10 Best Unusual Museums in Paris
Where to Go in Paris to Enjoy Unique Art, History and Culture?
Discover the best unusual museums in Paris and reveal a side of the city that’s intriguingly different from its iconic landmarks. You’ll find quirky, curious and unexpected gems as you explore thought-provoking histories, fascinating artworks and untold treasures.
Whether you enjoy stepping into eccentric stories and uncovering the hidden layers of Parisian life or you’d prefer to stroll through picturesque gardens and admire wonderful sculptures, you’ll find displays, artefacts and collections to spark your curiosity and creativity. See the city in a new light when you seek the extraordinary in Paris’s unforgettable, unique and unusual museums.
1. Museum of Fairground Arts
Magical and enchanting memorabilia
Categoría: Familias, Exótico, De aventura
The Museum of Fairground Arts (Pavillons de Bercy – Musée des Arts Forains) presents lively and imaginative scenes inside a former wine warehouse in Paris’s 12th arrondissement. Actor, artist and antiques dealer Jean Paul Favand created this fascinating private collection of funfair and fairground objects now available for tours.
At the museum in Pavillons de Bercy, discover ancient stalls, amusement rides and restored attractions as well as eclectic works that date back as far as 1522. Admire carousels, antique bicycles, swings and organs as you absorb the dream-like atmosphere of this unusual museum, where projectors bring the walls to life. Admission is by appointment only, so get in touch directly to book your space on a 90-minute guided tour.
Ubicación: 53 Av. des Terroirs de France, 75012 Paris, France
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 43 40 16 22
Museum of Fairground Arts
2. Museum of Hunting and Nature
Inventive and thought-provoking animal exhibits
Categoría: Familias, Parejas
Walking into the Museum of Hunting and Nature (Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature) truly feels like entering another world. This quirky alternative universe is housed in a beautiful mural-adorned mansion in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris and full of animal-themed modern art and hunting memorabilia including antique guns, tapestries, furniture and dioramas, with rooms dedicated to different animal families.
The museum’s creative layout and displays are designed to make you think about the relationship between humans and animals through the ages. Ask the staff if you’d like more information about any of the exhibits and look out for regular special events and workshops.
Ubicación: 62 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris, France
Horarios: Tuesday, Thursday–Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm, Wednesday from 11 am to 9.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 53 01 92 40
Museum of Hunting and Nature
3. Albert-Kahn Museum and Garden
Wonders of nature and photography
Categoría: Historia, Parejas, Familias
At the Albert-Kahn Museum and Garden, acres of landscaped gardens reveal the beauty and serenity of horticultural art. Albert Kahn was a banker and philanthropist with a passion for the living environment, and his dream of sharing his connection with nature comes alive in this unusual setting.
Inside the museum, you’ll find archives of pictures that document the natural world, including some of the earliest colour photographs ever taken, with images captured by Kahn on a round-the-world trip in 1909. The museum and gardens are in Boulogne-Billancourt, close to the Paris Metro stop at Boulogne, Pont de Saint-Cloud. When you visit, take a moment to stroll through the Japanese garden and admire the gorgeous red bridge.
Ubicación: 2 Rue du Port, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Horarios: October–March: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays). April–September: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 55 19 28 00
Albert-Kahn Museum and Garden
4. Museum of the Thirties
Bringing together interwar art
Categoría: Historia, Foto, Parejas
Take a fascinating trip back in time at the Museum of the 30s (Musée des Années 30), a tribute to the artistic, architectural and technological developments of 1930s Paris. Embracing specific themes like sacred art, colonial art and School of Paris, the exhibits include paintings, sculptures, furniture and Art Deco models from the interwar period. The atmosphere in the exhibition rooms is quiet and calm, and you’ll really feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden treasure.
You’ll find the museum slightly off the beaten track in the Boulogne-Billancourt area. After your visit, continue your exploration of the period with a wander past the district’s many Art Deco buildings and admire masterpieces of 1930s architecture.
Ubicación: Landowski Public Library, 28 Av. André Morizet, 92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Horarios: Tuesday–Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 55 18 46 42
Museum of the Thirties
5. Museum of the Art and History of Judaism
Collection of Jewish artistic and cultural heritage
Categoría: Historia, Familias
The Museum of Art and History of Judaism (Musée d’Art et d’Histoire du Judaïsme) presents Jewish culture, history and art in Paris’s historic Marais district. This tranquil museum is housed within the Hôtel de Saint-Aignan, a stunning 17th-century mansion. It offers a rich collection of artefacts, documents and artworks that provide insight into the contributions of Jewish communities to French and global culture over centuries.
