A brief history of Paris’ art ecosystem
The majestic Paris is known as the city of lights in the 19th century because of its leading role in arts and science and its early adaptation of street art. Paris has long been a global centre of artistic innovation and expression with famous art galleries. Its art ecosystem boasts a rich and layered history. Paris is widely known for its museums and architectural landmarks. It has the world’s top art galleries and museums, like the most visited Louvre, home to some of the most canonical works of Western Art; the Musée National d’Art Moderne is the National Museum of Modern Art in Paris, ranked 10th among the most visited art museums in the world. The Musée Marmottan Monet (Marmottan Museum of Monet) museum is dedicated to the artist Claude Monet. The Musée Rodin and Musée Picasso are noted for their modern and contemporary art collections.
Paris was in its artistic prime in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with a colony of artists established in the city and art schools associated with some of the finest painters. The French Revolution influenced Art in the city. Paris became central to the development of Romanticism in Art, with painters such as Géricault. Some of the artistic movements associated with and evolving in Paris are Impressionism, Symbolism, Art Nouveau, Neo-Impressionism, Divisionism, Fauvism, Cubism, Art Deco, and Abstract art movements.
“The City of Art” has motivated, inspired, and attracted artists worldwide to seek inspiration and educate themselves from its artistic resources and art galleries. Italian artists influenced the development of Art in Paris in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in sculpture and reliefs. Painting and sculpture became the pride of the French monarchy, and then the French royals commissioned many Parisian artists to adorn their palaces during the French Baroque and Classicism era. Pierre Mignard, known for his religious and mythological scenes and portraits, became the first painter of King Louis XIV of France during this period.
Eugène Delacroix famously stated, “The first merit of a painting is to be a feast for the eye … it’s like beautiful verses; nothing in the world will prevent them from being bad if they shock the ear.” This emphasis on visual delight and aesthetic excellence has been a defining characteristic of Parisian Art throughout its history.
Must visit museums for art lovers in Paris
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Musée du Louvre
Address: 93 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
Admission: €22.00
The Louvre, housed in the Louvre Palace, is one of the world's largest and most renowned museums. It houses a vast collection of Art and artefacts from various civilisations and periods. Its highlights include masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory.
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Musée d’Orsay
Address: Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris, France
Admission: €16 (prices vary for different age groups)
Musée d'Orsay established in 1986 comprises mainly French Art from 1848 to 1914. It holds a large collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces by painters like Berthe Morisot, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, and more.
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Centre Pompidou
Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
Admission: €18 (prices vary for other collections and exhibitions)
The Centre Pompidou is a French national cultural centre. It is Primarily a museum and centre for the visual arts of the 20th and 21st centuries. It houses masterpieces by Frida Kahlo, Otto Dix, Robert Delaunay, and more.
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Musée Picasso
Address: 5 Rue de Thorigny, 75003 Paris, France
Admission: €16
Musée Picasso (Picasso Museum) is an art gallery dedicated to the work of world-renowned artist Pablo Picasso. The museum houses 5000 artworks, including Picasso's paintings, sculptures, and drawings, offering insights into his artistic development and diverse styles.
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Paris Art Adventure: A 2-Day Binge for Art Lovers (and Secret Deal Hunters!)
Paris, a city synonymous with Art, offers a captivating blend of iconic masterpieces and contemporary creativity. This two-day art binge is designed for passionate art lovers and those seeking unique treasures, guiding you through the city's artistic landscape.
Day 1: Iconic Masterpieces and Parisian Charm
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Morning
Begin your journey at the Louvre Museum, located inside the Louvre Palace. The Gallery owns around 615,797 objects. Immerse yourself in its vast collection of artefacts from ancient civilisations such as Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Admire the most beautiful paintings including “The Mona Lisa” by Leonardo Da Vinci and “The wedding at Cana” by Paolo Versonese in room 711 and the “Library leading the people by Eugene Delacroix” in room 700 by heading to the first floor of the Denon wing. Consider purchasing a timed entry ticket online to avoid long queues.
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Afternoon
Head to the Richelieu Wing in Louvre, which spans both the first and second floors and features highlights such as “Marly Horses” by Guillaume Coustou in room 102 and “Napoleon III’s Apartments” in rooms 535–549. In the Sully Wing on the first floor, explore the “Medieval Walls” in room 135 and the “Great Sphinx of Tanis” by an unknown artist in room 338. Also, don’t miss out on admiring the monumental painting “The Raft of the Medusa” by Romantic painter Théodore Géricault before you leave.
