Emblematic of the GrandPalaisRmn institution that manages it, the Grand Palais is a living place open to all, where culture is celebrated in all its forms.
The history of the Grand Palais
The Grand Palais through time, a history in motion!
Go to previous slide
Go to next slide
Sadi Carnot (1837-1894), homme politique, président de la République
1892
Entering the century
The President of the French Republic, Sadi Carnot, decides to organize the 1900 World's Fair in Paris.
Vue de la colonnade en construction du Grand Palais - Exposition universelle de 1900, Paris
1897
A massive construction project
The Grand Palais work begins, with only 3 years to complete this monumental project.
Exposition de sculptures au Grand Palais pendant l'Exposition universelle de 1900
1900
World's Fair
Combining steel, stone and glass, the Grand Palais opens to the public in May 1900 for the World’s Fair, making a remarkable impression.
Salon de l'automobile de Paris, au Grand Palais, 1912
1901
Major events
New trends find their place at the Grand Palais, which hosts from 1901 major annual exhibitions and equestrian competitions.
Hôpital du Grand-Palais. Opération de la greffe osseuse, les deux opérés deux jours après l'opération.
1914
The face of war
During World War I, the Grand Palais is requisitioned and becomes a military hospital and rehabilitation center.
Guerre 1939-1945. Karl Heinrich von Stülpnagel (1886-1944), général allemand, commandant en chef des forces d'occupation en France de février 1942 à juillet 1944, à l'exposition de la France européenne. Paris, Grand Palais, août 1941.
1940
The dark hours
State-owned monument, the Grand Palais is requisitioned during the Occupation and becomes a witness to the events of World War II.
File d'attente pour l'exposition "Pablo Picasso", au Grand Palais, Paris, février 1967.
1966
The national Galleries
The national Galleries host their first major exhibitions under the guidance of André Malraux, Minister of Culture.
\
2000
Protecting the monument
After the Nave was listed in 1975, the Grand Palais is classified as a historic monument in its entirety.
2021
The restoration project
The Grand Palais undergoes a major restoration project to restore it to its former glory.
2024
Paris 2024 Games
For the second time in its history, the Grand Palais participates in the Olympic Games and hosts the Olympic and Paralympic fencing and taekwondo events.
2025
The complete opening
After four years of renovation, the Grand Palais opens its doors as a symbol of a culture that is open to all and constantly evolving.
The Grand Palais today
Grand Palais, vue de l'Escalier d'Honneur depuis les balcons
A living space open to all
After four years of renovation, the Grand Palais begins a new chapter in its history. A place of all possibilities, it invites you to vibrate to the rhythm of a festive and inclusive cultural program: international exhibitions, shows, performances and encounters with the great figures of contemporary creation.
Thought of as a true living space, the Grand Palais opens its doors to everyone. Several freely accessible areas offer new ways to enjoy the monument: stores, bookshops, restaurants and the Rotonde du Palais de la découverte allow you to rediscover its remarkable architecture. Special attention is paid to young visitors, with specially visiting tools and dedicated family areas such as the Salon Seine and the Palais des enfants. Throughout the year, the Nave is revealed from the Place centrale through a monumental curtain designed by Studio MTX and le19M Maisons d'art, with the support of CHANEL. Composed of embroidered elements, it highlights the expertise of Métiers d'art and dialogues with the Grand Palais’s iconic glass roof.
Open, lively, generous, the Grand Palais affirms its vocation as a meeting place for the arts, where culture is experienced and shared in all its forms.
The Grand Palais is committed to a sustainable and accessible culture. Its restoration project, certified High Environmental Quality (HQE), has enabled a reduction of 4 tonnes of CO₂ in 2024, reflecting the efforts made to combine environmental responsibility with heritage preservation.
Through GrandPalaisRmn, the establishment continues and amplifies this dynamic. Responsible for the Grand Palais and its cultural programming, the GrandPalaisRmn deploys an ambitious action plan: promoting equality and diversity, reducing its ecological footprint, supporting the local economy and fostering inclusion.
With two certifications for its commitment to diversity and professional equality, it includes environmental clauses in its public contracts and designs eco-responsible exhibitions. By favoring short supply chains, it promotes local productions, made in France and Europe.
Its commitment also extends to cultural inclusion, through programmes providing access to art for distanced audiences, and exhibitions promoting the plurality of perspectives and narratives.
After major restoration work, the Grand Palais welcomes you for a unique and renewed experience.
Look behind the scenes of this architectural and human adventure through exclusive content and the perspectives of three artists, bearing witness to the major stages of this ambitious project.
A children's palace in the heart of the Grand Palais
The Palais des enfants is a new, fully restored 620 m² space located beneath the Rotonde of the Palais de la découverte, specially designed for children aged 2 to 10 and their carers. Here, the Palais de la découverte (Universcience) and the GrandPalaisRmn combine their skills to offer a poetic and playful exploration blending art and science.
Thanks to immersive scenographies, interactive manipulations, scientific devices and artworks, the youngest visitors are invited to stimulate their curiosity, daydreaming and critical thinking, while expanding their vision of the world.
The Grand Palais offers a selection of modular spaces, suitable for professional, cultural or charitable events. Thanks to a variety of configurations and an exceptional architectural setting, these venues lend themselves to hosting both public and private events. Our dedicated team is here to help you design and implement your event.
The Grand Palais is located in the heart of Paris, just steps from the Champs-Élysées. The main entrance is at Square Jean Perrin, 17 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris, where you will find the welcome hall. The Nave entrance is at 7 Avenue Winston Churchill.
Is there a permanent exhibition at the Grand Palais?
The Grand Palais does not have a permanent collection. It exclusively hosts temporary exhibitions. However, several areas of the monument are open to the public year-round with free access. Learn more
Is the Grand Palais accessible to visitors with disabilities?
Yes, the Grand Palais is accessible to visitors with disabilities. The entrance to the Nave is equipped with accessible ramps. At Square Jean Perrin, the main entrance offers step-free access, followed by two elevators for visitors with reduced mobility. All public areas are also accessible. Wheelchairs are available on request. Additionally, adapted services are provided for visually and hearing-impaired visitors.
