Musee du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac (Jacques Chirac Museum of Branly Quay), Paris

Paris's newest major museum, the Musée du quai Branly, opened in 2006 and boasts indigenous art from the Americas, Oceania, Africa, and Asia, with over a million objects in its fabulous collection. Spearheaded by former French president Jacques Chirac, the museum has four buildings, a theatre, and a massive garden.

Upon entering the main building, visitors are greeted by an enormous Moai ancestor carving from Easter Island. The African collection includes masks, tapestries, and textiles. The Asian collection features the back of a seat of honor from Sumatra, figurines, and masks from India, and textiles from China.

The Americas collection showcases Mayan artifacts from AD 600, Aztec sculptures, and Canadian totem poles, while the Oceania collection features figurines from Papua New Guinea, masks from Vanuatu, and Māori sculptures from New Zealand.

The garden features small gardens, sweet streams, gently rolling hills, sparkling pools, and charming groves, and is protected from street noise by a high wall of plate glass. The exterior wall is covered by a remarkable green wall of living plants that spans over 800 square meters.

Why You Should Visit:
As the fourth-largest museum in Paris, the Musée du quai Branly's modern design, one-of-a-kind exhibits, and natural gardens create a unique experience.