Paris is not only the city of lights but also the city of art. Home to world-renowned museums, the French capital offers a treasure trove of masterpieces that tell the stories of humanity, creativity, and history. Here’s a guide to some of the most beautiful artworks you need to see, along with the fascinating tales behind them.
1. Mona Lisa – Leonardo da Vinci (Louvre)
Painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1503 and 1506, the Mona Lisa is the most famous painting in the world.
Known for her mysterious smile and captivating gaze, the portrait draws millions of visitors to the Louvre every year.
It became an icon after being stolen in 1911, causing a media frenzy before its recovery.
The Mona Lisa is protected by bulletproof glass and displayed in a special room, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Paris.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds!
2. Venus de Milo (Louvre)
The Venus de Milo is an ancient Greek statue from around 100 BCE, representing Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty.
Discovered on the island of Milos in 1820, this marble sculpture became famous for its missing arms, which add to its mystery.
Its graceful pose and perfect proportions make it a highlight of the Louvre.
Everyone loves it as a timeless symbol of classical beauty, and its placement in the museum’s Greek Antiquities section ensures it remains a crowd favorite.
3. Water Lilies – Claude Monet (Orangerie Museum)
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Claude Monet’s Water Lilies is more than a painting—it’s an immersive experience.
Created between 1915 and 1926, these massive canvases are displayed in two oval-shaped rooms at the Orangerie Museum.
They depict Monet’s garden pond in Giverny, with reflections of water, sky, and flowers.
The paintings capture the changing light throughout the day, creating a peaceful and dreamlike atmosphere.
Tourists often describe it as stepping into Monet’s world, offering a serene escape in the middle of Paris.
4. Self-Portrait – Vincent van Gogh (Musée d’Orsay)
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Vincent van Gogh painted this Self-Portrait in 1889 during his stay at an asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.
The painting reveals the emotional intensity of Van Gogh’s life, with bold brushstrokes and swirling patterns that reflect his inner struggles.
People are drawn to the deep connection between the artist and his work.
Located in the Musée d’Orsay, this self-portrait gives visitors a glimpse into Van Gogh’s mind, making it one of the most personal and moving artworks in Paris.
5. Winged Victory of Samothrace (Louvre)
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The Winged Victory of Samothrace, sculpted in the 2nd century BCE, represents Nike, the goddess of victory.
Found on the Greek island of Samothrace, it was brought to the Louvre in 1863.
Its dynamic pose and flowing drapery make it feel alive, as though caught in the wind. Positioned at the top of the grand staircase in the Louvre, it’s an awe-inspiring sight that captivates tourists.
This ancient masterpiece is a testament to the skill of Greek sculptors and a must-see for history lovers.
6. Liberty Leading the People – Eugène Delacroix (Louvre)
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Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People (1830) is a powerful symbol of freedom and revolution.
It depicts Liberty as a fierce woman leading a group of revolutionaries during the July Revolution in France.
Holding the French flag high, she inspires hope and resilience.
Visitors love this painting for its dramatic composition and patriotic energy.
It’s one of the Louvre’s most popular works and an enduring reminder of the fight for liberty and equality.
7. The Thinker – Auguste Rodin (Rodin Museum)
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Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker, created in 1880, is one of the most iconic sculptures in the world.
Originally part of a larger work, The Gates of Hell, it portrays a man deep in thought.
Visitors interpret it as a symbol of intellect and creativity.
Set in the tranquil gardens of the Rodin Museum, guests can admire the sculpture surrounded by nature.
It’s a favorite spot for photos and quiet reflection, offering a perfect mix of art and serenity.
8. The Raft of the Medusa – Théodore Géricault (Louvre)
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Painted in 1818-1819, The Raft of the Medusa tells the tragic story of a shipwreck off the coast of Senegal.
Géricault interviewed survivors and studied corpses to create this hauntingly realistic masterpiece.
The painting’s massive scale and emotional intensity captivate patrons, who often find themselves drawn to the despair and hope depicted in the survivors’ faces.
This gripping work is a highlight of the Louvre and a must-see for those fascinated by art’s ability to tell powerful stories.
