10 Off-Beat Museums In Paris

When I went to Paris, I was immediately in love with the beauty of the city. Plus, I also knew that there was going to be a handful of museums and places my Mom and I could go to without ever feeling bored. There was the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Champs Elysees! But beyond that, I wanted to experience France — or specifically, Paris — in the most authentic way possible. This meant going to places locals would most likely find themselves in and a big no to tourist-y attractions! Which sort of means I barely got to enter the Louvre, as is. And this all began with my new, insane addiction to finding anything in underground Paris! Which, unsurprisingly, only led me to the mall under Carrousel de Louvre, and nothing else. I didn’t get to explore the catacombs or the canals for this post – so I’d like to apologise for that right now.

Off-beat museum #1: Musée des Arts Forains

If you love carnivals or fairs, this museum is for you! Not kidding. The entire place is chalk full of old carnival items like horses, basketball rings, and the merry go round. This museum was founded in 1996 (not exactly old world, but yeah) by Jean Paul Favand. Currently, it has 14 amusement rides, 16 fair stalls, and 18 set of historical works and an additional 1,522 of independent work from his antiques deals.

Address: 53 Avenue des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris, France

Off-beat museum #2: The Edith Piaf Museum

If you know who Edith Piaf is, then you will absolutely love this museum dedicated to her! It has her autobiography, kitchen collection, closet, sheet music, and even her platinum records! Basically, it's an entire museum full of her — and dedicated to her fans.

Address: Musée Edith Piaf 5 Rue Crespin du Gast, 75011 Paris

Off-beat museum #3: Le Musée de la Prefecture de Police

In case you were wondering, there's a museum dedicated to the police forces in Paris. This has some really cool stuff like old cases, photos, drawings, and other means of evidence that have become turning points in France's history. By the way, this museum would make you feel like Sherlock Holmes because it has mysteries, pictures of old crooks, and even uniforms lying around.

Address: 4 Rue de la Montagne Sainte Geneviève, 75005 Paris, France

Off-beat museum #4: Musée de Montmartre

I like to think of Montmartre as the neighbourhood where artists and writers were born. And yeah, this museum reminds you of just that too. It's an entire collection to the neighbourhood's history, people, and bohemian feel.

Address: 12-14 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris, France

Off-beat museum #5: Le Musée Carnavalet

If there's one museum I'd absolutely want to recommend, it's this. It's everything about Paris, the people, and the history behind what you see today. This museum has been burned down a lot, however, so not all the collections are still complete. Although, it's still worth the look.

Address: 16 Rue des Francs Bourgeois, 75003 Paris, France

Off-beat museum #6: Musée de Cluny

The Musee de Cluny, takes after the Hotel Cluny. It boasts a great medieval collection including a tapestry, antique furnishings, and stained glass. This is great for everyone who's looking after some artefacts that isn't normally shown in famous museums.

Address: 6 Place Paul Painlevé, 75005 Paris, France

Off-beat museum #7: Musée Rodin

If we have an Edith Piaf museum, we also have one dedicated to Auguste Rodin. He was a French sculptor and his museum is the only one with a complete set of his works in the entire world! So, if you're familiar with him and his works, then..yeah, go here. Ya know what I mean.

Address: 79 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France

Off-beat museum #8: Le Centre Pompidou

This museum isn't exactly old world…But yeah, here we have Le Centre Pompidou which is in the more modern part of the city. Even its architecture is relatively modern. But I only know a few people who have ever been here and I personally think that's a bit sad. Anyway! This museum boasts the largest collection of modern artworks in the world. Which includes music, architecture, and design!

Address: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France

Off-beat museum #9: Musée Delacroix

In case you were wondering, yes, a lot of museums in Paris are dedicated to a handful of people. Anyway. This one is dedicated to the painter Eugene Delacroix where this small museum was made in his old studio which later became part of the national museums of Europe in 1959.

Address: 6 Rue de Furstenberg, 75006 Paris, France

Off-beat museum #10: Musée de la Vie Romantique

This museum is a hotel that's at the end of Montmartre's Hill. Personally, I think it's a pretty neat find if you're ever open to exploring another museum after another. This is a bit different from others since it doesn't have an expensive art collection. But rather, a literary collection that would make any lit major swoon! It's a little bit closer to Victor Hugo's house museum too.

Address: 16 Rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris, France

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The Art In Cities / Via pinterest.com