The Carnavalet painting collection consists of over 2 600 works reflecting the exceptional activity of painters, both French and foreign, in the city since the 16th century.

The museum displays several views of the capital, showing its architectural evolution (Raguenet, Hubert Robert, Corot, Canella, etc.), daily life (Jeurat, Jean Béraud) and history (a large section is devoted to the French Revolution), not to mention the many portraits of Parisian personalities (Madame de Sévigné by Lefebvre, Madame Récamier by the Baron Gérard or Franz Liszt by Lehmann).