Paris: 5 Best Contemporary Art Museums
When you think of art in Paris, you probably imagine the Louvre or Orsay, but there is an amazing selection of museums showing a wide range of artwork in the City of Light.
The Artscene editor Lisa Marc introduces the 5 best contemporary art museums you should not miss, with a local Parisian perspective. This city guide will lead you to the very best spots for contemporary art in Paris, especially for admirers of architecture! 🇫🇷💗
Bourse de Commerce - Pinaut Collection
Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection
Bourse de Commerce - Pinaut Collection is the latest contemporary art museum in Paris, opening to the public in 2021. Bourse de Commerce was converted from an 18th century marketplace of grain and commodities. Housed by a stunning glass dome, this museum is a marvel in and of itself.
François Pinaut, founder of the luxury group Kering, transformed this ancient market into a museum showing his personal collection to share his passion for contemporary art rightin the heart of Paris.
The temporary and regularly changing exhibitions are presented from the Pinault Collection of over 10,000 works from almost 400 artists. Often showing a variety of art from paintings to sculptures, photographs and installations from the likes of Urs Fischer, Charles Ray, David Hammons, Bertrand Lavier, and Nobuyoshi Araki.
Why we recommend it:
The high quality standard paired with the diversity of this collection from a passionate art lover and one of the most influential collectors in the art world, François Pinaut, makes this museum stand out. His collection has grown over the past 40 years with his own eye, by visiting ateliers and engaging with artists himself. You can discover new perspectives through the variety of art and witness the emerging trends in the contemporary art world.
Must See:
Living art collection by François Pinaut, Architectural conversion by Tadao Ando of the 18th century market into a vibrant contemporary art museum
Where: 2 rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris / Metro: Station Louvre – Rivoli (Line 1), Les Halls (Line 4), station Châtelet (Line 7,11,14)
Hours: 11am-7pm (Late openings on Fridays until 9pm), Closed on Tuesdays
Centre Pomidou / Photo by Adora Goodenough on Unsplash
Centre Pompidou
Founded in 1977 and located near the trendy Marais district, Centre Pompidou has the largest collection of modern and contemporary art in Europe.The museum’s namesake, Georges Pompidou, had the passionate mission of creating “a cultural centre” for Paris.
The collection includes famous artists like Henri Matisse, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Yves Klein, Vassily Kandinsky, Marcel Duchamp and so on.
In recent years, the museum has held solo exhibitions of contemporary artists such as Christo, Francis Bacon, Christian Boltanski, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Victor Vasarely.
Why we recommend it:
The museum hosts a very high quality of permanent collections as well as temporary exhibitions. Pompidou is a true contemporary art spot by not only exhibiting famous artists, but also highlights emerging artists and various types of art, such as cinema and stage.
Must See:
Modern and Contemporary Art Permanent Collection, you will find new discoveries upon each revisit, as the displayed works change regularly
Where: Place Georges-Pompidou 75004 Paris / Metro: station Rambuteau (Line 11), Hôtel de Ville (Line1, 11), Châtelet (Line 1,4,7,11,14)
Hours: 11am-9pm, Closed on Tuesdays
Fondation Louis Vuitton / Photo by Antoine Petitteville on Unsplash
Fondation Louis Vuitton
Inaugurated in 2014, this museum is run by the Foundation of French luxury LVMH Group to commit to making art and culture accessible to all. Located in the western suburbs of Paris in the Boulogne Forest, the Foundation Louis Vuitton’s curved reflections create a flowing scene in this beautiful public park that is nearly two and a half times the area of Central Park in New York City.
The museum hosts temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and promotes the arts both nationally and internationally. In recent years, solo exhibitions of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Gilbert & George, Egon Schiele, Charlotte Perriand, and Simon Hantai have found a home here.
Why we recommend it:
There is a well-balanced mixture of modern and contemporary art with a historical and global perspective. The collection is supported by LVMH owner Bernard Arnault, an influential art collector and patron and the breathtaking location of FLV within the Boulogne Forest cannot be overstated.
Must See:
Dynamic and beautiful architecture by Frank Gehry
Where: 8, Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi Bois de Boulogne, 75116 Paris / Metro: station Les sablons (Line 1)
Hours: 11am - 8pm (Weekend: 10am-8pm) ; Closed on Tuesdays
Fondation Cartier © Jean Nouvel, Emmanuel Cattani & Associés. Photo by Luc Boegly.
Fondation Cartier
The French luxury group Cartier initiated Fondation Cartier in 1984 as a unique example of corporate philanthropy in France. Located in the 14th arrondissement in the south of Paris, Montparnasse area, the museum hosts a variety of events year round. One such event is the Nomadic Nights, a performing arts focused show in which artists highlight the connection between visual art and other contemporary artistic expressions.
The museum mainly exhibits works by international contemporary artists, often commissioned by Fondation Cartier itself. Not only for paintings or photography, the museum takes a challenging approach to making the most of its space, including installations and group exhibitions of young artists.
In recent years, it has held solo exhibitions of Damien Hirst, Graciela Iturbide, Sarah Sze, and Junya Ishigami. They also expand their temporal exhibitions internationally, in London, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Milan.
Why we recommend it:
Their strong commitment of promoting contemporary art through the commission and production for artists and providing young artists exposure spans over 30 years. Fondation Cartier is perfect for connoisseurs of photography.
Must See:
The all-glass architecture by Jean Nouvel and the unique, wild nature Garden by Lothar Baumgarter, where you may forget you are in Paris
Where: 261, Boulevard Raspail 75014 Paris, France / Metro: Station Raspail (Line 4) or Denfert-Rochereau Station (Line 6)
Hours: 11am-8pm (10pm on Tuesday), Closed on Mondays
Palais de Tokyo / Photo by Florent Michel
Palais de Tokyo
Originally a museum of modern art, Palais de Tokyo was transformed in 2012 into the largest contemporary art center in Europe. The museum is located in the 16th arrondissement in the west of Paris, a wealthy area but one that has become a cultural spot for fashionable young Parisians.
Originally constructed in 1937 for the Exposition internationale des arts et techniques de la vie moderne, this museum combines history with its perspective “anchored in the present and looking to the future.” Palais de Tokyo is driven to create an experience of contemporary art, as exhibited by the dedicated dance club and event space within the Palais, The Yoyo.
Why we recommend it:
Palais de Tokyo focuses on young, emerging contemporary artists and has their own unique concept for exhibitions, which has turned it into a destination for experimental contemporary art.
Must See:
The book store, one of the largest art bookshops in Paris created in collaboration with Walther König & Cahiers d’Art
Where: 13, avenue du Président Wilson 75116 Paris / Metro: Iéna and Alma Marceau stations (line 9)
Hours: 12pm-12am, Closed on Tuesdays
