Major art in a child's language
Picasso and Monet pitched at a level children can meet.
Museeenherbe — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Manuela Saudrais du Musée en Herbe — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Manuela Saudrais du Musée en Herbe — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Philippe Burjot — CC BY-SA 4.0
An art museum for children in central Paris, presenting exhibitions about major artists designed so that young visitors understand and take part. The idea differs from a children's corner in an ordinary museum: the exhibitions are built for children from the ground up. A show on Picasso, Monet or contemporary art is pitched at an appropriate visual and verbal level, with treasure-hunt trails, interactive activities and practical workshops. The museum uses original works and reproductions together depending on the show. The target age range is relatively wide, from about three into the teens, and adults are welcome too — some exhibitions are designed to work on two levels. Practical points: exhibitions change several times a year, so check the programme before going. Workshops usually need booking and cost extra. The location is very central near the Louvre and Les Halles, so it slots into a day in the centre. The place is small — allow an hour to ninety minutes.
Picasso and Monet pitched at a level children can meet.
Children search and take part rather than walk and read.
Booked in advance for an extra fee — reserve before going if you want one.
Near the Louvre and Les Halles, Paris
Bourse de commerceThe newest of Paris's major museums and its boldest architecturally: the histori3 minutes walk4.3
The Philippe Auguste WallThe city wall built by King Philippe Auguste around Paris in the early thirteent5 minutes walk4.6
Jardin du Palais-RoyalSteps from the Louvre's crush hides Paris's calmest, most elegant rectangle: the5 minutes walk4.8
Oasis d'AboukirA large vertical garden on the face of a building at the corner of Rue d'Aboukir7 minutes walk4.5
Louvre MuseumThe Louvre is not just a museum; it is a former royal palace holding the greates8 minutes walk4.8Looking for halal food near Musée en Herbe? There are several options nearby, from Moroccan and Indian kitchens to quick casual spots and places with a view. Confirm the halal status and opening hours before you go — these can change.
Chez le LibanaisHalalA small counter on Rue Saint-André des Arts, one of the busiest pedestrian stree16 minutes walk · $4.5DeryaHalalDerya is a Turkish grill house on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis, the street Parisi16 minutes walk · $4.9Al DarHalalAl Dar is a Lebanese restaurant in the Latin Quarter, a few minutes on foot from21 minutes walk · $$4.1From about three into the teens, with exhibitions usually offering two levels: a trail for younger children and one for older. Check the description of the current show before going, as some suit the youngest better and others are aimed at over-sevens.
The Grande Galerie de l'Évolution at the natural history museum is the strongest for children in Paris, the Cité des Sciences at La Villette is excellent for older ones, and the Musée des Arts et Métiers appeals to anyone drawn to machines. The Musée en Herbe is distinctive in being the one aimed at art specifically.