15 most Famous Pieces of Art in Paris Museums, Louvre and Musée d’Orsay
Paris is often called the city of love, but it’s also a city of art. In Paris you will find museums like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay housing some of the world’s most important and famous artworks.
That is why, in this article, I have put together 15 of the most famous artworks that you can see on your trip to Paris.
I will also explain which museum you can see this artwork in and where in the museum it is located.
1. Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci
First of all, we have the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci. She is probably the most famous artwork in Paris. She is known for her beautiful smile and the detail with which Leonardo da Vinci painted this picture.
The Mona Lisa is probably one of the most recognized and visited artworks in the world. One of the reasons this painting in the Louvre is so famous is because it was stolen from the Louvre in 1911 by an Italian nationalist who believed it belonged to Italy. The painting was recovered two years later and then returned to the museum.
Where to see it: Louvre Museum, Denon Wing, Room 711. The louvre is the largest art museum and I would recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre.
🛏️10 Best areas to stay in Paris – and what hotels to book!
Let’s plan a trip to Paris
🛏️ Book A Hotel
🎟️ Book Tickets
🤩 Book An Experience
✈️ Travel essentials
2. The Starry Night Over the Rhône by Vincent van Gogh
Next up, we have The Starry Night Over the Rhône by Vincent van Gogh. This painting captures a beautiful night sky over the Rhône River in Arles, and you can really see the yellow of the shimmering stars in this beautiful deep blue.
It is a gorgeous example of van Gogh’s expressive use of both color and brushwork. Unlike the more famous Starry Night, which was painted from his asylum room, this piece was actually painted from memory and outdoors, and it really captures van Gogh’s fascination with the night.
Where to see it: Musée d’Orsay, Gallery 71. Located in the section dedicated to van Gogh’s works. You can get your ticket for the Orsay Museum here and even book a tour of all the masterworks via this link.
☠️ 8 Most dangerous areas in Paris
3. Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix
One of the most famous paintings in France also has to be Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix. This oil painting on canvas symbolizes the July Revolution of 1830 in France, with Liberty depicted as a fierce woman leading the charge over the barricades. It’s a very celebrated painting because of its dynamic composition and its emotional impact. The figure of Liberty in this painting is often seen as an allegorical representation of freedom in the art world, and she wears a Phrygian cap, which is a symbol of liberty.
Where to see it: Louvre Museum, Richelieu Wing, Room 77. The painting is prominently displayed and often used to represent French revolutionary ideals. I would recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre.
💎 The 12 Most Exclusive Hotels in Paris
4. The Thinker by Auguste Rodin
The first statue on this list is The Thinker by Auguste Rodin. The Thinker is a world-famous statue that represents philosophy and intellectualism. The statue is of a man who is deep in thought, symbolizing human creativity and introspection.
The Thinker was actually part of Rodin’s larger work, The Gates of Hell, which was inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, and it was meant to represent Dante himself.
Where to see it: Musée Rodin, Garden. The statue is displayed in the beautiful gardens of the museum. You can book skip-the-line tickets with guided tour here.
❗11 Tourist Traps You Need to Avoid When Traveling to Paris
5. Famous art in Paris: Water Lilies series by Claude Monet
Next up is one of my absolute favorite artworks to see in Paris, The Water Lilies by Claude Monet. The Water Lilies captures the beauty of his garden in Giverny, a village outside of Paris that’s a gorgeous place for a day trip.
The Water Lilies (oil on canvas) is actually a series of paintings where you can see Monet’s focus on the effects of light and color on nature, especially on the water lilies in his beautiful pond outside of his home.
Monet painted over 250 versions of The Water Lilies, experimenting with different lighting and perspectives. The series is often considered a precursor to abstract expressionism making Monet the first painter in the genre.
Where to see it: Musée de l’Orangerie, Water Lilies Rooms. The museum features two oval rooms designed specifically to display these panoramic paintings.
