About Palais de Tokyo
Half of the 1937 Palais de Tokyo houses the city's most experimental contemporary art space, with raw industrial galleries and late opening hours.
Founded in 2002, Palais de Tokyo has been welcoming visitors for over 24 years. Today it draws approximately 700,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited modern & contemporary museums in the world. Located in Paris, France, the museum holds a rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 5,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Palais de Tokyo ranks #135
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 #135 in our composite ranking, Palais de Tokyo 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: Architectural icon.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 1.5 hours, planning your route through Palais de Tokyo is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Lasco Project (street art)
- ◆Late opening (10pm)
- ◆Experimental commissions
Recognition & awards
Palais de Tokyo has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Wed–Mon 12:00–22:00. Closed Tue.
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: Palais de Tokyo is located in Paris, France at coordinates 48.8639°N, 2.2967°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 Palais de Tokyo
Palais de Tokyo was established in 2002, making it a relatively modern institution. Over the decades, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Paris. With 700,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in France's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important modern & contemporary museums in the Europe region.
Other top modern & contemporary museums
If you enjoy modern & contemporary museums like Palais de Tokyo, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #11Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)New York, United States
- #12Tate ModernLondon, United Kingdom
- #13Centre PompidouParis, France
- #25Solomon R. Guggenheim MuseumNew York, United States
- #26Guggenheim Museum BilbaoBilbao, Spain
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 Palais de Tokyo 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 Palais de Tokyo?
Wed–Mon 12:00–22:00. Closed Tue. 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 Palais de Tokyo?
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 Palais de Tokyo located?
Palais de Tokyo is located in Paris, France. The exact coordinates are 48.8639°, 2.2967°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Palais de Tokyo known for?
Europe's largest contemporary art centre. Key highlights include Lasco Project (street art), Late opening (10pm), Experimental commissions. The museum holds a 4.2/5 rating from 5,500 reviews.
How many people visit Palais de Tokyo each year?
Palais de Tokyo receives approximately 700,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in France.
When was Palais de Tokyo founded?
Palais de Tokyo was founded in 2002, making it 24 years old. It is categorised as a modern & contemporary museum in our directory.
