In short
Free access to Paris's most famous art collections is entirely possible if you plan your visit carefully.
- Municipal and civic museums always free for permanent collections
- First Sunday of the month free all year round or in winter
- Permanent free travel for young people under 26 residing in the European Union
- Evening openings and special events with free access promotional packages
☰ Table of Contents
Which museum is best suited to your trip?
To plan your free cultural itinerary, you need to consider the various free options offered by the capital.
Type of museum and free admission calendar
Distinguish between municipal museums (always free all year round) and national/state museums (free on the first Sunday of the month or only in winter).
Age and residency requirements in the European Union
Take advantage of permanent free admission if you are under 26 and reside in an EU country for major museums such as the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay.
Rules and mandatory booking slots
Check the official websites to see if the online pass with a reserved time slot is still required for free admission.
Temporary exhibitions versus permanent collections
Please note that free admission is almost always available for permanent collections, while temporary exhibitions may require a separate ticket.
Our advice
If you want to visit major art museums without the crowds of free-entry Sundays, head to the museums of the City of Paris, such as the Petit Palais or the Musée Carnavalet: they offer extraordinary permanent collections and enormous masterpieces with completely free admission 365 days a year!
The main free museums in Paris
To help you choose the perfect stop for your art day in Paris, we've selected the most prestigious museums offering free admission, whether permanent or periodic.
Petit Palais
Ideal for: admiring ancient, Renaissance, and Impressionist art in a splendid palace (always free).
Carnavalet Museum
Ideal for: immersing yourself in the history of Paris from prehistory to the present day in the heart of the Marais (always free).
Musée d'Orsay
Ideal for: contemplating the masterpieces of Monet and Van Gogh (free for under 26 EU citizens always, for everyone on the 1st Sunday of the month).
Orangerie Museum
Ideal for: admiring Claude Monet's gigantic Water Lilies (free for under 26 EU citizens always, for everyone on the 1st Sunday of the month).
Centre Pompidou
Ideal for: discovering Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art (free on the 1st Sunday of the month).
Cognacq-Jay Museum
Ideal for: discovering 18th-century art and furnishings in a refined historic residence (always free).
Free admission period for Paris museums
Each museum or monument has specific conditions regarding free admission months and admission methods. Consult the table below to quickly check whether the attraction you're interested in is free year-round or only in winter, and to learn about the applicable reservation rules.
| Museum | Free Period / Conditions | Access Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Petit Palais | Always free for everyone (permanent collections) | Direct access without reservation |
| Carnavalet Museum | Always free for everyone (permanent collections) | Direct access (reservations recommended during peak periods) |
| Musée d'Orsay | First Sunday of the month free for everyone; free for EU Under 26s always | Online slot reservation required |
| Orangerie Museum | First Sunday of the month free for everyone; free for EU Under 26s always | Online slot reservation required |
| Centre Pompidou | First Sunday of the month free for everyone; free for EU Under 26s always | Online slot booking highly recommended |
| Musée Guimet (Asian Arts) | First Sunday of the month free for everyone all year round | Online slot reservation or on-site ticketing |
Low-budget activities in Paris
Characteristics of free museums
In the table below we have summarized the strengths and aspects to pay particular attention to for each type of attraction.
| Museum Category | Main Advantage | Point of Attention |
|---|---|---|
| Museums of the Ville de Paris (Petit Palais, Carnavalet) | Free access 365 days a year without the stress of specific dates | Thematic temporary exhibitions remain paid |
| Major State Museums (Orsay, Orangerie, Pompidou) | Total savings on ticket prices (up to over €16 per entry) | High turnout and free online slots that sell out quickly |
| Free for Under 26 EU | Unlimited free priority access every day of the year | Obligation to show a valid EU identity document/residency |
| Artists' Museums (Musée Cernuschi, Bourdelle) | Intimate and charming environments with minimal queues at the entrance | Weekly closing day set for Monday |
Need to know
- The permanent collections of the 14 municipal museums of the City of Paris are always free for everyone.
- If you are between 18 and 25 and live in the EU, you can enter state museums for free every day.
- Many museums open for free during the Nuit des Musées in May.
- Children under 18 always get free entry to almost all museums in Paris.
To keep in mind
- For the first Sundays of the month, free tickets must be booked a few weeks in advance.
- The Louvre Museum is NO LONGER free on the first Sunday of the month.
- Security checks of bags and backpacks are mandatory for everyone.
- Almost all municipal museums are closed on Mondays.
Recommended free (or almost free) activities
5 practical budget-saving tips
Take advantage of free admission to Parisian museums with these five strategic tips.
Book well in advance on the first Sunday of the month
Free tickets for the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée de l'Orangerie are available online and sell out within hours: check the official websites about 2-3 weeks before the first Sunday of the month.
Head to the municipal museums of the City of Paris on crowded days
If the city is full of tourists, avoid the long waits at the national museums and visit masterpieces such as the Petit Palais or the Musée Carnavalet, which are always free and very spacious.
Always carry a valid ID with you
If you are under 26, you will need to show a passport or identity card proving your age and residency in an EU country to enjoy free admission to national museums.
Take advantage of museum nightlife for a more tranquil experience
Some state museums offer evening openings (for example, Thursday evenings at the Musée d'Orsay): by combining the free entry for under 26s or evening promotions, you'll enjoy a visit without the crowds.
Distinguish between permanent collections and temporary exhibitions
When entering a free museum (like the Musée Cernuschi), remember that free admission covers the permanent exhibition; if you wish to access the temporary exhibitions inside, you will need to purchase a separate ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Louvre Museum free on the first Sunday of the month?
No, the Louvre Museum has suspended free admission on the first Sunday of the month for all visitors. However, it offers permanent free admission for those under 18 and EU residents under 26, as well as special promotional evening events on select dates.
Do I have to book the free ticket if I'm under 26?
Yes, for most major state museums (such as Orsay or the Orangerie), it is strongly recommended to book a free time slot (“Free Rate for Under 26 EU Members”) directly on the official website to ensure fast access and avoid queues at the ticket office.
Which museums in Paris are always free for everyone?
The 14 museums managed by the City of Paris (Ville de Paris) offer permanent free access to their collections. These include the Petit Palais, the Musée Carnavalet, the Maison de Victor Hugo, the Musée Zadkine, and the Musée Cernuschi.
Are free museums open on Mondays?
Most of the free municipal museums in the City of Paris are closed on Mondays. Some national museums (such as the Musée d'Orsay) also close on Mondays, while others (such as the Louvre or the Centre Pompidou) close on Tuesdays.
