Home to awe-inspiring masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre is the world’s most popular museum. However, it has recently begun to suffer under the weight of its immense appeal. On Monday, thousands of tourists waiting in line were turned away after security staff staged a walkout. According to Sud Culture Solidaires Union, the iconic Paris museum is ‘suffocating’ due to its record-breaking attendance, which totaled 10.2 million visitors last year—a staggering 25% increase from the previous year.
The overwhelming growth has resulted in ‘unprecedented deterioration in visiting conditions, as well as the working conditions for staff,’ said the union. Consequently, visitors have reported long lines and limited space, which have greatly diminished their overall experience.
After a crisis meeting on Monday, the museum has reopened, but visitors are advised that they must purchase tickets online and expect high attendance in the coming days. ‘For this reason, we strongly recommend buying tickets online to ensure entry to the museum,’ it announced. Although the Louvre remains a bucket-list destination filled with a trove of art and artifacts—a collection so vast that it would take approximately three full days to see everything—there are alternative museums in Paris that offer similarly enriching fine art experiences but with less crowding.
Leave the Long Lines to the Louvre: Alternative Museums to Explore
Musée Rodin
This museum is one of Paris’s most popular smaller attractions, offering a more enjoyable experience, albeit with a moderate number of visitors. Dedicated to the work of Auguste Rodin, one of France’s most celebrated sculptors, the site includes an 18th-century mansion and extensive gardens filled with his most famous sculptures, including The Kiss and The Thinker. Cherished for its ambiance reminiscent of the French countryside, the Musée Rodin has recently undergone renovations to enhance space and accessibility.
Musée Marmottan Monet
A mecca for Impressionist enthusiasts, this museum boasts the greatest collection of Claude Monet’s paintings worldwide, showcasing approximately 100 of his artworks. Housed in a 19th-century villa in the 16th arrondissement, the museum also features impressive furniture collections. Visitors can view masterpieces like the Cathédrale de Rouen series, as well as works from renowned artists such as Gauguin, Renoir, Sisley, and Degas.
Musée de l’Orangerie
A little-known gem, this compact and charming museum is located on the Tuileries grounds. The Musée de l’Orangerie sits in a reimagined 19th-century orangery, providing ample natural light for showcasing Monet’s exquisite water lily paintings. In addition to Monet, the collection includes works by Picasso and Matisse, making it an excellent destination for art lovers seeking to avoid crowds while still enjoying high-quality art.
Le Petit Palais
The Petit Palais, constructed for the Universal Exposition of 1900, houses an incredible collection of European art. Best of all, it offers free entry to all visitors. While its name may suggest it’s small, it is only modestly-sized compared to its neighbor, the Grand Palais. With beautifully lit galleries showcasing Renaissance objets d’art and masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Monet, it stands as one of the most beautiful fine arts museums in Paris.
Musée de Montmartre
This pastel-hued museum offers a slice of Montmartre’s bohemian life and serves as an ideal escape from summer crowds, featuring three lovely gardens. It focuses on artworks that recount the vibrant history of Montmartre’s famous cabarets, such as the Lapin Agile and the Moulin Rouge. Visitors can also explore the studio of painter Suzanne Valadon, who lived and created here with her son Maurice Utrillo and partner André Utter from 1912 to 1926.
