Palais de Tokyo

The basics

Overlooking the Seine, with a view of the Eiffel Tower in the distance, the Tokyo Palace shares real estate with the adjoining Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. Known as a modern meeting place for artists, the Tokyo Palace has cemented itself in the art community as one of the more innovative and interactive museums, featuring a wide range of creative subject matter.

From conceptual think pieces, to fun and funky graffiti, and even large-scale abstractions, Tokyo Palace provides the space for imaginations to run wild. 

Things to know before you go

• Grab a bite to eat at either Les Grandes Verres or Monsieur Bleu restaurants located within the museum.
• Check out the museum’s bookstore, which looks more like a small art library, for a souvenir.
• If you speak French, consider tagging along on any of the museum’s free tours and workshops.
• Free admission is offered to people with disabilities, as well as free interpretive guides for the mentally or visually impaired.

How to get there

Conveniently located between the Eiffel Tower and Champs Élysées in the 16th arrondissement, you can access the museum by Metro line 9 from the Iéna and Alma Marceau stations; RER line C from the Pont de l’Alma station; and buses #32, 42, 63, 72, 80, and 92.

When to get there

The Tokyo Palace is open every day, except Tuesdays, from noon until midnight. For a unique peek at the museum, consider going at night for an after-hours feel, a glimpse of the illuminated Eiffel Tower, and the glowing River Seine.

Cruise the River Seine

After your visit to the Tokyo Palace, consider strolling along the Seine for some leisurely sightseeing. Or, hop on one of the riverboats for a cruise along the water to see the highlights of Paris in one fell swoop.

Ways to explore

Tickets to the Palais de Tokyo are valid throughout the season for which they’re purchased: generally, a roughly 3-month period covering current shows. Reduced-price tickets are available for students, youth, and seniors, but you must have a valid ID for concession rates.

Audio guides enrich an independent visit to Palais de Tokyo; guides generally cover the interior exhibits, as well as the 1937 steel-and-concrete building that houses the contemporary art space.

Accessibility

All exhibits at the Palais de Tokyo are wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available for loan. Free entry is offered to visitors with disabilities and a companion. French sign language tours are available. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

None; under-18s receive free entry.

What to pack

Electronic or printed tickets, photo ID (for concession tickets)

What to wear

Layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Large bags, luggage, pets, smoking

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop, three restaurants, lockers, cloakroom

Address

The Palais de Tokyo is located on Avenue du Président Wilson, between the Eiffel Tower and the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Public transport is the most convenient way to travel here.

Driving

Congested streets mean that driving isn’t the best way to reach the Palais de Tokyo. However, there are nearby parking lots on Quai Jacques Chirac and Avenue Georges V.

Public transportation

It’s easy to reach the Palais de Tokyo by metro and RER. The closest metro stations are Iéna and Alma-Marceau (line 9); the nearest RER station is Pont de l’Alma (line C).

Best times to visit

The Palais de Tokyo operates late hours—typically until 10pm—and evening is a great time to visit; some locals browse the exhibits as part of a night out.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally quieter; come on a Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday for a crowd-free experience. Note that the Palais de Tokyo is closed on Tuesdays.

Best months to visit

The Palais de Tokyo is within the 16th Arrondissement, which is beautiful in March when cherry trees spring into bloom.

Special events

Check the Palais de Tokyo website for upcoming events, such as artist talks and music performances.