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It’s Saturday, you are in Paris and wondering what to do. The terrasses will probably be full, as is always the case when it’s sunny. I have a proposition for you: why not visit a museum? But not your regular museum—a museum with nature in it. Welcome to Musée départemental Albert-Kahn, one of the best museums in Paris (or maybe just a little outside of it, across the border in Boulogne-Billancourt). It’s a must do in Paris!

Musée Albert-Kahn: Why should it be on your “must do in Paris” list?

I went there recently (May 9th, 2026) with a girlfriend, and it was such a refreshing spot! Stepping into this 4-hectare “World Garden” feels like a peaceful transition away from the city noise into a completely different universe.

The museum was founded by Albert Kahn, a visionary banker who wanted to create a “photographic memory” of the entire world to promote global peace. The building itself is a work of art. Designed by the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the new museum structure perfectly blends modern design with the nature surrounding it.

I) Must do in Paris: The Current Exhibition “Bénin Aller – Retour”

“Bénin Aller – Retour (Regards sur le Dahomey de 1930)” offers a reinterpretation of the films and photographs taken during an expedition by the Archives de la Planète. Led by Catholic missionary Francis Aupiais and cinematographer Frédéric Gadmer, this mission traveled through Dahomey (now Benin) from January to May 1930. (Source: Albert-Kahn Museum Official Site)

This exhibition is fascinating because it captured some of the very first color photos and films of our culture. But it isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a “Franco-Beninese dialogue.” Contemporary artists like Ishola Akpo and Roméo Mivekannin have created works that respond to these old archives, bringing the past into the present.

Don’t forget: You only have until June 14th to see this! If you are interested in history, photography, or West African culture, please make sure to check it out before it closes.

As a Beninese, I was especially excited to see my culture celebrated in such a historic French institution. It was a moment I won’t soon forget! Yet to be honest with you, I discovered the exposition by chance. I had no idea about the program. What brought me to the museum in the first place was something else entirely.

II) The Main Attraction: A Journey Through the Gardens

The real magic happens when you step outside. It is truly “the world in a walk.” In just a few steps, you can move from a Vosges Forest to a French Orchard and then into a classic English Garden.

My favorite part? The Japanese Garden! It features a traditional village, a serene tea house, and contemporary bridges that make you feel like you’ve flown straight to Kyoto. Again, stop looking for what to do in Paris; take my advice and just go for it.

Photo Spot Alert: When you visit, stop at the Red Bridge. It is the most “Instagrammable” icon of the museum and the perfect place to capture a memory of your day.

III) The Permanent Collection: The “Archives of the Planet”

Before reaching the garden, you will have to go through another exhibition—a permanent one: The Archives of the Planet. It is perhaps one of the most ambitious artistic projects in history. Driven by his belief that knowledge of others leads to world peace, Albert Kahn sent photographers and filmmakers to over 50 countries between 1909 and 1931.

The result is a staggering collection of 72,000 autochromes (the very first industrial process for true-color photography) and 180,000 meters of silent film. It serves as a “time capsule” that captured traditional cultures and everyday life just as the world was beginning to change rapidly.

IV) Practical Info To Know Before You Visit

If you’re looking for a must do in Paris, this is definitely it. It’s one of the city’s hidden gems. Here is everything you need to plan your trip to the museum:

• Price: Tickets are around €9—a total steal for both a museum and a massive garden!
• Freebie Alert: It is free for those under 26 and free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month.
• Getting There: Take Metro Line 10 to the end of the line (Boulogne – Pont de Saint-Cloud). The museum is just a very short walk from the exit.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to think or a beautiful spot for photos, Musée Albert-Kahn is the place to be. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever visited, and please share your other ideas for a must do in Paris!

XO

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