A portrait of the astronomer Jérôme de La Lande painted by Fragonard, a renowned 18th-century artist, as part of a series of fantastical portraits. The painting is defined by quick brushstrokes and a focus on the subject's expressive face.
Tucked just off the Champs-Élysées, the Petit Palais feels like stumbling into a Parisian time capsule wrapped in gold. Built for the 1900 World’s Fair, it mixes sweeping Belle Époque curves, stained-glass glow, and a dreamy courtyard garden that instantly slows you down. Inside, you’ll find everything from Monet to medieval treasures, all displayed in a space that’s grand enough to impress but relaxed enough to wander without rush.
Start your visit by taking in the Beaux-Arts masterpiece built for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. The Petit Palais blends classical and Art Nouveau elements, with sweeping columns, sculpted facades, and elegant ironwork that set the tone for a grand cultural outing.
Enter via the museum’s iconic rotunda, a glowing mix of stained glass, marble, and sculptural detail. This entrance is a highlight in itself and offers a perfect moment to pause, look up, and admire the Belle Époque grandeur before moving into the galleries.
Wander through rooms filled with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning from antiquity to the 19th century. Expect masterpieces by Renoir, Monet, Degas, as well as intimate works from artists like Bonnard and Vuillard. It’s a wonderfully balanced mix of famous names and hidden gems.
Don’t miss the ornate furniture, ceramics, and bronze works that reveal how French art and craftsmanship evolved across centuries. These galleries feel more like walking through a beautifully curated historic home than a formal museum.
Take a break in the Petit Palais’ lush, palm-dotted inner garden, complete with mosaic floors and a tranquil café. It’s one of Paris’s most peaceful museum spaces — an ideal spot to recharge before continuing your visit.
If you’ve bought tickets for the temporary exhibitions, make sure you see them before you leave. Current shows like Jean-Baptiste Greuze: Childhood Illuminated and Bilal Hamdad: Paname offer fresh, focused perspectives and complement the permanent collections beautifully.
End your visit with a leisurely final stroll. Unlike the major Paris museums, the Petit Palais offers a quiet, spacious, crowd-free experience — perfect for anyone who wants world-class art in a more relaxed setting, just steps from the Champs-Élysées.
A visit typically lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on whether you explore both the permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Yes, admission to the permanent collections is free for all visitors. However, tickets are required for temporary exhibitions, which may have separate pricing.
The current temporary exhibitions on display are the "Bruno Liljefors, Wild Sweden" for €12 a ticket and "Ribera, Darkness and Light" for €15 per ticket. You can book the tickets to the Wild Sweden exhibit here.
Reduced or free admission is offered to children, students, and seniors upon presenting valid identification. Check the museum’s official website for a detailed list of eligibility criteria and accepted documents.
Yes, the courtyard of the Petit Palais, including its semi-circular garden, is accessible without needing to enter the museum itself. This outdoor space makes for a relaxing environment amidst lush greenery and beautiful architecture.
A guide map is available online and at the museum to help visitors navigate the exhibits.
Photography is permitted in the permanent collections for private use, but flash photography and selfie sticks are prohibited to protect the artworks. Restrictions may apply in temporary exhibitions.
Yes, the Petit Palais is fully accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Wheelchairs are available on request, and the museum staff is trained to assist visitors with disabilities.
The museum is conveniently located near the Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau metro station (Lines 1 and 13). Buses and taxis are also easily accessible from major landmarks in Paris.
No, only service animals accompanying visitors with disabilities are permitted inside the museum.
Weekday mornings and late afternoons are typically less crowded. Check for peak times during weekends and holidays to avoid long lines.
Experience a one-of-a-kind blend of Parisian architecture, timeless art, and exclusive limited-time exhibitions.
Inclusions
Access to Petit Palais museum
Access to the permanent exhibitions
Access to the temporary exhibit
What's allowed
What's not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
