Museum, Art gallery, Monument, Tourist attraction
Grand Palais
Built for the 1900 Universal Exposition, this Beaux-Arts landmark beside the Champs-Élysées shelters Europe's largest glass roof over its Nave and stages major art exhibitions, fairs and performances, with free-access halls open to all.
The story
The Nave, listed as a historic monument since 1975, covers 13,500 square metres beneath its glass roof, held up by a metal structure painted reseda green. It hosts the seasonal programme, from Art Basel Paris to immersive installations, and in 2024 it staged Olympic competition. A monumental curtain of hand-embroidered elements by Studio MTX and le 19M partitions the space. Much of the building can be explored without a ticket. The restored Rotonde d'Antin shows off mosaics, sculptures and gilded leaves, the foundations now reveal vaulted brick and stone, and the 900-square-metre Salon Seine is given over to families and young people. Thierry Marx's Réséda Café looks over the Place centrale from the mezzanine, while Le Grand Café offers a more theatrical, intimate setting for dinner.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Book timed exhibition tickets online in advance, as popular shows sell out and on-site sales are not guaranteed.
- ✦Big exhibitions such as the Matisse show draw heavy crowds inside, so expect busy galleries even with a timed slot.
- ✦The cool, air-conditioned interior makes a good refuge on hot summer days, with spots to sit and grab a drink.
Plan your visit
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