Musée du Luxembourg

The Basics

Visit one of Paris’ leading art spaces independently and admire works by artists and photographers such as Vivian Maier and Nisa Villers. There’s no permanent collection at the Musée du Luxembourg, so even return visitors will find something to enjoy, and most visitors like to pair a stop at the museum with a stroll in the Jardin du Luxembourg. The Musée du Luxembourg can also be seen on select hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum hosts an outpost of Paris’ celebrated Angelina tea room, which is famous for its hot chocolate and signature Mont-Blanc pastry.

• The Musée du Luxembourg is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility; free admission for disabled visitors is also offered.

• Audio guides are available via a smartphone app that can be downloaded for a small additional fee.

How to Get There

The Musée du Luxembourg is located on the edge of the Jardin du Luxembourg, in Paris’ sixth arrondissement. Take Métro Line 4 to Saint-Sulpice, or ride the RER B to the Gare du Luxembourg. The museum is served by bus routes 58, 84, and 89. It's also easily accessible on foot, by Vélib’ bike, or by car and taxi.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily, from 10:30am to 7pm, though extended hours are typically offered Monday and Friday. Note that the Musée du Luxembourg is closed between exhibitions and on Christmas Day (December 25).

Art in Paris

Paris is an art lover's dream destination, replete with galleries, museums, and exhibitions both permanent and temporary. While options including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and Cluny Museum are perhaps obvious (and best accessed with convenient skip-the-line tickets), don't miss smaller artsy offerings such as the free-to-enter Petit Palais and the Cernuschi Museum for Asian Art.

Ways to explore

As the museum has no permanent collection, it is only open during temporary exhibitions. In recent years, its exhibitions have covered diverse themes, such as sports design, or focussed on the work of individual artists. The museum offers guided tours of its exhibitions for an additional fee, including English-speaking tours and those tailored for families.

Many visitors pair a visit to the museum with a stroll around the surrounding Luxembourg Gardens; self-guided audio tours are available to offer insight into the picturesque green space.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities, and admission is free with a valid ID. Loan wheelchairs are available and must be booked via email at least 48 hours ahead of your visit. Inductive loops for the audio guides are available for visitors with hearing aids. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None, but some exhibition content may be unsuitable for younger visitors.

What to pack

Just the essentials: only small bags are allowed inside, and large bags cannot be stored.

What to wear

Dress like a Parisian: smart casual with comfortable shoes and a light layer.

Not allowed

Large bags, strollers inside galleries, reentry after leaving, pets

Amenities

Gift shop, tearoom, cloakroom, audio guides

Address

The Musée du Luxembourg is located on the edge of the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris’ 6th Arrondissement. It’s easy to access via public transport.

Driving

The museum is around a 10-minute drive from central Paris, although driving is not recommended in the busy city center. If you do drive, paid parking is available at the Saint-Germain Market parking lot, a 10-minute walk from the museum.

Public transportation

Take the metro to Saint-Sulpice on line 4, Mabillon on line 10, or Rennes on line 12. Alternatively, board the RER Line B to Luxembourg.

Best times to visit

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds—the museum opens daily from 10.30am.

Best days to visit

The museum stays open late on Mondays until 10pm. Check ahead to ensure the museum is open, as it closes during exhibition transitions.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad time to visit the museum, but choose a day with pleasant weather for exploring outdoors if you’d like to see the Jardin du Luxembourg, too. Spring for blooms and fall for foliage are particularly lovely times in the gardens.

Special events

The museum offers workshops and lectures during exhibition periods. It also participates in the annual European Night of Museums in May, which features free admission and special events.