9. The Coronation of Napoleon – Jacques-Louis David (Louvre)
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This monumental painting, completed in 1807, depicts the moment Napoleon crowned himself Emperor in 1804.
Commissioned by Napoleon, the artwork is a grand celebration of his power and ambition.
David’s attention to detail is stunning—look for Napoleon’s mother, who wasn’t present at the ceremony but is included in the painting.
People love its scale and historical significance, making it a standout piece in the Louvre’s collection.
10. The Fountain Stravinsky (Outside Centre Pompidou)
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The Fountain Stravinsky is a playful outdoor installation by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, inspired by composer Igor Stravinsky’s music.
Created in 1983, it features colorful, moving sculptures that spray water, bringing a sense of fun and creativity to the area outside the Centre Pompidou.
Spectators enjoy its quirky, interactive nature and its contrast to the modernist architecture nearby.
It’s a favorite spot for photos and a break from traditional museum settings.
11. Bal du Moulin de la Galette – Pierre-Auguste Renoir (Musée d’Orsay)
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Renoir’s Bal du Moulin de la Galette (1876) captures a lively dance scene at a Montmartre café.
The soft light and joyful atmosphere make it a classic example of Impressionism.
Viewers love how the painting brings Paris’s Belle Époque era to life.
Located in the Musée d’Orsay, it’s a celebration of the city’s vibrant culture and the pleasures of everyday life.
12. Le Baiser (The Kiss) – Auguste Rodin (Rodin Museum)
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Rodin’s The Kiss, sculpted in 1882, is a timeless representation of love and passion.
Inspired by a tragic love story from Dante’s Inferno, it shows two lovers caught in a tender embrace.
Visitors are drawn to its smooth curves and emotional intensity, making it a favorite piece at the Rodin Museum.
Its romantic theme makes it especially popular with couples visiting Paris.
13. The Lady and the Unicorn (Cluny Museum)
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The Lady and the Unicorn is a series of six medieval tapestries from the late 15th century, often called the “Mona Lisa of Tapestries.”
Each piece symbolizes one of the five senses, with the sixth representing “To My Only Desire,” thought to be about love or the soul.
The vibrant colors, detailed designs, and mythical creatures create a magical scene.
Displayed in the Cluny Museum, these tapestries transport visitors back in time and are a must-see for fans of medieval art and culture.
14. Impression, Sunrise – Claude Monet (Musée Marmottan Monet)
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This 1872 masterpiece gave the Impressionist movement its name.
In Impression, Sunrise, Monet paints a hazy sunrise over the port of Le Havre using soft colors and loose brushstrokes.
The painting captures a fleeting moment of light and atmosphere, focusing more on feeling than detail.
It’s housed at the Musée Marmottan Monet, which has the largest collection of Monet’s works—a dream destination for art lovers.
15. Napoleon I on His Imperial Throne – Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres (Musée de l’Armée)
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Painted in 1806, Ingres’s Napoleon on the Throne showcases the emperor in full imperial regalia.
The intricate details, from his golden robes to the scepter and throne, emphasize his authority and power.
This grand portrait reflects Napoleon’s ambition to be seen as a ruler equal to historical emperors.
For attendees, it’s a fascinating glimpse into France’s imperial history, set against the backdrop of the Louvre’s historic grandeur.
16. La Statue de la Liberté – Auguste Bartholdi (Musée d’Orsay)
Before building the famous New York landmark, Auguste Bartholdi created smaller models of the Statue of Liberty, and one is displayed in the Musée d’Orsay.
This model shows the beginnings of the iconic statue, which symbolizes freedom and the Franco-American friendship.
For visitors, it’s a unique chance to see the origins of a world-famous symbol while exploring the Orsay’s incredible collection of 19th-century art.
17. Bedroom in Arles – Vincent van Gogh (Musée d’Orsay)
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Van Gogh painted Bedroom in Arles in 1888, depicting his simple room in bright, bold colors.
The painting reflects his longing for stability and comfort during a difficult time in his life.
Every detail, from the tilted furniture to the vibrant walls, gives the work a dreamlike quality.
Art lovers can see this intimate and personal piece at the Musée d’Orsay, offering a glimpse into the artist’s world and struggles.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
