Petit Palais
City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts
Established as a museum in 1902 following the 1900 Universal Exhibition, the Petit Palais stands as a grand monument dedicated to the glory of the City of Paris. Designed by Charles Girault, this "official palace" houses an extensive collection of French art, featuring significant decorative murals and sculptures created between 1903 and 1925. It remains a premier cultural landmark where visitors can experience the seamless blend of traditional and modern architecture in the heart of Paris.
Visitor Informations
📍 Paris, France
Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris – France ↗
🌐 Official Site
https://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en ↗
ℹ️ Information
Plan your visit and book your tickets. Getting Here ↗
🕘 Opening Hours
10 am ~ 6 pm
Mon Closed / Fri, Sat until 8 pm : Temporary exhibitions only Visit Official Site ↗
Must-see Artworks
The Petit Palais offers a serene environment to encounter iconic French masterpieces without the overwhelming crowds of larger institutions. At the heart of its collection is Claude Monet’s Sunset on the Seine at Lavacourt, a pivotal Impressionist work that captures the fleeting light of winter. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the bold realism of Gustave Courbet and the vibrant portraits of Georges Clairin. From the delicate brushstrokes of Paul Cézanne to the evocative sculptures of Antonin Mercié, such as Gloria Victis, the museum provides an intimate and comprehensive journey through the evolution of 19th-century French art.
Select an artwork to explore more.
Claude Monet
A masterful study of the thawing Seine under a winter sunset, marking a key moment of pictorial experimentation that prefigures the essence of Impressionism.
Location 📍 Room 8
Paul Cézanne
Painted in 1899, this structural portrait is a masterpiece that prefigures the birth of Cubism. During countless sittings, Cézanne demanded that the art dealer Ambroise Vollard remain as motionless as an "apple." This significant work, which exemplifies the "Master of Aix's" influence on modern art, was bequeathed to the Petit Palais by Vollard in 1945.
Location📍 This work is not currently on display
Gustave Courbet
A revolutionary Realist painting depicting modern women in a natural setting, breaking traditional academic norms.
Location📍 North Gallery (Level 1)
Georges Clairin
A stunning, large-scale portrait of the legendary French actress that heralded the Art Nouveau aesthetic, capturing her singular beauty and magnetic presence.
Location📍 North Gallery (Level 1)
Historical Overview
Built for the 1900 Universal Exhibition alongside the Grand Palais, the Petit Palais was officially established as a museum in 1902. It was conceived as a permanent monument to celebrate the benefits of art and the glory of the City of Paris. The museum houses an extensive collection, including significant decorative murals and sculptures created between 1903 and 1925, representing a comprehensive history of French art.
Architecture
Designed by architect Charles Girault, the building is a masterpiece that blends traditional and modern styles. Its unique trapezium-shaped structure features four wings centered around a semi-circular garden bordered by a richly decorated peristyle.
The architecture is renowned for its:
- The Grand Entrance Gate: A masterpiece of wrought ironwork designed by Girault himself.
- Decorative Murals: A monumental project that took over 20 years to complete, featuring the Symbolist style works of Albert Besnard in the entrance lobby.
- Mosaics: Luxurious floor surfaces throughout the galleries and garden peristyle, created by the famous Italian artist Facchina.
- Stained Glass: The entrance rotunda features unique stained-glass windows manufactured in the Champigneulle’s workshops.
- Architectural Significance: Yes
- Museum Founded: 1902
When to Visit
For more details, visit the official website ↗
General Hours
10 am ~ 6 pm
Tuesday ~ Sunday
Rooms close: 5:45 pm (* Some rooms may close at 5:15 p.m.)
Late Nights
6 pm ~ 8 pm
Friday, Saturday (Temporary exhibitions only)
Rooms close: 7:45 pm
Closed
Monday
Holidays: 1/1, 5/1, 7/14, 12/25
Other & Outdoor Facility Hours
- Garden & Cafe Le Jardin du Petit Palais(Café 1902)
- Access & Entry (입장 방법)
- The cafe is situated within the serene garden of the Petit Palais.
- Visitors can enter free of charge through the museum's main entrance without a separate gallery ticket.
- Please note that the cafe operates on a walk-in basis only (no prior reservations).
- Operating Hours (오픈 시간)
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:45 pm
- Friday & Saturday (Extended): Open late until 7:40 pm
- Last Order (라스트 오더)
- Daytime: Until 5:15 pm
- Friday & Saturday Evenings: Until 7:15 pm
Special Notes for Visitors
✔️ Special Opening Hours
- The museum may extend opening hours during special exhibition periods.
⚠️ Galleries close 15 minutes before museum closing
Admission
Admission Fee
- Permanent Collections: Free Admission
- Temporary Exhibitions: Paid Admission
- While the main collection of the Petit Palais is free, special temporary exhibitions require a paid ticket. Please check the official ticketing site for the current exhibition schedule.
💡 Pro Tips for Your Visit
- Free Mobile App (No Audioguides):
- The museum does not provide physical audioguides.
- Instead, download the free Petit Palais app (iOS/Android) for self-guided tours, including "12 Masterpieces" and "30 Must-sees."
- Free Entry: No reservation needed for the permanent collection.
- Photography: Feel free to take photos inside the museum.
- Strollers: Strollers are welcome and allowed in all galleries.
- Luggage Restriction: Items larger than 40 cm are not allowed inside.
- Respect the Art: Touching the artworks is strictly forbidden.
- Note on Displays: Please be aware that Paul Cézanne’s Three Bathers and works by Gustave Courbet are currently not on display.
You May Also Like
#Petit Palais #Marmottan Monet Museum #Orangerie Museum #Musée de l’Orangerie #Louvre Museum #Musée d’Orsay #Free Museums in Paris #Claude Monet #Gustave Courbet #Beaux Arts Architecture #Paris City Museum #Grand Palais #Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris #Sunset on the Seine at Lavacourt
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📍 Petit Palais, Paris
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