With its magnificent Nave and breathtaking dimensions, the Grand Palais is instantly recognizable. Each year, two million art and history enthusiasts from around the world flock to visit it. This exceptional building, located near the Champs-Élysées, hosts no fewer than 40 events annually. If you wish to experience culture at the height of Parisian prestige, this extraordinary venue deserves a spot in your explorations of the capital.
The historical legacy of the Grand Palais
At the dawn of the 20th century, Paris was already shining as the world’s capital of arts and refinement. Inaugurated during the 1900 Exposition Universelle, the Grand Palais was born from an ambitious project—to showcase France’s splendor. Did you know it was built in just three years? Since then, the building has lived through many chapters.
The Grand Palais earns its prestige
When the Grand Palais opened its doors in 1900, facing the Petit Palais, visitors were full of praise. It quickly established itself as a cultural symbol in the heart of the capital. Painters, sculptors, and architects of the time exhibited their works there. This iconic venue for the fine arts also became the setting for grand receptions and prestigious social events.
The impact of history on the monument
The turbulent history of the 20th century did not spare the Grand Palais. During World War I, it was converted into a military hospital. In its galleries and beneath its luminous Nave, wounded soldiers sought to recover their health.
While the building regained its original purpose after the war, World War II did not spare it. A fire broke out during the Liberation, damaging part of the metal framework and the pillars of the Nave.
Extensive restoration work
In the following decades, weather conditions and corrosion revealed structural weaknesses, particularly in the framework. The Nave, designated as a historic monument in 1975, was closed to the public in 1993 for safety reasons.
This decision marked the beginning of massive restoration work. Despite these renovations, the Grand Palais has preserved its unique identity, blending tradition and modernity. The full reopening of the monument is scheduled for June 2025.
The eclectic architecture of the Grand Palais
When you think of the Grand Palais, does its vast glass roof come to mind? It goes without saying—this building boasts a unique architecture that is a true technical feat. Just take a look at the central Nave, spanning 13,500 m² and crowned by a spectacular glass roof—the largest in Europe.
Let’s applaud the boldness of its structure. Did you know that 6,000 tons of steel were required to build the Nave? That’s even more than the amount used for the Eiffel Tower’s framework!
With its subtle balance of stone, iron, and glass, the Grand Palais is a symbol of stylistic hybridization—a perfect fusion of academic tradition and modernity. Elements embodying the fine arts are seamlessly combined with the technical innovations of industrial architecture. Take a moment to admire the aesthetic of the main façade overlooking Avenue Winston Churchill.
Major exhibitions and events
For over a century, the exhibitions and events held at the Grand Palais have left no visitor indifferent. Visiting the Grand Palais means stepping into an immersive world where each exhibition and major event is enhanced by the history and grandeur of the venue.
Unforgettable exhibitions
The Grand Palais is more than just a museum. It takes visitors on a journey through the history of art, offering large-scale exhibitions. Its ambitious programming celebrates classical masterpieces while showcasing avant-garde artists. Each exhibition design is carefully crafted to immerse and transport you.
Among the major exhibitions held at the Grand Palais, notable ones include the unprecedented Monet retrospective in 2010-2011, the showcase of Hopper’s work in 2012-2013, and the spectacular immersive experience on Pompeii in 2020.
It is highly likely that the exhibition dedicated to Chiharu Shiota and the one focused on the world of Dolce & Gabbana will also leave a lasting impression. The year 2025 will be an excellent one, with an exhibition devoted to outsider art and another highlighting the works of Niki de Saint-Phalle and Jean Tinguely.
Prestigious cultural events
The Grand Palais also hosts grand events that shape Parisian cultural life. The FIAC, the International Contemporary Art Fair, attracts collectors from all over France and the world every year, eager to discover the latest artistic trends and must-see artists. This immersive venue also hosts the Biennale de Paris, the essential gathering for dealers, galleries, and international collectors.
Also read: The Maillol Museum or the transmission of modern art
Finally, it is impossible not to mention the Saut Hermès and the Chanel fashion shows, which regularly take place under the Nave of the Grand Palais. During the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the restored Nave hosted the fencing, wheelchair fencing, taekwondo, and para-taekwondo events.
Our tips for visiting the Grand Palais
For an optimal experience, plan your visit by booking and purchasing your tickets online. The opening hours of the Grand Palais depend on current exhibitions and scheduled events. We recommend checking the opening days and hours on the official Grand Palais website. In general, the crowds are smaller at the beginning of the week, especially in the morning.
Head to 7 Avenue Winston Churchill, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. On-site, cloakrooms are available for visitors. Note that the Grand Palais is accessible to people with reduced mobility and disabilities.
Take advantage of your visit to the Grand Palais to explore the surroundings and spend a memorable day filled with art, culture, and gastronomy. For example, pair your visit to the Grand Palais with a trip to the Petit Palais, the Paris Museum of Fine Arts, located just opposite. Its impressive collection of works is sure to amaze you.
For a gourmet break, enjoy a pastry at Café 1902, nestled within the Petit Palais itself. After your visit, admire the postcard-perfect scenery from Pont Alexandre III, one of the most beautiful bridges in Paris. Take the time to stroll along the Champs-Élysées.
The Grand Palais is close to top gastronomic destinations. Book a table at a fine dining restaurant, such as Pavyllon Paris by Yannick Alléno or Lasserre. You are just a stone’s throw from the 7th arrondissement of Paris, where you’ll find the best brunch spots and the most beautiful terraces in the capital.
Whether it’s for its architecture, exhibitions, or exceptional events, the Grand Palais is one of Paris’s most prestigious monuments, on par with the Musée d’Orsay or the Musée du Quai Branly. After years of renovation, the Grand Palais is once again shining in all its splendor and is about to write a new chapter in its history.