🧳 10 Essential Items You NEED to Pack for a Trip to Paris
6. The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault
Then we have The Raft of the Medusa by Théodore Géricault. This is a monumental painting that depicts the aftermath of the wreck of the French naval frigate Medusa. It is an incredibly famous painting, celebrated for its dramatic realism and its emotional intensity.
Géricault conducted extensive research for this painting, even interviewing survivors and studying corpses to ensure that everything in his painting was anatomically and historically accurate.
Where to see it: Louvre Museum, Denon Wing, Room 700. It’s the focal point of the room! I would recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre.
❌ 10 Things you should NEVER pack for Paris!
7. Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Bal du Moulin de la Galette by Renoir is a lively scene that captures a typical Sunday afternoon at the Moulin de la Galette in Montmartre. In the painting, you can see people dancing, talking, eating, and socializing.
This painting is especially known for its vibrant colors and the way Renoir depicted the light. Many of the people in this painting are actually Renoir’s friends, as he loved giving his paintings a personal touch. When you’re looking at the picture, the light effects and the movement Renoir included are particularly noteworthy.
Where to see it: Musée d’Orsay, Gallery 32. The painting is part of the museum’s extensive collection of Impressionist works. You can get your ticket for the Orsay Museum here and even book a tour of all the masterworks via this link.
8. The Winged Victory of Samothrace
Then we have the Winged Victory of Samothrace. This is an ancient Greek sculpture that celebrates the goddess Nike, symbolizing victory. The sculpture is praised for its dynamic movement and the incredibly realistic drapery on the body of the winged victory.
The statue was discovered in 1863 on the island of Samothrace and is believed to have been part of a much larger monument celebrating a naval victory.
Where to see it: Louvre Museum, Daru Staircase. It is located at the top of the grand staircase. I would recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre.
9. The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David
Another one of my absolute favorite paintings is The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David. This is an incredibly grand painting that depicts the coronation of Napoleon, capturing a key moment in French history.
I especially love the attention to detail and the gorgeous composition. If you look closely, you can see that Napoleon’s mother is included in the painting, although she wasn’t actually present at the event. The work took over two years to complete.
Where to see it: Louvre Museum, Denon Wing, Room 702. I would recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre.
10. The Dance by Henri Matisse
We can’t talk about French art without mentioning Henri Matisse, which is why I have included The Dance by Henri Matisse in this list. This vibrant and expressive painting features a circle of dancing figures and is known for its bold use of color and simplified forms, characteristic of Matisse’s style.
Matisse himself considered this painting one of his masterpieces, and it marks a turning point in his career towards a more abstract style. It is one of his most famous pieces and most important pieces of art.
Where to see it: Centre Pompidou, Gallery 2. The painting is part of the museum’s modern art collection. It highlights Matisse’s contribution to modernism. Get fast track tickets and an audioguide to Centre Pompidou here.
11. The Card Players by Paul Cézanne
Next up, we have The Card Players by Paul Cézanne. This painting is celebrated for its innovative use of color and form. It is part of a series of paintings that represent Cézanne’s move towards more modern art. In the painting, you will see peasants playing cards in a contemplative manner.
Cézanne painted five versions of The Card Players, each varying in size and composition. It’s fascinating because these five versions reflect his evolving style.
Where to see it: Musée d’Orsay, Gallery 67. The museum’s Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection includes several works by Cézanne. You can get your ticket for the Orsay Museum here and even book a tour of all the masterworks via this link.
12. The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck
Then we have The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck, which is one of the works I always try to see when I go to the Louvre. I love this painting because it is so detailed, and I admire van Eyck’s use of light. The portrait is considered a masterpiece of the Northern Renaissance.
In the painting, you see a wealthy couple in their home, surrounded by symbols of their status and wealth. What I especially love about this work is the mirror in the background, which reflects the entire scene. You will also see two figures standing in the doorway, often believed to be the artist, Jan van Eyck, and a witness.
Where to see it: Louvre Museum, Richelieu Wing, Room 56. The painting is part of the museum’s collection of Northern Renaissance art. I would recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre.
