Audio GuidePetit Palais
Richly decorated 1900 building, housing eclectic fine arts dating from Renaissance to 20th century.
Museum
Paris, France
Petit Palais is a historic art museum in the eighth arrondissement of Paris that originally opened for the Exposition of Nineteen Hundred. Designed by architect Charles Girault, its grand Beaux-Arts style is evident in the majestic central archway crowned by a dome, the ornate pavilions, and the sculptural decorations that continue to impress visitors. In its early years, the building served as a statement of the city’s technological and artistic advancements during a time of rapid change, replacing the older Palais de l’Industrie.
Over time, Petit Palais evolved into a modern museum with a permanent collection that spans from medieval and Renaissance art to works from the nineteenth century. Among its highlights are masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Monet. A major renovation between Two Thousand One and Two Thousand Five expanded exhibition spaces and improved facilities, including a welcoming café in a semi-circular central garden lined with pink granite columns and intricate mosaics.
Today, as part of the Paris Musées network, Petit Palais stands as a vibrant symbol of Parisian art and architecture. It is conveniently accessible by public transit from the Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau metro station, making it an ideal destination for foreign tourists seeking a blend of history, culture, and artistic beauty in the heart of Paris.
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