Petit Palais

Petit Palais
The smaller sister museum to Paris’ famous Grand Palais, this purpose-built exhibition space houses works from esteemed artists such as Cézanne and Rembrandt.

Petit Palais contains the Musée des Beaux Arts de la Ville de Paris, Paris’ municipal museum of fine arts. Visit to admire the stunning Beaux-Arts style building and to discover the surprisingly vast collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries, manuscripts and other objects, ranging from antiquity to the 20th century.

Petit Palais is located on Avenue des Champs-Elysées opposite its counterpart, the Grand Palais, which was also built for the Universal Exposition of 1900. The Beaux Arts-style structure was designed by architect Charles Girault, who also supervised the team behind the nearby Grand Palais. 

Before entering the exhibition space, admire the attractive façade. Like many buildings in the Beaux Arts style, it features Greek and Roman-style components such as Ionic columns, as well as more elaborate decorative ornamentation. 

Inside the building, find an impressive array of memorable artwork that spans several centuries. Set over two levels, the art is arranged in sections, each covering a major artistic movement. Start with the early classical section, where you can see bronze objects, terra-cottas, glasswork, gold and jewelry from the Greco-Roman era.

In the 17th-century section, look for paintings by Dutch and Flemish masters including a Rembrandt self-portrait and the Abduction of Proserpina by Rubens. French artists are well represented in the collections. You’ll find lesser-known treasures from artists such as Gauguin, Monet, Manet, Cézanne and Delacroix. 

Look for the section dedicated to Paris at the turn of the century, the very time when the Petit Palais was built. Don’t miss the Art Nouveau dining room by Hector Guimard and the colorful Art Nouveau vases of innovative French glassmaker Émile Gallé. When you’re finished surveying all the collections, sit for a drink in the pleasant garden café. 

Petit Palais is in the 8th arrondissement next to the Champs-Élysées – Clémenceau metro stop. Entrance to the Petit Palais permanent exhibitions is free, but there may be a charge for temporary exhibits. The museum is closed on Mondays and on major public holidays.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Les Jardins d'Eiffel
Les Jardins d'Eiffel
3 out of 5
8 Rue Amelie, Paris, Paris
Les Jardins d'Eiffel
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
4 out of 5
18 avenue de Suffren, Entrée au 22 rue Jean Rey, Paris, Paris
Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel
Novotel Paris Les Halles
Novotel Paris Les Halles
4 out of 5
8 Place Marguerite De Navarre, Paris, Paris
Novotel Paris Les Halles
New Hotel Roblin La Madeleine
New Hotel Roblin La Madeleine
4 out of 5
6 Rue Chauveau Lagarde, Paris
New Hotel Roblin La Madeleine
Hotel Duminy Vendome
Hotel Duminy Vendome
4 out of 5
3 Rue du Mont Thabor, Paris, Paris
Hotel Duminy Vendome
Hotel Brighton
Hotel Brighton
4 out of 5
218 Rue De Rivoli, Paris, Paris
Hotel Brighton
The Westin Paris - Vendôme
The Westin Paris - Vendôme
4 out of 5
3 Rue De Castiglione, Paris, Paris
The Westin Paris - Vendôme
L'Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe
L'Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe
5 out of 5
51-57 rue de Courcelles, Paris, Paris
L'Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe
Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg
Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg
5 out of 5
15 Rue Boissy D Anglas, Paris, Paris
Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.