What is it?
The Palais de Tokyo sits almost directly across the river from the Eiffel Tower, making it a popular spot for selfies with the iconic landmark. However, the museum (which was lavishly renovated in 2012, expanding from 8,000 to 22,000 square metres) is primarily known as the largest contemporary art centre in Europe, hosting the very best established and emerging artists. Vast in size, the Palais provides a diverse offering, featuring artists from all over the world working across all artistic forms.
Is it worth visiting?
The Palais de Tokyo does not have a permanent collection; instead, it’s known for its ambitious temporary retrospectives. Over the years, this labyrinth of raw concrete, which was redesigned by architects Lacaton & Vassal, has been home to a number of exhibitions which have made a lasting impression, both because of their content and their form. A few prominent examples include German artist Ulla von Brandenburg’s poetic labyrinth, Miriam Cahn’s unsettling retrospective, and the collective exhibition Claim the Land, addressing climate change.
In 2012, the Palais de Tokyo also launched the Lasco Project, inviting some 60 street artists (including Futura 2000, Azyle, as well as Seth and Jacques Villeglé) to spray its underground passages, staircases, and other hidden corners. They were given just one instruction when asked to paint the walls of this kilometre-long cave: use only black, white, and red. Thirty-minute guided tours are available at 12.30pm every day (except Tuesdays) for an additional €2 on top of the standard ticket price.
Is the Palais de Tokyo open late?
The Palais de Tokyo stays open later than most Paris museums (10pm on Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun, and midnight on Thurs), but it is also known for its basement venue space YOYO. Since 2013, YOYO has been operating its dance floor and sound system in the museum’s basement, in a space which once housed the Cinémathèque française. YOYO’s programming moves between disco, techno, and old-school R&B. Don’t be surprised to see wealthy kids splashing the cash in the VIP area – we are in the glitzy 16th arrondissement, after all.
What's nearby?
Double your dose of modern art with a visit to the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, a 1930s building housing the city's modern art collection, with an impressive selection of works by the Cubists, Fauves, the Delaunays and more.
Where to eat in the area?
Alongside its exhibitions and parties, the Palais de Tokyo also has a culinary offering. Under the umbrella of the sprawling Paris Society (which also runs Bonnie and Girafe…), the venue houses two distinct dining options. While the Italian canteen Bambini can be overlooked, the neo-bistro Monsieur Bleu does the job. However, it should be noted that fine dining isn’t the Palais de Tokyo’s strong suit, especially since the closure of Les Grands Verres.
How much does it cost?
Besides the exciting exhibitions, the Palais de Tokyo is also noteworthy for its reasonably priced entry fee. Expect to pay €12 for a ticket granting access to all exhibitions and most events.
How long should I spend here?
You could spend hours touring the Palais, but for those in a hurry, the museum offers guided ‘quick visits’, showing you the essential works in just 30 minutes.
Time Out tip
The museum's bookshop, which is managed by the Cahiers d’Art publishing house and bookseller Walther König, is a big name in the world of art prints. Spanning 450m2, it sells major fashion titles such as Vogue and i-D, as well as Monocle and Le Journal des Arts for contemporary art, and avant-garde magazines like Purple, Please!, Sleek, and Edwarda.
RECOMMENDED:
🎨 The best art galleries in Paris
🏛️ The best museums in Paris
📍 The best places to stay in Paris
🏠 The best hotels in Paris
Translated by Olivia Simpson