Petit Palais

The Basics

A designated Historic Monument since 1975, the opulent Petit Palais is recognizable for its Beaux-Arts design; its grand, arched entryway; and the detailed sculptures that embellish its facade. Built alongside the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III in time for the 1900 World’s Fair, it is regarded as a Parisian architectural highlight. Today, the palace houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris, which contains thousands of works that span from ancient times to the present day.

The Petit Palais can be glimpsed during Seine River cruises as well as hop-on hop-off bus tours, bike tours, Segway tours, and more. Book a private walking tour to explore the area further; you can also visit the museum’s galleries independently.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Petit Palais’ elegant garden cafe offers a tranquil, hidden escape from the urban bustle.

• The museum’s permanent collections are free.

• An on-site auditorium hosts a regular schedule of talks, musical performances, and other special events.

How to Get There

The nearest Métro stop to the Petit Palais is Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau, which is served by lines 1 and 13. You can also take lines 8 and 13 (or the RER C) to the Invalides stop, which is located just across the Seine. Bus lines 28, 42, 72, 73, 83, and 93 all stop nearby. Thanks to its central location, the venue is also easily accessible on foot, by taxi, or by Vélib’.

When to Get There

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris is open from 10am–6pm, Tuesday–Sunday, and is open until 9pm on Friday evenings while temporary exhibitions are on display.

Collection Highlights

The museum’s wide-ranging collection spans thousands of years and includes thousands of works. Seek out etchings by Dürer, canvases by Cézanne and Monet, paintings by Rembrandt and Delacroix, sculptures and ceramics from antiquity, and more.

Ways to explore

A designated Historic Monument since 1975, the opulent Petit Palais is recognizable for its Beaux-Arts design, its arched entrance, and the detailed sculptures that adorn its façade. Built alongside the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III in time for the 1900 World’s Fair, it is regarded as a Parisian architectural highlight.

The Petit Palais can be glimpsed during Seine River cruises, as well as on hop-on, hop-off bus tours, bike tours, Segway tours, and more. Book a private walking tour to explore the area further, or visit the museum’s galleries independently.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible and has disabled parking spaces. Visitors with reduced mobility should enter through the ground-floor entrance located to the right of the main entrance. Wheelchairs, folding chairs, and magnifying glasses are available to borrow, and accessible tactile exhibits are available throughout the museum.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Cameras (photography is permitted), stroller if traveling with kids

What to wear

Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are helpful when visiting Paris, with layers to protect against changing weather conditions.

Not allowed

Luggage, backpacks, touching the artwork

Amenities

Restrooms, lockers, café, bookshop

Address

Thanks to its prime location in Paris’ 8th arrondissement—between the Seine River and the Champs-Élysées—the Petit Palais is easily accessible on foot, by taxi, or via the city’s extensive public transportation network, including nearby metro and bus stops.

Driving

While driving to the Petit Palais is possible, navigating central Paris traffic and finding parking can be challenging. The museum is located on Avenue Winston Churchill in the 8th arrondissement. There are a few paid parking lots within walking distance.

Public transportation

The nearest Métro stop to the Petit Palais is Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau, which is served by lines 1 and 13. You can also take line 9 to the Franklin D. Roosevelt stop. Bus lines 28, 42, 72, 73, 80, 83, and 93 all stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Petit Palais is open from Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Visiting right at opening will offer the least crowded experience.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be the least crowded at the Petit Palais.

Best months to visit

Paris gets quite hectic during the summer and winter holidays. Visiting in the spring or fall months is often more enjoyable.

Special events

The museum regularly hosts guided tours, temporary exhibitions, and other special events.