The Petit Palais: a glittering jewel just five minutes from your hotel
Categories : Exhibitions and Museums, published on : 9/10/18
Of course, we have the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and the Musée du Quai Branly, but Paris also boasts a unique architectural jewel, a place known for its exceptional collections and dazzling temporary exhibitions – the Petit Palais. (Re) discover this little known Parisian gem!
The Petit Palais: the museum of the City of Paris
Built for the universal exhibition of 1900, the Petit Palais is an excellent example of the architectural techniques and styles of the time. Wander through its peristyles and galleries and marvel at its perspectives, its colonnades, its mosaics, and its stained glass windows. At the end of the exhibition, the City of Paris made this charming place its Museum of Fine Arts and filled it with sensational collections sourced directly from artists and art dealers. Over the years, this treasure trove has been enriched with legacies and donations and today, the Petit Palais has impressive collections of ancient, medieval, classical art and contemporary art.
A few charming moments at the Petit Palais
Whether you've just finished browsing the temporary exhibitions dedicated to Fernand Khnopff and Jean-Jacques Lequeu or whether you have been admiring the works of Rembrandt, Gaugin, Monet, and Corot, the Jardin du Petit Palais is the perfect place for a relaxing break. Enjoy a few moments in a haven of peace and tranquillity, nestled among exotic vegetation as you linger over a late lunch or a rejuvenating coffee. As you settle on the terrace at the edge of a pool decorated with mosaics you'll forget all about the noise and bustle of Paris.
Slightly removed from the major tourist routes, the Petit Palais offers original exhibitions and presents choices from its permanent collections in a beautiful setting. Don't miss this magnificent temple of art just a few minutes' walk from the Chess Hotel.
