s often referred to, the Orangerie Museum, is a renowned art museum located in the Tuileries Gardens near the Place de la Concorde. The name is originates from the fact that the museum occupies a former greenhouse, which was built in the 19th century to protect orange trees during winter. The museum is famous for housing Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” series, a set of large-scale murals that Monet painted specifically for the museum. These panoramic paintings, known as the Nympheas, are displayed in two oval-shaped rooms designed to create an immersive experience for the patrons. Alongside Monet’s Water Lilies, the museum features a significant collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works, including pieces by artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani, Picasso, Rousseau, and Matisse.
