Petit Palais Musee Des Beaux Arts De La Ville De Paris tickets 2026: official vs resellers, combo deals & insider tips
Access to the Petit Palais's permanent collections is free for all visitors and typically requires no reservation, so you only need to compare paid tickets if you plan to visit a temporary exhibition like the 'Károly Ferenczy' retrospective (April–September 2026). For these special events, booking a timed-entry ticket online is highly recommended to bypass the ticket office queue, though all visitors must still clear the mandatory security check at the main entrance.
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Admission to the Petit Palais permanent collection is free and walk-in only, but the Károly Ferenczy temporary exhibition requires a paid ticket. In June 2026, we recommend booking a timed-entry ticket online to avoid the ticket-office queue, as the exhibition wing has strict capacity limits and often requires a separate reservation.
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Visitors specifically planning to see the Károly Ferenczy Hungarian Modernism exhibition
This ticket secures a specific entry time for the paid exhibition wing, which is not included in the free general admission.
Travelers who prefer a digital ticket with instant confirmation
This partner option provides a convenient mobile ticket for the current temporary show, ensuring entry even if the official portal is difficult to navigate.
Admission to the permanent collection is entirely free for all visitors; only purchase a ticket if you intend to visit a specific temporary exhibition.
Skip-the-line or priority tickets only bypass the ticket office queue; all visitors must wait in the same mandatory security screening line at the Avenue Winston Churchill entrance.
Bags, backpacks, and luggage exceeding 40x30x20 cm are strictly prohibited inside the museum, and there are no on-site lockers or storage facilities for oversized items.
Visitors eligible for free entry to temporary exhibitions (such as those under 18) must still reserve a €0 timed-entry slot online to guarantee admission during peak hours.
The museum is closed every Monday and on major public holidays (January 1, May 1, July 14, November 11, and December 25); tickets purchased for these dates are invalid.
Audio guides are not included in the standard exhibition ticket price and require an additional fee of approximately €3–€5 at the reception desk or via the mobile app.
Third-party booking platforms often include a service fee; the official Paris Musées portal is the only source for the base rate of €12–€17 for temporary shows.
Insider tips
4 things to know before your visit
Entrance: The main entrance is on Avenue Winston Churchill, directly across from the Grand Palais. Visitors for the free permanent collection and those with paid temporary exhibition tickets typically follow separate queues after the initial security screening. Security is mandatory for all visitors; 'skip-the-line' tickets for exhibitions only bypass the ticket desk, not the bag check. To avoid the longest queues, arrive at 10:00 AM or during Friday late-night openings. Note that large bags and suitcases are strictly prohibited. For step-free access, use the dedicated ground-level entrance located to the right of the main monumental staircase.
Price: Admission to the Petit Palais permanent collections is free for all visitors and typically does not require a reservation. Paid tickets are only necessary for temporary exhibitions, with official full rates generally ranging from €14 to €16. Partner prices, such as the €17 exhibition ticket shown here, align with official exhibition rates plus a small service fee; always check for official reduced rates (approx. €12 for ages 18–26) or free entry (under 18s and disabled visitors) before booking through third parties.
Discounts: Admission to the permanent collections is free for all visitors and requires no prior reservation. For temporary exhibitions, such as the Károly Ferenczy retrospective (running April 14 – September 6, 2026), paid tickets are mandatory: visitors under 18 enter free, while those aged 18–26 qualify for a reduced rate (typically €12). Disabled visitors and one accompanying carer receive free admission to all areas upon presentation of valid proof. While the permanent galleries are walk-in, visitors eligible for free entry to temporary exhibitions are strongly encouraged to book a zero-cost timed-entry slot online to guarantee access during peak hours.
Timing: Arrive early enough for security checks, ticket scanning and wayfinding.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a ticket to see the permanent collection at Petit Palais?
No, access to the permanent art collections and the interior garden is free for all visitors and does not require a reservation. You only need to purchase a ticket if you wish to visit the temporary exhibitions.
Does a 'skip-the-line' ticket bypass the security queue?
No, all visitors must wait in the same security line at the main entrance (the golden gate). A skip-the-line or timed-entry ticket only allows you to bypass the queue for the physical ticket desk inside.
Are there luggage or bag restrictions at the museum?
Yes, due to security regulations, suitcases and large bags (exceeding 40x30x20cm) are strictly prohibited. There are no lockers or cloakrooms available for large items, so plan to leave luggage at your hotel or a city locker.
Do children and youth get free entry to temporary exhibitions?
Visitors under 18 enter free, and residents of the EEA aged 18-25 are eligible for reduced rates. While free for minors, it is recommended to book a free timed-entry slot online for popular exhibitions to guarantee entry.
What happens if I arrive late for my exhibition time slot?
There is typically a 15-minute grace period for timed tickets. If you arrive later than that, entry is at the discretion of the staff and depends on the current capacity of the exhibition rooms.
Is the Petit Palais garden accessible without a paid ticket?
Yes, the semi-circular courtyard garden and its café are part of the free-access area of the museum. You can enjoy the architecture and the garden without purchasing an exhibition ticket.