Background

Musée du Petit Palais: A Medieval Art Treasure

Explore medieval and early Renaissance art in Avignon's Petit Palais, home to Italian primitives and the Avignon school.

4.3

The Musée du Petit Palais in Avignon is home to an impressive collection of medieval and early Renaissance paintings and sculptures, primarily Italian primitives and works from the Avignon school. Housed in a 14th-century palace, it offers a unique glimpse into the artistic and cultural heritage of the region.

A brief summary to Musée du Petit Palais

Local tips

  • Visit on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday, as the museum is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to the permanent collections.
  • Allocate around 1.5 hours for a self-guided tour to fully appreciate the collection.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Palais des Papes for a comprehensive historical experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Palais des Papes, walk north across the Place du Palais. The Musée du Petit Palais is located on the opposite side of the square, a short walk of less than 5 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Avignon Centre train station, take tram line A towards Saint-Chamand and disembark at the Palais des Papes stop. The Musée du Petit Palais is approximately a 5-minute walk from the tram stop, heading north across Place du Palais. A single tram ticket costs around €1.50.

  • Taxi

    From Avignon TGV station, a taxi ride to the Musée du Petit Palais takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. The museum is located near Palais des Papes. Expect to pay around €12-€15 for the ride.

Unlock the Best of Musée du Petit Palais

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Musée du Petit Palais

The Musée du Petit Palais, or Little Palace Museum, in Avignon, France, is a captivating journey into medieval and early Renaissance art. Located in the former Archbishops' Palace, its name distinguishes it from the larger Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) nearby. The museum's building dates back to the 14th century, with significant restoration in the late 15th century. The museum opened in 1976 and boasts a collection of roughly 390 paintings and 600 sculptures. The core of the collection comprises Italian paintings assembled by Marquis Campana in the 19th century, an exceptional deposit from the Louvre Museum. It also features Provençal paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages, contributed by the Calvet Foundation. The Campana collection showcases Italian painting's evolution from Byzantine influences to the Florentine Renaissance, featuring artists like Botticelli and Carpaccio. Beyond Italian art, the Petit Palais is dedicated to medieval Avignon and Provençal art. It displays funerary sculptures from the 14th century, including the tomb of Cardinal Jean de Lagrange, and paintings from the Avignon School, an innovative artistic center in 14th and 15th century France. The museum's location on Place du Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enhances its prestige. Visitors can explore the museum in roughly 1.5 hours, with free access to the permanent collections.

Popular Experiences near Musée du Petit Palais

Popular Hotels near Musée du Petit Palais

Select Currency