How much time for Paris Museums?

I spent two hours at the Louvre, which was about right for me. I just can't take more than that in a crowded art museum. I saw everything I really wanted to see, but obviously didn't come close to seeing it all. If you're not into art, would would budget an hour or skip it. I spent an hour at the Pompidou and thought it was 55 minutes too long. There were a few paintings by some of my favorite artists, but otherwise I hated it (and I like a lot of modern art). I enjoyed the scupltures outside the museum though. I can't imagine why you would go to the Pompidou if you are not into art. I spent a good two hours at Invalides. I really like history, especially WWII history, so I found it interesting. I might not have stayed quite that long if my husband hadn't been with me. He likes military history even more than I do. Notre Dame doesn't take more than half an hour for the main part of the building. The lines to climb to the top are extremely long, so we didn't do that. I didn't do any of the other museums on your list.

Did you know there's a Dali museum on Montmartre? The time you spend in a museum depends on what are your priorities. Spend a little time on the museum websites to plan what you want to see and where they are. For example, I can wander the Louvre for a few hours, but if I want to "high grade" it, I see the specific pieces I want to ss and get out. But I always like to go down to the basement to see the footings of the old castle. It's very easy to get "museumed out"in Paris, especially since there's so much to see and do outside. If you're not into the art form, don't feel like you have to do it. You didn't put the Orsay on your list. In my opinion, it's one of the best organized museums in Paris and home to the best collection of Impressionists. A quick tour of the second floor is maybe an hour and a half.

You say you are not an Art person, but you have listed a lot of Museums- doesnt compute. Other than possibly an obligatory quick visit to the Mona Lisa (just cause you gotta do it), you should only go to the stuff you will enjoy- I enjoy the Impressionists and post impressionists, so thats all I try and see. When I do that i can spend all afternoon

Considering your art preferences, you will probably need only an hour or two in the Louvre. The Pompidou will not interest you much but there is good view from up there and a place to have a snack, or even a proper meal. Also the "place" out front has interesting sculptures and is a good spot to people watch or have a picnic lunch. Give the Pompidou an hour or two. I was fascinated by the Conciergerie but you won't need more than an hour there. The National Legion of Honour: We went in out of curiosity and came out minutes later. I don't mean to denigrate it at all (pace, Albany Ed) but I really think you need to be French to properly appreciate it.

That's a lot. I think what you have to learn to do is to skim, to taste and then to stop. Fortunately with a pass you can duck in and out and even return if you like. But it's a learned skill, to have a good 30-minute visit to a 5-hour museum. Everyone gets museum ADD if they don't pace themselves.

You have several history/military museums on your list. From what you said, this is not your thing. You and your husband do not have to visit all of the same museums together. Plan on doing something else. Sit in a park or a cafe or window shop or visit a market. Do not feel you should visit any of these museums. On the other hand, with a 4 day pass, you can just bop in, see what you want to see, and go. You have no need to feel that you have to stay a long time and didn't get your money's worth at that museum. I am not a large museum person and cannot seem to stay over an hour or so in any museum. All of the Paris museums have head sets now with information in many languages. Extra charge. That helps to give some context to what you see. Check to see if there is an English speaking tour. I know there is one at the Louvre at 11 AM this summer for 1 1/2 hours. If you like impressionism, Monet etc. then visit Monet's Waterlilies painting in the Orangerie at the far end of the Tuilieries Garden which is fun to walk through anyway. Although there are a few other Impressionist paintings there, really that is all you need to see. I especially like the ample seating from which to observe the wrap around painting. Also, if you like to focus on a single artist or art period or technique, check out the small Rodin Museum not too far from the Eiffel Tower. The museum is set in a mansion in an expansive lovely garden. And replicas of his statues are in the back garden with a small cafe. Perfect for a break and lots of benches to enjoy yourself. RS has lots of info on specialty museums that might be more to your liking (or not!). Plenty of other things to do in Paris. Would like to hear what museums end up on your list.

