Petit Palais
4.7
(24.6k)The Petit Palais is an art museum in an ornately decorated 1900 building, originally constructed for the Exposition Universelle. It houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts, featuring eclectic fine arts from the Renaissance to the 20th century. The museum is free to access for its permanent collections.
Address
Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, France
Opening Hours
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Thu)
Phone
+33 1 53 43 40 00
Worth it?
Worth it if you want a calm, spacious art experience with stunning architecture
Skip if you're only interested in the most iconic, blockbuster pieces
Location
Av. Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, France
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Highlights
The inner courtyard garden is incredibly peaceful, providing a quiet break from sightseeing.
The galleries feel spacious and calm, allowing for a relaxed viewing of the art collections.
The building's exterior is embellished with many contemporary sculptures by famous artists of the time.
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Who it's for
This museum is ideal for anyone who appreciates French artwork and architecture, offering a refined cultural experience without the overwhelming crowds often found elsewhere. It's also a great option for families, as it is good for children.
Know before you go
The museum is closed on Mondays.
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Reviews
4.7
Exceptional
5 ReviewsVisitors are consistently impressed by the beautiful architecture and the peaceful atmosphere of the museum, often calling it a 'hidden gem'. Many appreciate the free access to the permanent collections and the quality of the art on display, noting it's a great alternative to more crowded museums.
Fun facts
The Petit Palais was built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle and was designed by architect Charles Girault.
Its architectural style is Beaux-Arts, featuring ionic columns, a grand porch, and a dome that echoes Les Invalides across the river.
The building's trapezoidal shape creates a semi-circular, peristyled courtyard at its center.
