The Grand Palais is a monumental Beaux-Arts exhibition hall built for the 1900 Universal Exposition, famous for its vast iron-and-glass barrel-vaulted nave (the Nef) rising about 45 metres under one of Europe's largest glass roofs. It is a landmark venue for major art exhibitions, fashion shows and cultural events rather than a fixed permanent museum. After a four-year, €466 million restoration by Chatillon Architectes, it fully reopened in June 2025, and in summer 2026 the nave again hosts the multidisciplinary festival Grand Palais d'été. Because programming changes constantly, it is best to check the current exhibition before you go and treat the visit as event-based.
The iron-and-glass barrel-vaulted roof and the immense Nef (central hall) soaring roughly 45 m overhead
The classical stone facade with Art Nouveau ornament and grand entrance staircase — signature 1900 Beaux-Arts detailing
A restored sightline, reopened for the first time since 1937, running from the nave toward the former Palais de la Découverte wing
The 2026 spring–summer exhibitions (such as Nan Goldin, Matisse 1941-1954 and Hilma af Klint), depending on your dates
The free-access areas — Salon Seine, Rotonde d'Antin, bookshops, boutiques and restaurants — and the newly streamlined visitor route
Good to know
SeasonThe Grand Palais is closed on 14 July (Bastille Day), as well as 1 May and 25 December, with early closing on 24 and 31 December. Double-check the date if you are visiting in summer or over the holidays.
RulesPopular exhibition slots sell out, so booking online on the official site is strongly recommended. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing, and prices and hours vary by exhibition, so verify the latest details before your visit.
RulesLarge bags (over roughly 42×30×20 cm) are not allowed inside and must be left at the Level -1 cloakroom. Travel light and avoid big suitcases or backpacks to speed up entry.
SafetyThe surrounding Champs-Élysées and Franklin D. Roosevelt metro area is tourist-heavy and prone to pickpocketing. Keep bags in front of you and watch your phone and wallet in crowded metro cars and entrance queues.
CautionIgnore people near the entrance running 'sign this petition', 'is this your gold ring?' or forced-bracelet approaches. Buy tickets only from the official website or on-site box office, and avoid marked-up resellers and unofficial ticket sites.
MannersFlash photography and tripods are often banned and photo rules differ per exhibition. Keep your voice low indoors and do not touch the artworks.
Practical info
It is a short walk from Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau (metro lines 1 & 13), Franklin D. Roosevelt (lines 1 & 9) and Invalides (RER C), on Avenue du Général Eisenhower in the 8th arrondissement. Standard hours are Tuesday–Sunday 09:30–20:00 with a late Friday night, but they vary by exhibition and it is closed Mondays and some public holidays; the nave and several areas are free while ticketed shows are paid, so confirm prices, hours and booking on the official website for the latest information.
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