If the Deportation Memorial is the one by Notre Dame, don't bother. It was all barred up when we went, and it was quite uninspiring. If you do go, it'll take a few minutes, it will probably take longer to find than "do".

I am glad I went to the Deportation Memorial (I last went in 1/09), but it will only take 15 minutes or so. If you are interested in the holocaust I can recommend the Shoah Museum. The website is http://www.memorialdelashoah.org/getHomeAction.do?langage=en. I believe it is free, and worth spending a little time there. You can spend days at the Louvre, so you can quickly go in and out. It all depends on what interests you and how much time you want to devote to each place. If you do go to the Louvre, avoid the line by entering in the lower level near the metro stop. Most people will stand in the long line to enter through the pyramid.

Your husband is going to like Musée de l'Armée. One of my favorite things is seeing how the French present their perspective on France's role in WWII.

I agree you need about 2 hours for the Louvre, and that is about all you can take of it at one time. I disagree with some previous posters who dismiss the Pompidou. If you like modern art, it is a must in my opinion. I always enjoy it, and the view from the top of the escalator is fantastic. I have not been to the Army museum associated with Les Invalids but I would guess someone into military things could spend a lot of time there. I also think the Carnavalet museum is worth a look, and it's free. If the Picasso Museum is open, it is a must. One and 1/2 hours for the D'Orsay. Also a must. Notre Dame - walking around and seeing the cathedral is probably about 30 minutes, but if going to the top to see the gargoyles up close you will probably wait in line for a while to do this. I like the Orangerie also, need about 45 minutes to an hour.
Basically I think 2 hours or so is about all you can take of just about any museum, if you are going to take time to actually view things. Smaller ones will take less time.

Thank you all for your information and tips, I appreciate it.. While I don't love art, I do/can appreciate most art forms but want to be ive. For example, I spent 4 hours in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg last summer and I was good for about 2 hours. Sounds like 2 hours is the maximum, for me, in a museum. I did get the Museum Pass specifically to go to a museum I may not normally do. With 6 days in Paris I figured I could do that. I never know what I may end up liking if I don't go see. Doug, from what I understand the Dali museum is mostly sculptures, is that right? I know the Pompidou has some Dali and few other surrealists which I would like to see. BG, thanks for the time frame and the other museums, I will check them out.

d'Orsay - OUI! I got way lost in the Louvre and burnt out on the "Antiquities". Did get to see the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory and Venus de Milo which is what I wanted to see. the ppl who created the Louvre map shd hire the ones who did the d'Orsay map. And yes, we had the English versions of each. Don't forget to do the outdoor stuff, like a boat tour. Joan

Suzann, A few comments on some of the Museums you mentioned.... > The Louvre: Given that you might suffer "ADD" in Musuems, I'd suggest limiting your tour to the Denon Wing only, where the Mona Lisa is located. There's a good range of exhibits there, and ~3 -4 hours should be adequate. > Musee d'Orsay: This has a wonderful display of Impressionist art, and I'd highly recommend spending some time there. Again, 3-4 hours should cover it. It was under renovation last year, but I believe it's getting back to normal now. It's located in an elegant old building that used to be a train station. Be sure to have a look at the Ballroom and formal restaurant. > Rodin Musuem: Another interesting Museum close to the Rue Cler area, covering the work of one of the greatest Sculptors. I found the sculpture and story of The Burghers of Calais especially interesting. > Invalides / Musee de l'Armée: There are a lot of collections there, including medieval armor, etc. If you're mainly interested in WW-II history, you could be able to cover that comfortably in ~3 hours. Be sure to have a look inside the magnificent Cathedral to see the Emblems captured in battles. Were you planning to visit the Arch de Triomphe or Eiffel Tower, Churches such as Notre Dame, Sainte-Chappelle or St. Sulpice or the Tuileries Gardens? There are LOTS of things to see in Paris! Happy travels!