The Petit Palais, located opposite the Grand Palais on Avenue Winston‑Churchill, is a sumptuous building constructed for the 1900 Universal Exposition by Charles Girault. Since 1902, it has housed the Museum of Fine Arts of the City of Paris, offering free access to its permanent collections. Classified as a historic monument since 1975, this elegant building combines neoclassical architecture with stained‑glass windows, mosaics, frescoes, and a stunning dome.

Inside, the galleries are centered around a semicircular garden with a café‑terrace set in a loggia, offering a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Natural light floods the spaces, particularly the south gallery, creating a tranquil environment to appreciate the art.

The permanent collection spans from Antiquity to the late 19th century, featuring masterpieces by Rembrandt, Rubens, Cézanne, Monet, Courbet, and a remarkable selection of drawings, engravings, and art objects from the famous Dutuit, Tuck, and Vollard collections. Temporary exhibitions like “Worth – Inventing Haute Couture” and “Jewelry Sketches” offer refreshed cultural programming at ticket prices between €12 and €17.

The atmosphere is both elegant and relaxed, attracting students, tourists, families, art lovers, and locals. Staff are multilingual, and the site is wheelchair accessible, with a dedicated entrance.

One charming anecdote is that the so‑called “Petit” Palais is far from small: its main façade is about 150 m long, and the atrium brims with symbolism, including seasonal frescoes and Italian mosaics representing the passage of time. On Friday and Saturday evenings, some exhibitions remain open until 20 h or 21 h, creating a different, often musical or atmospheric vibe.

Practical info:
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5 :15 pm), extended hours on Friday and Saturday evenings for temporary exhibitions. Closed Mondays, Jan 1, May 1, July 14 and Dec 25. Easily accessible via metro (lines 1, 9, 13), RER C, and bus lines 28, 42, 72, 73, 80, 83, 93.

Ideal for a 1–2 hour visit, it fits perfectly with a walk along the Champs‑Elysées or a stop in the Tuileries Garden . The ambiance is refined and varied: families, connoisseurs, tourists. The café‑garden provides a restful pause, while the art invites reflection. Guided tours and workshops are available year‑round.