Are museums free in Paris?
Quick answer
Some are — 2 of the 14 Paris museums World Museum Guide covers are always free to enter, including Musée Carnavalet, Petit Palais. The rest charge admission, though several offer free days or evenings. The full verified list is below.
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
Free entry at Paris museums
| Museum | Free entry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Musée Carnavalet | Always free | ✓ Free standard admission |
| Petit Palais | Always free | ✓ Free permanent collection (special exhibitions ticketed) |
| Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection | Paid | €15 standard admission |
| Centre Pompidou | Paid | €15 standard admission |
| Fondation Louis Vuitton | Paid | €16 standard adult admission; combined ticket with temporary exhibitions available |
| Musée d'Orsay | Free days | Under 18 free · First Sunday of each month free · Youth (under 26) free on Thursday evenings |
| Musée de Cluny – Musée National du Moyen Âge | Paid | €12 standard admission |
| Musée de l'Orangerie | Paid | €12.50 standard admission |
| Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac | Paid | €14 standard admission |
| Musée Guimet | Free days | Free first Sunday of each month · Under 18 EU free |
| Musée Marmottan Monet | Paid | €14 standard admission |
| Musée Picasso Paris | Paid | €14 standard admission |
| Musée Rodin | Paid | €14 standard admission |
| The Louvre | Free days | First Friday evening of each month (6–9:45 PM) · Under 26 (EU) free always · Bastille Day (14 July) |
Facts verified 2026-06-30 against official museum websites — always confirm before travelling.
Frequently asked questions
Which museums are free in Paris?
Musée Carnavalet, Petit Palais — always free for the permanent collections. Special exhibitions may charge separately.
Do free Paris museums require booking?
Some free museums ask for a free timed ticket at busy periods. Check the official website linked from each World Museum Guide profile before visiting.