While we love returning to such Parisian treasures as the Louvre, Musee D’Orsay, Pompidou, Picasso and Rodin Museums, there are wonderful, less well-known museums to explore.
BEAT THE LINES. BUY A MUSEUM PASS IN ADVANCE.
The Paris Museum Pass provides admission to multiple museums and monuments, eliminating the need to stand in line to buy a ticket. It’s on sale in museums, monuments, main metro stations, the Paris tourist office, FNAC stores, and many hotels and can be purchased for two, four, or six days.
Even though the pass can be purchased in museums, it’s better to buy it in advance as you often wind up standing in a long ticket line . The pass is not valid for special exhibitions. It can also be purchased on the web-site: www.parismuseumpass.fr. Allow at least 10 days for delivery.
Check ahead for special shows at the Grand Palais and Musee Luxembourg; these often require timed tickets which should be purchased in advance.
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The incomparable Monet Water Lilies are on display again after a lengthy renovation as well as the fascinating private collection of Walter-Guillaume which includes works by Matisse, Picasso, and Modigliani.
Decorative arts are the stars here, including furniture, ceramics, porcelain, paintings, and objects d’art, ranging from late Middle Ages to the 21st century. The Museum has recently re-opened after a ten year renovation. The gift shop has a wonderful collection of contemporary design objects, including housewares, jewelry, purses and toys. The Museum restaurant, Le Saut de Loup, is an upbeat and lively lunch spot: www.lesautduloup.com

Located in the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, this small museum presents excellent changing exhibitions including Titian, Rubens, and Tintoretto. It is advisable to book tickets either online or through your hotel.
The Museum has been closed for renovation but is scheduled to reopen October 12 with the exhibition, Cezanne et Paris.
The innovative and acclaimed new building by Jean Nouvel houses an important collection devoted to the arts of Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
Please note : there is an automatic ticket kiosk inside the museum where you can buy a ticket without standing in line if you don’t have a museum pass.
Within the Museum is Les Ombres, serving expensive fusion cuisine in keeping with the Museum’s multicultural mission. The view is glorious, and the terrace is ideal in good weather. http://www.lesombres-restaurant.com
Formerly the home of Edouard Andrea and Nelie Jacquemart, the Museum was built at the end of the 19th century and retains the character of this opulent private residence. The Jacquemarts were also extraordinary collectors, and the Museum exhibits not only their private collection, including work by Delacroix and Rembrandt but also a range of fascinating temporary exhibitions. There is also a charming restaurant to have lunch during your visit.
The Palais de Tokyo does not have a permanent collection but specializes in changing exhibitions of contemporary cutting-edge art. Expect to find dynamic, fun, and innovative work that challenges traditional ideas of what makes a work of art. There is a cafeteria for snacks and Tokyo Eat, a full-service restaurant where the eye-catching decor has been designed by artists.

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