Museums and Exhibitions Focused on the City's History in Paris

1. The Louvre One of the world's largest and most famous museums, The Louvre houses numerous artifacts from prehistory to the 21st century. Its vast collection includes Egyptian antiquities, Islamic Art, and French Paintings that provide an in-depth look into France's historic and cultural identity.

2. Musée d'Orsay Located in a former railway station, Musée d'Orsay holds primarily French art dating from 1848 to 1914. The museum showcases the transition from classic to modern art, highlighting France's historical evolution through artistic expression.

3. Musée de l'Orangerie This art gallery of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings is known especially for its eight Water Lilies murals by Claude Monet. It provides a snapshot of one of France's most influential artistic periods.

4. Musée Carnavalet Dedicated to the history of Paris, the museum exhibits collections from all periods, from antiquity through the contemporary era. It showcases the city's architectural development and the everyday life of Parisians across the centuries.

5. Musée de Cluny - Musée national du Moyen Âge Encompassing Roman baths and a medieval mansion, it displays a vast array of medieval French artifacts, including tapestries, sculptures, and metalwork. It is the perfect place to journey through France's middle ages.

6. The Paris Catacombs A subterranean network beneath the city that served as a burial for millions of Parisians in the 18th and 19th centuries. The catacombs offer a unique and macabre insight into Paris's past.

7. Musée Rodin This museum dedicated to the works of the French sculptor Auguste Rodin is divided between the Hôtel Biron and its surrounding garden. The museum offers insight into the life and creative process of an artist who played a significant role in France's cultural history.

8. Musée Picasso A museum showcasing an extensive collection of the works of Pablo Picasso, including more than 5,000 paintings, drawings, ceramics, sculptures, prints, and textiles. It's a testament to the artistic influence that Paris had on such a prominent figure in modern art.