9 Under-the-Radar Museums in Paris

Housed in an 18th-century mansion in the heart of Paris, the Museum of Hunting and Nature (Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature) isn't your typical natural history museum. While you'll find taxidermied animals here, this museum's riveting collection features an assortment of antique hunting tools and contemporary art installations as well, with a focus on hunting traditions through the millennia. Its interactive displays offer a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and nature, each blending history and artistic expression.

Don't miss: Explore the museum's extraordinary display of intricate trophies.

This dazzling Museum of Magic (Musée de la Magie), dedicated to the arts of magic and illusion, houses a vast collection of artifacts, including vintage props, posters, and automata. The space also offers interactive exhibits where you can try your hand at various magic tricks and learn the secrets behind some of the most perplexing illusions. If you'd like to see the magic in action, the museum hosts a magic show in museum's theater, featuring skilled magicians from around the world.

Don't miss: The "cabinet of curiosities" is full of surprises that will amaze visitors of all ages.

The offbeat Museum of Counterfeiting ((Musée de la Contrefaçon)) is home to a vast collection of counterfeit products dating from the 16th century to the present day, which reveal the history, techniques, and consequences of counterfeiting. Displays on the imitation of luxury goods and the role of intellectual property make it a fascinating experience for anyone interested in the intersection of commerce and creativity.

Don't miss: The museum has an interactive section that teaches you how to spot fake products.

Housed in the former police headquarters, the often-overlooked Police Prefecture Museum (Musée de la Préfecture de Police) offers a glimpse into the city's law enforcement history. The museum's vast collection presents various artifacts, including old uniforms, weapons, and crime-solving tools used over the centuries. Here, you can learn about the history of the police force in Paris, including their solving of famous crimes, their role in the French Revolution, and the evolution of police techniques.

Don't miss: A varied display of vehicles, including vintage patrol cars and motorcycles, shows how police transportation has changed through the years.

Set in an ancient former wine warehouse, the Museum of Fairground Arts (Musée des Arts Forains) is dedicated to vintage and antique fairground arts and entertainment. The collection of this museum features exhibitions displaying antique rides, carousels, and games from the 19th and 20th centuries. Fun for travelers of every age, the museum's atmosphere, reminiscent of a bygone era, takes you on a magical journey through time.

Don't miss: Take a ride on the museum's Venetian carousel, which dates back to 1900.

Paris' sewer system may seem like an odd choice to base a museum around, but the underground Paris Sewer Museum takes you through a part of Paris that you likely never thought about—the city's network of sewers. Through displays and (sanitary) hands-on exhibitions, it highlights the history and importance of the city's sewer system and its continued evolution. You can even take a guided tour that allows you to see the system's functioning, exploring its tunnels and learning about its technical and historic importance.

Don't miss: Cross a transparent walkway over flowing sewage, and get a unique perspective on the hidden world beneath the streets of Paris.

Set in the center of Paris, the building that now houses 59 Rivoli was a dilapidated townhouse before it was taken over by a group of artists in 1999, who transformed it into a vibrant hub for the city's alternative arts scene. Today, you'll find the workshops of over 30 emerging artists here, showcasing contemporary art in various media, including painting, sculpture, photography, and performance art.

Don't miss: Interact with the artists, as they often work on-site and are open to discussing their creative process with visitors.

Set in the city's 9th arrondissement, the aromatic Fragonard Perfume Museum (Musée de la Parfumerie Fragonard) takes you on a sensory journey into the world of perfume. Engaging exhibits and displays highlight the history of perfume and the techniques used in making it. In addition, you can see rare perfume-making equipment and learn about the raw materials used in production.

Don't miss: Create your own personalized fragrance at the Perfume Workshop to take home as a special memento.

Travel back in time to 19th-century France and explore the Romantic era at the Museum of Romantic Life (Musée de la Vie Romantique). This immersive museum is located in a house that once belonged to painter Ary Scheffer, and it’s rich with displays of art, furniture, and decorative objects from the period. Rotating exhibits featuring work by French and international artists ensure a unique experience with every visit.

Don't miss: Stop for a light refreshment at the museum's charming tea salon.