We’re in a Parisian state of mind! Parisian art history in particular! Paris is known as the “City of Light,” and has long been a beacon of artistic inspiration and innovation. Its rich history is steeped in art, from the grandeur of classical works to the avant-garde movements that challenged and redefined the boundaries of creativity. Let’s embark on a journey through Parisian art history and explore some of the city’s top art galleries that continue to celebrate this vibrant legacy. But first, a bit of history.
Overview of Parisian Art History
Paris’s art history is an overwhelmingly gorgeous tapestry of many styles and movements. It all started in the Middle Ages with the Gothic architecture of Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Renaissance came with classical influences with artists like Jean and François Clouet. The Baroque period added drama and flair, highlighted by Simon Vouet and Nicolas Poussin’s works. The 19th century was a robust time of creativity with Romanticism led by Eugène Delacroix, Realism by Gustave Courbet, and the iconic Impressionists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Édouard Manet. In the 20th century, Paris became a hotspot for avant-garde movements like Cubism and Surrealism, drawing legends like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Wassily Kandinsky. There is no shortage of inspiration in the city of Paris. Let’s break down some of the must-see art attractions that are home to staples of Parisian art history and beyond. There is something or everyone and every style.
Best Art Galleries in Paris
To truly appreciate Parisian art history, you must visit the city’s top art galleries. While there are simply too many to name, the palaces and gardens house some of the most iconic and influential works of art. Here are just a handful of must-see galleries to take in both modern and classic art.
The Louvre
Located on the Right Bank of the Seine lies the most iconic museum in the whole city. The moment you arrive at the Louvre, you will be mesmerized by its beauty. Its iconic glass pyramid, titled appropriately, the Louvre Pyramid was designed by architect I.M. Pei. This unique and relatively “modern” structure lies in the center of the palace courtyard and adds to the list of iconic works of art the museum possesses.
Once inside, the Winged Victory of Samopthrace greets you as you ascend the escalators. Wandering through its spectacular halls, you’ll encounter works from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical periods, not to mention a vast collection of ancient artifacts. Home to da Vinci’s Mona Lisa (known to the French as the Joconde), the Louvre hails as the world’s largest and most visited art museum. For Parisian art history lovers, the Louvre can’t be missed.
Fun Fact: It is literally impossible to see every piece of art in the Louvre in just one visit. If you were to spend a mere 30 seconds in front of each piece of art, it would take 100 days to see them all!
Musée d’Orsay
All aboard! The Musée d’Orsay is a converted railway station and can be found on the Left Bank of the Seine. One of the most photographed features of the museum is its grand clock. Visitors can view the clock from inside the museum, creating a timeless visual and special connection to the building’s past as a train station.
Some artistic highlights found in this gallery are Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night Over the Rhone” and his introspective “Self-Portrait.” Édouard Manet’s controversial “Olympia” and “Luncheon on the Grass” are also must-see attractions. Claude Monet’s whimsical “Blue Water Lilies” and “Rouen Cathedral” series reflect the pioneering techniques of the Impressionist movement. Additionally, Edgar Degas’s “Little Dancer of Fourteen Years” and Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s lively “Bal du moulin de la Galette” capture the essence of daily life with vivid realism.
Fun Fact: Housed the former Beaux-Arts railway station, the Gare d’Orsay, which was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World Fair).
Centre Pompidou
For the more modern-minded traveler, the Centre Pompidou should rise to the top of your list. Known for its “inside out” architecture designed by Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, the external escalators offer panoramic views of Paris providing a unique way to experience the city. The Centre Pompidou houses the Musée National d’Art Moderne, Europe’s largest modern art museum.
Here, you’ll find works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Jackson Pollock, alongside cutting-edge contemporary installations. The Centre Pompidou is also a dynamic cultural hub, hosting performances, film screenings, and interactive exhibits that engage visitors in the ever-evolving world of modern art. The large open plaza in front of the building is a popular gathering spot for street performers, artists, and musicians, giving you a taste of local art and artists before you even walk in the door! Parisian art history in the making!
Fun Fact: The Kandinsky Library housed within the Centre Pompidou is a major research library devoted to modern and contemporary art, containing a rich collection of books, archives, and manuscripts related to 20th and 21st-century art.
Musée Rodin
Famous statues in a Parisienne garden? Yes, please! Surrounded by gorgeous gardens and set within a beautiful mansion the Musée Rodin is primarily dedicated to the works of the famous sculptor Auguste Rodin. The museum’s serene setting provides an intimate space to appreciate Rodin’s masterpieces, such as “The Thinker” and “The Kiss.”
Walking the grounds, you’ll encounter Rodin’s sculptures beautifully placed in nature, creating a blend of great art and the great outdoors. The Musée Rodin offers a peaceful retreat for some quiet contemplation and art inspiration.
Petit Palais
Also built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair), the Petit Palais is officially known as the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts. It is an architectural gem with an utterly eye-catching entryway. From ancient artifacts to Renaissance paintings and Art Nouveau creations, the Petit Palais offers an overview of artistic achievements across multiple time periods.
One of the highlights of the Petit Palais is its collection of French paintings from the 19th century, featuring works by Gustave Courbet, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, and Paul Cézanne. One unique aspect of the Petit Palais is its gorgeous interior garden, which offers a tranquil oasis and a retreat from the bustling city.
Bonus: Admission to the permanent collections is free! (Special exhibitors are available at a charge.)
Framing Fine Art
We KNOW you stopped at the gift shops as you toured Paris’s famous art museums. Pick up some fine art prints? We can help you frame them! Fine art fairs well in ornate picture frames. Available in both gold and silver, our Granby frame is an excellent choice for housing your fine art replicas.
FREE Download – Fine Art Prints by French Artists
Can’t make it to Paris any time soon? We get it. There are many places to find famous art prints free to download. We’ve taken the liberty of sourcing some famous Parisian masterpieces for you to download for free and frame. Did you know we can print your art for you? May we suggest printing on our giclee paper for an extra touch of museum quality aesthetic? Opt for our conservation clear acrylic as well to protect and preserve your print from 99% of UV rays.
Final Thoughts
Paris may just be the best city for checking out the old masters and modern marvels. Visiting these top Parisian art galleries offers the opportunity to connect with the city’s artistic heritage and discover the diverse range of styles and movements that have shaped the world of art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, the experience of exploring Paris’s art scene is sure to leave a lasting impression. Maybe even bring some art home with you to frame and display in your home.
