For Free - Paris - page 94

NEED TO KNOW
Tickets
Consider booking online to avoid queues where possible (eg Musée d'Orsay, Centre
Pompidou), but make sure you have a way to print the tickets. In some cases you can
download the tickets onto a smart phone (eg BlackBerry, iPhone) but check before you
make a purchase. Also ensure you can download more than one ticket onto your phone
if need be.
If you can't book online, keep an eye out for automated machines at museum en-
trances, which generally have shorter queues. Note that North American credit cards (ie
cards without an embedded smart chip) won't work in these machines.
City museums (eg Musée Carnavalet, Petit Palais, Musée Cognacq-Jay) are free.
Temporary exhibits almost always have a separate admission fee, even at free mu-
seums.
Ask if you qualify for a reduced-price ticket ( tarif réduit ): students, seniors and chil-
dren generally get discounts or free admission.
Opening Hours
Most museums are closed on either Monday or Tuesday - it is vital that you verify open-
ing days before drawing up your day's schedule.
General opening hours are from 10am to 6pm, though all museums shut their gates
between 30 minutes and an hour before their actual closing times. Thus, if a museum is
listed in this guide as closing at 6pm, make sure you get there before 5pm.
Major museums are often open one or two nights a week, which is an excellent time
to visit as there are fewer visitors.
Lonely Planet's Top Choices
Musée du Louvre The one museum you just can't miss.
Musée d'Orsay Monet, Van Gogh and company.
Centre Pompidou One of the top modern art museums in Europe.
Musée Rodin Superb collection of Rodin's masterpieces in an intimate setting.
Musée Picasso An incomparable overview of Picasso's work and life.
Best Modern Art Museums & Installations
Centre Pompidou Huge selection of modern art and big-name temporary exhibits.