- History and visit the Petit Palais in Paris
- The Splendor of the Petit Palais: Paris’ Museum of Fine Arts
- Transfer to the Petit Palais in Paris
History and Visit of the Petit Palais in Paris
The Petit Palais, situated directly across from the Grand Palais on the Champs Elysees in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, stands as a historical monument now serving as a museum, commonly referred to as the « Museum of Fine Arts in Paris. » This splendid structure was constructed for the fifth universal exhibition held in Paris, with Charles Girault being the esteemed architect behind its design.
Although the Petit Palais may not boast the vast size of the Grand Palais, it possesses a unique charm of its own. The architecture harmoniously blends with the picturesque surroundings: the building is set within a semi-circular garden on the Square of the beater, offering visitors stunning views of the Seine. To access the exhibition spaces, guests are directed to the first floor, as the ground level was initially intended for administrative offices and various storage areas. Despite its designation as the « Small » Palace, the facade impressively spans 150 meters in length, featuring Ionic columns that twist diagonally, mirroring the peristyle’s design that complements the external garden.
The building’s aesthetic appeal is further enhanced by numerous ornamental bas-reliefs. Jean Antoine Injalbert, a renowned sculptor from Beziers, was tasked with creating several sculptural elements, including those adorning the tympanum. The Petit Palais boasts decorative elements that symbolize the city of Paris, embraced by muses. Charles Girault’s initial vision was to bathe the interior in natural light, achieved through the installation of transparent domes and expansive windows. The architectural structure of the Petit Palais shares similarities with two other projects by Charles Girault: the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium, and the Saigon Opera House in Vietnam, drawing inspiration across his works.
The Splendor of the Petit Palais: Paris’ Museum of Fine Arts
Since its opening in 1902, the Petit Palais stands as the esteemed « Museum of Fine Arts of the City of Paris. » The museum boasts an extensive array of collections spanning the nineteenth century to various other epochs. A significant portion of its artworks originates from generous donations, including the collection of Eugene and Dutuit donated in August 1902, the Edward and Julia Tuck collection presented in 1930, the Roger Cabal icon collection, and not to overlook the Ambroise Vollard collection which features several modern works, among them a portrait of Ambroise Vollard with his cat and the portrait of this distinguished patron.
In addition to these remarkable gifts, the museum showcases a plethora of paintings by renowned Dutch and Flemish artists such as Jacques Daret, Meindert Hobbema, Jan Steen, Gabriel Metsu, Jacob Jordaens, and Rubens. The French painters section includes illustrious names like Gustave Courbet, Jules Adler, Camille Corot, Maurice Denis, Eugene Delacroix, Le Lorrain, Claude Monet, Theodore Gericault, Honoré Daumier, and Paul Cézanne. Furthermore, the museum’s art collections are enriched with sculptures by eminent artists including Emile Joseph Nestor Carlier, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, Jules Dalou, Pierre Puget, Auguste Renoir, and Auguste Rodin. The drawing collection is equally impressive, featuring works by Rembrandt, Jacob van Ruisdael, Adriaen van Ostade, Antoon Van Dyck, Claude Lorrain, Antoine Watteau, Jean-Honoré Fragonard, and Hubert Robert. Overall, the Petit Palais, Paris’ Museum of Fine Arts, houses over 9,000 drawings and 18,000 prints, both ancient and modern, showcasing its vast and diverse artistic wealth.
Transfer to the Petit Palais in Paris
Discover the Petit Palais, easily accessible from Paris’ major airports. Located 29 km from Orly, 34 km from Charles de Gaulle, and 96 km from Beauvais, our shuttle services ensure a comfortable and stylish arrival. Taxis may offer direct routes, but for those arriving from CDG, our private shuttles provide a stress-free alternative without the high costs and unpredictability of taxi fares or the challenges of public transportation. Enhance your visit to Paris with a seamless transfer, and for more personalized travel options to Parisian landmarks, check our exclusive vehicle services.