French Phrase
On va au musée.
Meaning
Literally, "We are going to the museum." The phrase is used to state a plan or intention to visit a museum, often in a casual conversation.
When to use
Use this sentence when you and your companions are heading to a museum, whether you’re inviting someone, confirming a plan, or simply stating what you’re doing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Onvaaumusée
On (pronoun)
In spoken French, "on" is the most common way to say "we"; it conjugates like the third‑person singular.
Aller (present)
"va" is the present‑tense form of "aller" for the third‑person singular (or "on").
au (contraction)
"au" = à + le; it is used before masculine singular nouns to mean "to the".
musée (noun)
"musée" is a masculine noun meaning "museum"; its plural is "musées".
🗨In Conversation
On va au musée cet après‑midi?
Are we going to the museum this afternoon?
Oui, il y a une exposition temporaire sur l’impressionnisme.
Yes, there’s a temporary Impressionist exhibition.
✕Common Mistakes
On va à le musée.
The correct contraction is "au" (à + le).
On va au musées.
Use the singular "musée" unless you mean multiple museums.
Nous va au musée.
"nous" requires the verb form "allons".
↔Alternatives
Nous allons au musée.
We are going to the museum.
Allons au musée ?
Shall we go to the museum?
Je vais au musée.
I am going to the museum.
Cultural Tip
In everyday French, "on" replaces "nous" in most spoken contexts, so native speakers will almost always say "On va au musée" rather than "Nous allons au musée." Also, many French museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month, a useful tip for budget‑conscious travelers.