13. Self-Portrait by Vincent van Gogh
In the Musée d’Orsay, you will also be able to see a self-portrait by Vincent van Gogh. This self-portrait truly showcases van Gogh’s distinctive style and the emotional intensity of his works.
It is one of many self-portraits painted during a turbulent time in his life and artistic journey, and you can sense this in the painting itself. Van Gogh painted over 30 self-portraits, often using them as a means of self-exploration and experimentation. In these self-portraits, he frequently experimented with his style and use of color.
Where to see it: Musée d’Orsay, Gallery 65. The museum has a significant collection of van Gogh’s works. You can get your ticket for the Orsay Museum here and even book a tour of all the masterworks via this link.
14. The Death of Sardanapalus by Eugène Delacroix
Another painting you should see when you are in Paris is The Death of Sardanapalus by Eugène Delacroix. This dramatic painting depicts the fall of the Assyrian king Sardanapalus and is filled with vivid colors and emotional intensity. It is a prime example of Delacroix’s romantic style.
The painting was inspired by the play Sardanapalus by Lord Byron, and Delacroix’s use of color and movement in this work was considered revolutionary at the time.
Where to see it: Louvre Museum, Denon Wing, Room 700. I would recommend getting a skip-the-line ticket for the Louvre.
15. The Gates of Hell by Auguste Rodin
Last but not least, we have The Gates of Hell by Auguste Rodin. I’ve mentioned The Gates of Hell before when I talked about The Thinker.
This beautiful, monumental group of sculptures was inspired by Dante’s Inferno and includes The Thinker and other famous statues by Rodin.
Rodin worked on The Gates of Hell for over 37 years, and sadly, it remained unfinished at his death. The work is filled with over 200 individual figures.
Where to see it: Musée Rodin, Room 5. You can book skip-the-line tickets with guided tour here
Toddler in Paris? Try These 12 Activities for a Stress-Free Trip!
Planning a trip to Paris with a toddler can feel overwhelming. You’re probably searching for activities that will keep your little one entertained and happy, while also letting you enjoy the sights. I get it – traveling with a toddler presents unique challenges, from finding kid-friendly attractions to managing nap times and meals. ( I…
12 Best French Breakfast foods for a typical breakfast in France!
Let’s start by busting a myth—French people don’t actually start their day with a croissant and café au lait every morning. I know, I know, the internet had me fooled too. In reality, breakfast in France (or le petit déjeuner) tends to be a light affair, just enough to tide you over until lunch, which,…
1 day in London? Your ultimate London itinerary!
So, you’ve got one day in London—a city so iconic, it’s basically the gold standard of cities. And yes, while London is huge, fear not! I’ve crafted the perfect 1-day London itinerary that’ll help you hit the highlights, keep your feet (relatively) happy, and maybe even leave room for a sneaky pint at a pub…
The Ultimate 3 Day London Itinerary by a local!
Ah, London! The city that never sleeps… well, technically it does, but you won’t want to. London is one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world, brimming with history, culture, and more than enough things to do to fill multiple trips. From royal palaces and world-class museums to iconic landmarks and beautiful…
First time in London? Essential tips by a local!
So, you’re planning your first trip to London—excellent choice! Whether you’re going to see the iconic London Eye, catch a glimpse of the royal Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, or simply lose yourself in the labyrinth of museums in London, you’re in for a treat. London is massive, diverse, and—speaking from personal experience—can…
The 12 Best Luxury Hotels in London
Ready to experience London like royalty—or at least like someone who can afford an extra fancy afternoon tea? Whether you’re all about art deco interiors, Michelin-starred dining, or rooms with stunning views over leafy parks, London’s best luxury hotels will make you feel like you’re living the high life. Here’s a rundown of 12 of…
12 best markets in London that are a must-visit!
