Grand Palais with over a 100 year long history is used as a hybrid venue for various exhibitions and events today.
Indeed, the Grand Palais, meaning "Big Palace" in English, is one of the most magnificent monuments of Paris, very popular among fashion amateurs and professionals of the world for the fashion exhibitions happening every and called "La Fashion Week Parisienne".
This prestigious place is one of the building you should care to see at least from the outside, and if you are lucky to catch an event show, from the inside.
In this article, we will guide you through the useful informations to know about le Grand Palais : Exhibitions, Events, Tickets and History.
What can I do at Grand Palais?
Grand Palais stands out with its clasically inspired facade on the exterior decorated with statues made by Paul Gasq and Alfred Boucher. The Grand Palais includes 3 large venues : the main venue, the National Galleries and the Palais de la Decourt.
The main venue is a giant space covering about 240 meters area. Events such as annual horseback ridings, photography, fashion, art exhibitions are held here. Walking under the 6000-ton glass and steel construction roof makes one better understand the vast space.
The Palais de la Decourt is functioning as a museum and cultural center housing permanent and temporary collections. There are scientific and fun educational activities for children.
Events at Grand Palais
Many events such as catwalk shows during Fashion Week, FIAC, Paris Photo, the Saut Hermès equestrian event, etc. are took place in Grand Palais and gather thousand of people every year.
Entrance, Tickets and Tours
It is an exhibition center with temporary events, usually housing major art exhibitions that changes periodically. For this reason, it is best to check the details about the opening times and current program from the official website.
It is closed on Tuesdays just like many other museums in Paris. It is highly recommended to get tickets beforehand for temporary shows as the places are limited per day.
How to get to the Grand Palais
- Metro: "Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau" is the closest station to get Grand Palais on Line 1 and Line 13. Also, "Franklin D. Roosevelt" station on the Metro Line 1 and Line 9 is nearby.
- Bus: 28 42, 52, 63, 72, 73, 80, 83 and 93
FAQ (Häufige Fragen)
Yes! In fact, Grand Palais features the largest indoor ice rink in the world (3000m2). and my personal pick for the most fun experience ice skating in Paris. We suggest you to get there in the evening to see the magical atmosphere with the light shows along with the music. Click to see rates & hours.
Entrance fee depends on the exhibition you're intended to see. You can make a free admission online.
History of the Grand Palais
The construction of the Grand Palais started in 1897 and inaugurated on 1 May 1900. It was built for preparation for the Universal Exhibition in 1900 just like many other buildings.
Following the opening, it became a venue for varius type of exhibitions like equestrian competitions held annually from 1901 to 1957. The exhibitions about innovation and modernization including automobiles, aviation, new inventions etc. were on display.
After the death of famous artist Henri Matisse, Grand Palais housed his first retrospective exhibition.
Grand Palais used as a military hospital during World War I. The Nazis occupied the venue during the occupation of France in the World War II.
Grand Palais is visited by more than 2 million people every year and approximately 40 events staged every year.
Contact & Map
Before starting, let us remind you that if you are planning your trip to Paris right now, you can benefit from our offers in our official Paris Ticket Shop. We have great handy offers with Skip the Line Entrance Tickets to every important museum of Paris. Enjoy an easy trip to Paris !