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Mid-Afternoon
Hungry? Why not take a fancy lunch break at Bistrot Benoit inside the Louvre Museum? After your meal, take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River, soaking in the iconic Parisian views. While exploring the Seine, consider visiting the Musée d’Orsay, which houses over 24 Van Gogh paintings on public display, including “Starry Night Over the Rhône”, “Dance Hall in Arles”, and Vincent’s Bedroom in Arles. The museum also houses six paintings of Frédéric Bazille including “The Family Reunion”, “The Improvised Field Hospital”, “The Pink Dress”, and “Studio in Rue de La Condamine”.
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Evening
Head to Musée Maillol, an art museum showcasing the works of Aristide Maillol, including drawings, engravings, paintings, sculptures, decorative art, and original plaster and terracotta pieces. The museum also features works from Dina Vierny’s private collection, along with a painting by Henri Rousseau and drawings by Paul Cézanne, Edgar Degas, Picasso, Matisse, and more. Then enjoy a delicious dinner in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés, known for its charming cafes and restaurants. Some of the best restaurants for dinner are Les Deux Magots, Laduree, Cafe Louise St. Germain Des Pres. Consider attending a performance at the Opéra Garnier to experience Parisian elegance.
Day 2: Contemporary Explorations and Urban Delights
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Morning
Visit the Picasso Museum. The museum not only houses Picasso’s 5,000 works but also tens of thousands of archived pieces from Picasso’s repository, including the artist’s photographic archive, personal papers, correspondence, and author manuscripts. Also, a large portion of items were donated by Picasso’s family after his death, in accordance with the artist’s wishes. Also, don’t miss out on viewing one of the highlights of Picasso’s famous works, “Massacre in Korea.”
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Afternoon
Then head to Centre Pompidou. This incredible art place is known for its “inside-out” architecture. Discover modern and contemporary art there, with a huge collection spanning various art movements and very recent works from international artists. Some of the most famous artists whose masterpieces can be found at Centre Pompidou include Frida Kahlo’s “The Frame” 1938, Marc Chagall’s “Les mariés de la Tour Eiffel” 1938-1939, Henri Matisse’s “La Blouse roumaine”, April 1940 and more.
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Mid-Afternoon
Discover the vibrant street art scene in Belleville or Oberkampf. Visit Le MUR (Modular, Urban, Reactive Association) at the corner of Rue Saint-Maur and Rue Oberkampf, where original 3x8m paintings created in the studio are displayed. Founded by Jean Faucheur around 2003, Le MUR promotes both contemporary and urban art. Don’t miss out on the artworks by renowned artists such as Speedy Graphito, Jef Aérosol, Noe Two, and Kashink. Take a guided tour or explore independently, admiring the colorful murals, graffiti, and urban installations. If you have extra time, visit smaller art museums in Paris, such as Parc Monceau or Musée Carnavalet.
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Evening
Head Belleville, which is close to the metro station, then take a stroll down Rue Dénoyez, a narrow-cobbled lane completely covered in drawings and graffiti. Enjoy a final dinner in Le Marais, reflecting on your art-filled adventure. Consider a visit to a jazz club like the 38riv Jazz Club or a rooftop bar with city views for a memorable end to your trip.
Tips To Improve Your Experience
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Bonus Tip
Paris’ art scene is ever evolving, so staying connected is key to discovering new treasures. Follow gallery websites and social media for updates on exhibitions and events. It is advised to book tickets online to avoid not getting entry into the museums. Also, don’t forget that many museums and art galleries offer audio-guide tours
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Pro-Tip
Pro Tip for budget-conscious travellers: take advantage of free museum days or evenings offered by many institutions. Also, consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass for discounted entry to multiple museums.
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Secret Weapon
Many museums and galleries in Paris offer late-night openings or private guided tours, allowing for a more intimate art experience. For example, the Musée d’Orsay stays open late on Thursdays, and the Louvre offers Friday evening hours. Additionally, some galleries provide artist-led talks or VR experiences, offering deeper insights into the artwork.
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Expand Your Artistic Horizons
While you’ve explored the artistic wonders of Paris, remember that the world of Art extends far beyond the city limits. Elisium Art specialises in connecting collectors with exceptional contemporary Art from emerging artists worldwide. Elisium Art’s curated online platform provides a seamless and personalized experience for acquiring original fine art. Whether you were captivated by the masterpieces at the Louvre, inspired by the Impressionists at the Musée d’Orsay, or intrigued by the contemporary works at the Centre Pompidou, Elisium Art offers a way to discover exceptional art from around the globe and build a truly international collection.
