About Petit Palais
Built for the 1900 Universal Exposition, the Petit Palais holds Paris's municipal fine arts collection — and its permanent exhibition is free to all.
Founded in 1902, Petit Palais has been welcoming visitors for over 124 years. Today it draws approximately 900,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Paris, France, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 7,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Petit Palais ranks #133
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #133 in our composite ranking, Petit Palais represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Free entry.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 1.5 hours, planning your route through Petit Palais is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Belle Époque interiors
- ◆Garden colonnade
- ◆Antiquities
- ◆Free permanent collection
Recognition & awards
Petit Palais has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 (Fri–Sat until 19:00). Closed Mon. Free.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 1.5 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Petit Palais is located in Paris, France at coordinates 48.8662°N, 2.3145°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: Given the size of this museum, comfortable shoes are essential. Consider splitting your visit across two days if your schedule allows. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Petit Palais
Petit Palais was established in 1902, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Paris. With 900,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in France's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Europe region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Petit Palais, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in Paris
Paris is home to 11 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Petit Palais with these nearby institutions:
- #1Musée du Louvre🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #9Musée d'Orsay🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #13Centre Pompidou🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #20Musée Rodin🎭 Artist & Single-Subject
- #22Picasso Museum (Musée Picasso Paris)🎭 Artist & Single-Subject
- #62Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie🔬 Science & Industry
- #131Musée de l'Orangerie🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #132Musée Marmottan Monet🎭 Artist & Single-Subject
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Petit Palais?
Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 (Fri–Sat until 19:00). Closed Mon. Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Petit Palais?
Most visitors recommend spending 1.5 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Petit Palais located?
Petit Palais is located in Paris, France. The exact coordinates are 48.8662°, 2.3145°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Petit Palais known for?
Paris's free Beaux-Arts gem. Key highlights include Belle Époque interiors, Garden colonnade, Antiquities. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 7,000 reviews.
How many people visit Petit Palais each year?
Petit Palais receives approximately 900,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in France.
When was Petit Palais founded?
Petit Palais was founded in 1902, making it 124 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