Museum highlights include ceremonial objects, rare manuscripts and works by renowned artists. You might also find temporary exhibitions and educational lectures. Signage for the exhibits is mostly in French only, so take the free audio tour if you’d like to hear explanations in English or other languages.
Ubicación: Hôtel de Saint-Aignan, 71 Rue du Temple, 75003 Paris, France
Horarios: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 11 am to 6 pm, Wednesday from 11 am to 9 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 53 01 86 53
Museum of the Art and History of Judaism
6. Musée de Montmartre
A charming haven of art history
Categoría: Historia, Foto, Económico
The Museum of Montmartre (Musée de Montmartre) is a tribute to the bohemian heart of Montmartre. Its location is part of its charm and, as you wander down winding Parisian side streets and enter the 17th-century building that was once an artists’ studio, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Renoir’s shoes. As you explore the museum, take in lovely views of Paris’s northern cityscape, including the small vineyard at the Clos Montmartre.
In the galleries, you’ll find paintings and drawings by Montmartre artists as well as posters and studio reconstructions. The Renoir Gardens surround the museum and provide a peaceful retreat from the nearby bustle. Pop into the courtyard cafe for refreshments in timeless tranquillity.
Ubicación: 12 Rue Cortot, 75018 Paris, France
Horarios: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 49 25 89 39
Musée de Montmartre
7. Bourdelle Museum
Intimate exploration of sculpture
Categoría: Historia, Económico
The Bourdelle Museum (Musée Bourdelle) presents the life, works and influence of sculptor Emile Antoine Bourdelle in a building that was his home and studio from 1885 to 1929. The museum showcases many of Bourdelle’s impressive large-scale sculptures as well as his personal collection of artworks. You can also explore interactive displays to learn techniques and facts about sculpture.
The museum is in Paris’s 15th arrondissement, and admission to the permanent collections is free. There’s a first-floor restaurant with an inviting atmosphere, garden views and delicious food. Visit in dry weather to admire the outdoor sculptures in sparkling sunlight.
Ubicación: 18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 75015 Paris, France
Horarios: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 49 54 73 73
Bourdelle Museum
8. The French Playing Card Museum
Spectacular selection of game-related exhibits
Categoría: Familias, Historia, Exótico
The French Playing Card Museum (Musée Français de la Carte à Jouer) is a 1-of-a-kind treat for card collectors, game enthusiasts and anyone who’s ever played cards. You’ll find family favourites and extraordinary collections of playing cards from all around the world, dating back centuries.
This unique museum is located in the southwestern Paris suburb of Issy-les-Moulineaux. The museum’s thoughtful layout and soft lighting showcase the card designs as well as the craft techniques and artistry behind card-making. Don’t miss the intriguing historical details about the fate of ‘royal’ playing cards during the French Revolution.
Ubicación: 16 Rue Auguste Gervais, 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
Horarios: Wednesday–Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, Saturday–Sunday from 2 pm to 6 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 41 23 83 60
The French Playing Card Museum
9. The Museum of the Prefecture of Police
Police history, criminology and forensics
Categoría: Historia, Económico
The Museum of the Prefecture of Police (Musée de la Préfecture de Police) is a treasure trove of the history of the Paris police force. This quirky museum is housed in a police station in Paris’s 5th arrondissement and it’s brimming with prints, portraits, posters and objects that trace the police force’s past from the 17th century to the present day.
As well as learning about Paris’s infamous conspiracies, arrests, robberies and criminal cases through the years, you can also explore the techniques used in investigations and the progress made in police technology. You’ll discover weapons, handcuffs, artists’ impressions and news clippings. Admission to the museum is free, but make sure you reserve in advance.
Ubicación: 4 Rue de la Montagne Ste Geneviève, 75005 Paris, France
Horarios: Tuesday–Wednesday and Friday from 9.30 am to 5 pm, Thursday from 9.30 am to 7 pm (closed on Saturday–Monday)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 44 41 52 50
The Museum of the Prefecture of Police
10. Paris Sewer Museum
Underground tunnels and interactive exhibits
Categoría: Exótico, Historia
The Paris Sewer Museum (Musée des Égouts de Paris) gives you a fascinating glimpse at life beneath the city streets. Near the Seine, this unusual museum lets you explore part of Paris’s underground sewer system, which dates back to the 19th century.
The unique mix of history, science and adventure means you’re sure to have an engaging and memorable experience, though perhaps not always the most fragrant one. Learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about public health, engineering marvels, wastewater management and the vital role that sewers play in keeping Paris running.
Ubicación: Esplanade Habib Bourguiba, Pont de l’Alma, 75007 Paris, France
Horarios: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Teléfono: +33 (0)1 53 68 27 84
Paris Sewer Museum
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