Musée du Petit Palais

About the museum

The Petit Palais is a 14th-century cardinal’s residence, built at the time when the popes resided in Avignon. Its name distinguishes it from the neighbouring Palais des Papes. The building, long an archbishop’s palace, is listed as a historic monument.

The museum opened in 1976. It brings together two major collections: Italian paintings from the collection of the Marquis Campana, largely acquired by the State in 1861 and deposited here by the Louvre, and medieval paintings and sculptures of the Avignon school, entrusted by the Musée Calvet.

The rooms, spread over three levels, present more than three hundred Italian Primitives, making it one of the most important collections of its kind in France. Works by Botticelli and Carpaccio are also on show, along with Provençal painters such as Enguerrand Quarton, as well as tombs and Gothic sculptures from Avignon.

In 2024 the Louvre and the City of Avignon signed a partnership agreement, “Louvre en Avignon”, aimed at renovating the visit route and strengthening the museum’s influence.

Highlights

• Vierge à l’Enfant by Botticelli
• More than 300 Italian Primitives from the Campana collection
• Paintings of the Avignon school, including Enguerrand Quarton
• Recumbent effigy of Cardinal Jean de La Grange, 14th-century funerary sculpture
• 14th-century cardinal’s palace

Founded

1976

Operated by

Ville d'Avignon

Visitors per year

approx. 43,484

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free for all visitors.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is difficult to access for visitors with reduced mobility because of numerous steps. It is advisable to call the museum before your visit.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Playful family tours, free and by reservation, for children aged 6 and over accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in the pedestrian zone of the historic centre, on Place du Palais des Papes. The nearest station is quite far away.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit