The (not-so) Petit Palais was built with the Grand Palais for the 1900 Exposition Universelle in the overly ornate Beaux Arts style of the turn of the century:
The exhibition hall houses a collection of fine and decorative art, which is free and open to the public. They have an impressive collection of decorative art from the art nouveau period, including glasswork by Gallé, Tiffany, and Lalique; and jewelry by Georges Fouquet (a frequent collaborator with artist Mucha). There is also a complete art nouveau dining room by Guimard (best known as the artist behind the famed Paris “Metro” signs).
If decorative art is not your thing, there are some beautiful paintings by Cezanne, Gauguin, and many of the Impressionists, as well as quite a few works by the Nabis artists (Vuillard, Bonnard, and Denis). I loved this little display of how an Impressionist would paint en plein air:
In addition to the permanent collection, the Petit Palais also hosts temporary exhibitions (admission fee is usually around €7). They are currently featuring the photography of furniture designer Charlotte Perriand, who collaborated with architect Le Corbusier. As one might expect from a furniture designer, her images focus on unusual objects, unexpected textures, and the play of light and shadow. Definitely worth a visit.
Petit Palais is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm.
From here, it is an easy walk down the Champs Elysées to Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Gardens, or you can cross the Pont Alexandre III for a gorgeous view of the Seine on your way to Napolean’s tomb at Les Invalides.
