Montmartre Museum (Musée de Montmartre)

The Basics

Montmartre became a hot spot among Parisian artists in the 1870s and into the 1880s, when some of the area's original cabarets opened. This compact museum, housed where Renoir painted works such asBal du Moulin de la Galette, celebrates the neighborhood's legacy. Here you'll find a large collection of artwork from Montmartre's heyday, along with beautiful gardens inspired by the works of Renoir.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in art and/or Parisian history.

• Separate garden-only tickets are available for those who don’t want to venture inside.

• Only the temporary exhibition space is wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

The museum is located in the Montmartre neighborhood, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. The closest metro stop is Lamarck–Caulaincourt on line 12; you can also take the metro to Abbesses and then walk to the Montmartre Funicular (or take stairs to the top). Petit Train de Montmartre, a tourist train that plies the neighborhood, also stops right in front of the museum.

When to Get There

The museum and gardens are open daily from midmorning to early evening from October through March, with extended hours from April through September. Doors shut 45 minutes before closing time. Evening visits are also available on Thursdays in July and August; these include a 45-minute introduction and a glass of wine.

Special Exhibits

Along with its permanent collection, the museum offers temporary exhibits throughout the year, listed well in advance on its website. Past themes have ranged from the works of specific artists, such as sculptor Georges Dorignac and expressionist painter Bernard Buffet, to special exhibitions featuring selected works from private collections.

Ways to explore

Montmartre walking tours generally pass La Maison du Bel Air, along with other headliners such as Basilique du Sacré-Coeur and Place du Tertre, though not all pause to enter this under-the-radar collection and its adjacent garden. Choose a Montmartre art history tour that includes admission to the Montmartre Museum to admire paintings by Auguste Renoir, Émile Bernard, Raoul Dufy, and others. Alternatively, visit the museum and garden on your own after exploring the neighborhood on a small-group or private tour on foot or by bike.

Accessibility

The permanent collection and Renoir gardens are not wheelchair accessible, while temporary exhibitions can accommodate wheelchairs.

Age limits

The museum offers family-friendly tours on the first Sunday of the month for kids 5–12 years old.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, sun hat for the gardens

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen

Not allowed

Large bags and backpacks, food and drink, picnics in the garden

Amenities

Café, restrooms, stroller parking area

Address

The museum is located in the Montmartre neighborhood, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, and is easy to reach by public transport. The Petit Train de Montmartre, a tourist train that plies the neighborhood, stops right in front of the museum.

Driving

Montmartre is located in a limited traffic zone, so only authorized vehicles may enter. Opt to arrive with public transportation or a city taxi.

Public transportation

The closest metro stop is Lamarck–Caulaincourt on line 12; you can also take the metro to Abbesses and then walk to the Montmartre Funicular (or take stairs to the top).

Best times to visit

Take advantage of the 7pm closing time to visit the museum in the late afternoon, optimizing your sightseeing time in Montmartre.

Best days to visit

The museum is busiest on weekends and holidays, so pop in on a weekday to explore in relative peace.

Best months to visit

To enjoy the museum’s Renoir Garden in full bloom, visit in the spring or fall.

Special events

The Montmartre Museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Check the museum website for an updated calendar.