Free Museums in Paris
Last updated: 24 January 2026
Unlocking world-class culture in Paris doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Whether you are a budget traveler or a student, the city offers an incredible array of artistic treasures for free. Here is your detailed guide to navigating free museums in Paris.
The Louvre
The world's most famous museum is accessible for free if you know when to go.
- First Friday of every month after 6 p.m. (except July & August).
- Bastille Day (14 July) for everyone.
- Under-26 EEA Residents (Daily).
"From the Mona Lisa to the Winged Victory of Samothrace, explore the palace of kings."
Free Audio Tour
Best Free Museums in Paris
Many municipal museums in Paris offer free access to their permanent collections every day of the year for everyone.
Carnavalet Museum
History of Paris, from origins to today. Located in the Marais.Petit Palais
City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. Stunning architecture.Paris Museum of Modern Art
Massive collection of 20th and 21st-century art.
More Always-Free Gems
Free Museum Sundays
A popular initiative allows anyone to visit several world-famous museums for free on the first Sunday of every month.
Important: For popular sites like Musée d’Orsay, you must book a time slot online in advance to guarantee entry, even on free days.
Impressionist masterpieces in a stunning Beaux-Arts railway station.
Free Audio Tour
Europe's largest collection of modern and contemporary art.
The sculptor's greatest works in his former home and garden. (Free Oct-Mar).
Europe's oldest science and technology museum. (Also free Thu evenings).
Contemporary art from the Pinault Collection. (Free 1st Sat from 5pm).
Free for Under-26 & Students
Paris is exceptionally generous to young people. Most national museums provide free entry to:
- Anyone under 18
- EU Residents under 26
- Teachers (Pass Éducation)
Major Museums with Free Entry for EU Youth
Free daily access for under-26 EEA residents.
Free for everyone: 1st Friday of the month (>6pm, except Jul/Aug) & 14 July.
Free Audio Tour
Free every day for under-26 EEA residents.
Free Audio Tour
Daily free entry for young EEA residents.
National military history is accessible for free.
Quick Reference
| Museum | Location | Free Window |
|---|---|---|
| The Louvre | 1st Arr. | Under-26 EEA (Daily) / 1st Fri >6pm / July 14 |
| Musée d’Orsay | 7th Arr. | 1st Sunday / Under-26 EEA |
| Centre Pompidou | 4th Arr. | 1st Sunday of the month |
| Rodin Museum | 7th Arr. | 1st Sunday (Oct-Mar) / Under-26 EEA |
| Orangerie & Picasso Museums | 1st / 3rd Arr. | Under-26 EEA residents (Daily) |
| Army Museum (Invalides) | 7th Arr. | Under-26 EEA residents (Daily) |
| Arts & Crafts Museum | 3rd Arr. | 1st Sunday / Thu evenings |
| Bourse du Commerce | 1st Arr. | 1st Saturday from 5pm |
| Carnavalet Museum | Marais (3rd) | Always free for everyone |
| Petit Palais | 8th Arr. | Always free for everyone |
| Paris Museum of Modern Art | 16th Arr. | Always free for everyone |
| Museum of Romantic Life | 9th Arr. | Always free for everyone |
| Victor Hugo's House | Marais (4th) | Always free for everyone |
| Shoah Memorial | Marais (4th) | Always free for everyone |
| Cernuschi Museum | 8th Arr. | Always free for everyone |
| Cognacq-Jay Museum | Marais (3rd) | Always free for everyone |
| Balzac's House | 16th Arr. | Always free for everyone |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Louvre free?
Access is free for under-26 EEA residents daily. For everyone else, it's free on the first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. (except July & August) and on Bastille Day (14 July).
Which museums are free for children?
Almost all Paris museums are free for children under 18.
Do I need a ticket for free museums?
For 'always free' museums, you often just walk in. But for first-Sunday events at major sites, booking is mandatory.
Is the Petit Palais free?
Yes, the permanent collection is free for everyone every day.
Make Your Visit Even Better
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We link to official museum websites when possible.
This guide is part of our free museum guides covering major cities worldwide, including London, Paris, and New York. Browse all free museum guides →