London is a city that knows how to market… its markets! There’s truly something for everyone—from vibrant flower markets and famous antiques hubs to hipster street food joints that’ll make your tastebuds dance. London’s market scene is brimming with history, culture, and let’s face it, some of the most delicious food you’ll find across the…
12 Museums in London you should not miss!
London is home to some of the best museums in the world, whether you’re into art, natural history, or quirky collections that make you question the past (or your sanity). This city has something for everyone—history buffs, design enthusiasts, even transport nerds. So grab your Oyster card (or plan to walk, it’s London after all)…
Discover the 12 best off the beaten path things to do in London!
Tired of elbowing through crowds at the London Eye or trying to snap an unobstructed selfie at the Tower of London? Ready to explore a different side of London that only the locals seem to know about? Then welcome, intrepid traveler! It’s time to ditch the tourist traps and dive into some of London’s best…
12 Best Cocktail Bars in London You Need to Visit
Let’s talk about London – a city known for its double-decker buses, uncomfortably long queues, and an absolutely world-class cocktail scene. This is where mixologists don’t just make drinks; they create tiny, boozy works of art that will make you reconsider what you’ve been sipping at home all these years. After an exhaustive search (and…
The 12 prettiest streets in London you need to see!
London is one of those cities that effortlessly blends the historic with the modern, the iconic with the hidden. Sure, everyone knows about Big Ben and Tower Bridge, but if you want to experience London like a local (or just seriously upgrade your Instagram game), it’s time to wander off the beaten path. From vibrant…
The 10 Most Dangerous Areas in London
London is an intoxicating blend of old-world charm and modern energy, with every street holding a story. It’s a city that’s seen it all, from royal weddings to raucous football matches. But like any global metropolis, London has some areas that tourists—especially first-timers—might want to be a bit cautious of. In this guide, we’ll help…
The 12 Best Things to Do in London
When it comes to planning a trip to London, the list of things to do in London can feel endless. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London to quirky museums and the lively streets of Camden Town, there’s something for every type of traveler. But with so much to explore, it can…
Best Budget Hotels in London (But you need to be quick!)
Finding a budget hotel in London can feel like a treasure hunt. Because OMG the hotels are so so so expensive! If you know where to look, however, there are some great spots out there that won’t force you to sell two kidneys and a cornea for room. I have scoured the net for the best…
Where to stay in London? Guide by a local!
Planning a trip to London but not sure where to stay? I’ve got you! Having lived in London for two years, I know how overwhelming it can feel. London is a massive city, and each neighborhood offers something completely different. Are you after a luxurious hotel in central London, or maybe a budget spot in…
These are the 12 best things to do in Paris in the summer!
Planning a trip to Paris in the summer? You’re in for a treat. There’s something special about Paris during the summer months—long sunny days, bustling streets, and a calendar packed with events. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend many summers wandering the streets of Paris, sipping on iced drinks at cozy cafés and soaking up…
Top Cheap Hotels in Paris: Stay in Nice Hotels on a Budget!
When planning a trip to Paris, it’s easy to assume you’ll need to splash a fortune on accommodation, especially with the city’s reputation for luxury. But if you’re like me and prefer to save your euros for pastries by the Seine or a few extra glasses of wine at a cozy café, you’ll be happy…
The 11 Best Romantic Restaurants in Paris
Planning a romantic dinner in Paris? Maybe you want to impress your date, or maybe you just want to enjoy a meal without having to tell your kids to sit still. Paris has plenty of options for romance, from bistros with candlelit tables to breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. Whether you’re after a fine…
12 Best Day Trips from Paris you don’t want to miss out on!
Paris has so much to offer that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. But if you’re itching to explore beyond the city, you’ve got plenty of great options. I love Paris but I am the first one to agree that some of the best things to do in France are only a short train ride away!…
A complete guide to visiting the Eiffel Tower! Tickets and Second Floor Access!
The Eiffel Tower. You’ve seen it in a million photos, but nothing beats seeing it in real life. Gustave Eiffel’s iron masterpiece stands proudly in the Paris skyline and has been doing so since 1889. Fun fact: it was supposed to be temporary, but here we are over a century later. Visiting the Eiffel Tower…
