Home » Special Features » The World’s Best » Best Museums Paris
These can’t-miss museums offer an array of attractions designed to mesmerize art addicts and curious gallery-goers alike. Distinguished by their modern art masterpieces, architectural triumphs, oddball collections, or undeniable cool factor, these are the best-in-class museums in the world’s hottest cities.
Best Museums in....
Best Contemporary Art Museums
Paris
Centre Pompidou pl. Georges Pompidou, 4th, 01.44.78.12.33 centrepompidou.fr
The Draw: As well as offering a huge 20th-century art collection, which it rehangs every couple of years, the Centre Pompidou holds large temporary exhibitions devoted to the contemporary scene. The Scene: The Centre draws on its own massive collection and loans to bring together contemporary art on huge themes. Single-artist shows are held on the ground and first floor, including Espace 315, for which specific installations are commissioned. Daily Wed–Mon 11am–10pm; some temporary exhibitions open Thu until 11pm. € Hot Tip: Look out for the Prix Marcel Duchamp: The winner is awarded a solo show at the museum.
La Maison Rouge (Fondation Antoine de Galbert) 10 bd. de la Bastille, 12th, 01.40.01.08.81 lamaisonrouge.org
The Draw: Private art foundation encourages private collectors to show and commission contemporary artists. The Scene: This space has quickly become a hipster address due to its exciting programming. Its size enables specially commissioned installations and interventions, in the spirit of New York in the ’70s. Wed, Fri–Sun 11am–7pm, Thu 11am–9pm. €- Hot Tip: On Sunday you can brunch on the terrace of the little red house inside.
Palais de Tokyo 13 av. du Président Wilson, 16th, 01.47.23.54.01 palaisdetokyo.com
The Draw: The most exciting thing to happen in Paris since the Centre Pompidou, Palais de Tokyo exhibits sensational installations, while a hip scene revolves around its bar and restaurant. The Scene: The gallerygoers here sport Converse sneakers and combat pants, and chat about the clubs they’ll be going to afterward. The art has notably introduced the hot new generation of Chinese and Taiwanese artists, and includes large-scale and interactive work and video, all exhibited in an impressive, hangar-like space. Tue–Sun noon–midnight. €- Hot Tip: Make the most of the fashionably late opening hours.
