Among its countless and invaluable tourist sights and treasures, France boasts a considerable number of museums of all types. More than 7,000 are inventoried and Paris alone, with its 177 museums, offers the highest density of museums per square foot. But Provincial France is not left behind in this amazing display of cultural wealth. World class institutions are scattered throughout the country. Almost every village of the most humble appearance will maintain a site of exposition or remembrance.
Over the last few years, a rejuvenation campaign has moved the authorities to rethink how museums of varying sizes and fame should operate and relate to the public. As a result, French museography, is on the cutting edge of innovation. Where once, museums might have been stark, dusty, lifeless and possibly un-welcoming, today's museums are open and lively. Exhibits are often paired with an interactive exploration that makes the visit both enriching and entertaining.
The very nature of museums has profoundly changed. Besides world renowned institutions such as the Louvre (the world's largest museum), the musée d'Orsay and its collection of Impressionists' work, the avant-garde Centre Pompidou, and other French landmarks, a number of other concepts have surfaced. The eco-museum is one of them, where an entire village like that of Ungersheim in Alsace is turned into a celebration of the traditional Alsatian lifestyle and its transformation over centuries. It joins the long list of original concepts that have revitalized museums throughout France, such as the park-museum of the Maeght Foundation in Saint Paul de Vence, the workshop-museum in Mulhouse, the cinema-museum of the cinémathèque in Paris, the cave-museum of the Dordogne valley, the house-museum of Claude Monet and the cellar-museum in the wine cities of Beaune and Margaux.
Of course, most of the artists that have marked their times have a museum dedicated to their legacy. Picasso, Matisse, Rodin have several. France loves its writers, its scientists, its soldiers, its inventors and even, on occasion, its political leaders. All have their museums.
When planning to visit a fair number of museums in a few days, a pass may be an option to consider. It will, not only spare you waiting in line for admission, but save you money as well. Passes are available for one, three or five consecutive days and can be purchased at one of the 60 participating museums in Paris and its region. Passes cost approximately $25 for three days and $40 for five days. Outside Paris, most cities offer similar types of access at reduced cost. Admission is free for people under 18 and discounted for those above 60.
If you plan to make repeated visits to the same museum, for work or your own enjoyment, different alternatives will be offered by most institutions. The Centre Pompidou, for example, offesrs a two-year pass. Inquiries should be directed to the museum you plan to visit.
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