Palais de Tokyo is a contemporary art centre at 13 Avenue du Président Wilson in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, near Trocadéro and the Seine. Its changing exhibitions bring together French and international artists, with work ranging from sculpture and photography to film, fashion and large-scale installations. The building dates to the 1937 International Exhibition and has spacious, raw-concrete interiors. Allow time to explore the galleries, browse the art bookshop and pause at the café. Outside, look for a view of the Eiffel Tower.
A 1937 building for contemporary art
Palais de Tokyo was built for the 1937 International Exhibition of Art and Technology in Modern Life. The monumental building has Art Deco origins, but its stripped-back concrete interiors give the exhibition spaces a raw, unfinished character. That contrast makes the galleries feel different from a conventional museum, particularly when artists use the scale of the rooms for large installations.
The west wing became a contemporary art exhibition space in 2001 and the Palais opened to the public in 2002. It is devoted to temporary exhibitions and programmes, including performances, talks, concerts and film screenings. The building’s flexible spaces have also hosted fashion shows and workshops.
Two art institutions under one roof
The Palais de Tokyo complex contains two distinct institutions. The west wing, Site de Création Contemporaine, focuses on temporary contemporary art exhibitions. Displays change regularly and can include painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, video and performance. The programme brings together French and international artists, including emerging practitioners, so the work on view depends on when you visit.
The east wing houses the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, which covers modern and contemporary art. Its collection includes works by artists such as Picasso and Matisse. Check which exhibitions and spaces you plan to see before setting out: the two wings have different programmes, and a visit to one does not mean you have seen the other.
Planning time inside
The galleries are spacious, with seating areas where you can take a break between exhibitions. A visit can include more than looking at artworks: there is a café, a bookshop with art books and design journals, and a gift shop. Near the café, the working FILM Photo Booth gives you another stop between galleries.
Allow two to three hours to explore at an unhurried pace. The changing programme is central to the experience, so an exhibition that appeals to you can shape how long you stay. If you are deciding whether to buy admission, check the current exhibition information first: some material identifies free public areas, while the Palais also lists an admission fee. The outdoor area is another reason to step outside, with a view towards the Eiffel Tower.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I spend at Palais de Tokyo?
Allow about two to three hours to explore the exhibitions and take a break in the café or seating areas.
Is Palais de Tokyo free to enter?
Free public areas are available, but the Palais also lists an admission fee. Check the current exhibition information for the spaces you want to visit.
What can I see at Palais de Tokyo?
The west wing presents temporary contemporary art exhibitions. The east wing houses the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, with a collection that includes works by Picasso and Matisse.
Is Palais de Tokyo open on Tuesday?
No. Tuesday is the weekly closing day.
