Contemporary Musings

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The Best Modern and Contemporary Art Museums in Paris

When one imagines art museums in Paris, neoclassical masterpieces at the Louvre may come to mind. Or perhaps, the iconic impressionist works at Musee d’Orsay. However, many don’t know that Paris is also highly invested in modern and contemporary art. These institutions prove that Paris is a prime city to discover modern-day works:

Palais de Tokyo

I’ve written about many exhibitions at this museum, and it has become one of my favorites in the city. The space is dedicated to temporary exhibitions for innovative contemporary art, and it is one of the best places to observe the current and ever-evolving art scene.

Some of my past reviews: On Air - Amalgam - Futur, Ancien, Fugitif

Centre Pompidou

Another museum featured on the site more than once, this iconic institution serves as France’s national museum for modern art. As one of the most visited art museums in the world, expect to see the greats of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Read my review of the museum here.

Fondation Louis Vuitton

This private institution of art and culture repeatedly puts on the most talked-about shows each season. Their collection features over 300 pieces by 120 artists, as well as site-specific commissions.

Read about my visit to the Jean-Michel Basquiat and Egon Schiele exhibitions here.

Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris

This municipal museum is most notable for its massive murals by Raoul Dufy and Henri Matisse. The institution sits on the east wing of the same building home to the Palais de Tokyo.

Click here to read about my visit to see the Hans Hartung retrospective.

Fondation Cartier

This private contemporary art museum is dedicated to promoting and raising public awareness of contemporary art in all mediums.

I saw an activist art exhibition at the Foundation Cartier, and wrote about it here.

Jeu de Paume

This institution is dedicated to the diffusion of images, including but not limited to modern and postmodern photography and media.

I wrote about Peter Hujar’s retrospective here.