Le petit Palais — Attraction in Paris

I visited the end of August. I really wanted to see Rembrandt's "Self-Portrait in Oriental Attire"  but the room was closed without any advance notice and the staff didn't know when it might reopen. How the possibility the staff didn't know about it. This is the only self-portrait in Rembrandt's body of work that shows him standing full-length. I have always traveled all over the world to see many Rembrandt's paintings and I couldn't see this painting in the Petit Palais. Such a disappointment...

I was able to see François Boucher, La Danse du petit chien/ The Little Dog's Dance, 1758 and Claude Monet, Sunset on the Seine at Lavacourt, Winter effect.

Petit Palais has a free audio guide app to listen. Make sure scan QR code to download at...

• Architectural gem: The building itself, designed by Charles Girault for the 1900 Exposition Universelle, is celebrated for its ornate Beaux-Arts style, grand façade, domes and interior courtyard.  • Free entry (permanent collection): One of the more accessible major museums in Paris — the permanent collection in the Petit Palais is free, making it a very good value stop.  • High-quality art collection: The museum houses works by significant artists (e.g., Paul Cézanne, Gustave Courbet) plus decorative arts, sculpture, and objects spanning antiquity through the 19th century.  • Pleasant environment: Reviewers frequently mention that it feels less crowded than the major tourist museums, with a restful internal garden and a welcoming...

There was a que out front that took around 20 minutes, but considering the free entry, this was very reasonable.

There was a security check prior to entering, and lockers to store your belongings.

We loved the art/statues on display and the little outdoor garden area, and the cafe. Size was just right to not feel too intimidating to non-veteran museum goers, and you can see everything in a day making it overall very digestible.

Sadly, some parts were under construction. But we did enjoy the outdoor garden area (lots of chubby little birds lurking on our food...