Lamp post on street corner with arcade and plaques on wall reading Rue Royale Quartier des Tuilieries in Paris 1878

Galerie Nationale Du Jeu De Paume

Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume: Comprehensive Guide to Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Paris Historical Sites

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled at the northwest corner of the Tuileries Gardens, the Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume is a cornerstone of Parisian cultural life, dedicated to the presentation of photography, video, cinema, and digital arts. Housed in a neoclassical building constructed in 1862, the museum’s architecture and history intersect with vibrant contemporary programming, making it an essential stop for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. This guide offers a detailed overview of the museum’s heritage, practical visitor information, upcoming exhibitions, and tips to enrich your visit in 2025. (Official Jeu de Paume Website, Paris Tourist Office)

Indoor court for the sport of courte paume at the 1900 Paris Olympics

East facade of Pavillon du Jeu de Paume in Jardin des Tuileries, Paris

West facade of Pavillon du Jeu de Paume in Jardin des Tuileries, Paris

Facade of Pavillon du Jeu de Paume under scaffolding in Jardin des Tuileries, Paris

Façade of Pavillon du Jeu de Paume under scaffolding during restoration at Jardin des Tuileries Paris

Façade of Pavillon du Jeu de Paume under scaffolding in Jardin des Tuileries Paris

Architectural modification plan of Jeu de Paume halls in Tuileries Garden for concert transformation Paris 1909

Basket of Henri Giffard's captive balloon with aerial view of Paris at 1878 World's Fair

Entrance of Paris Metro Line 1 at Concorde near Jeu de Paume during daytime

Introduction
Historical Overview
Visiting Information
Major 2025 Exhibitions & Programming
Facilities and Amenities
Accessibility
Getting There
Nearby Attractions
Visitor Tips
FAQ
Conclusion
References & Further Reading

Historical Overview

Origins as a Sporting Venue (1862–Early 20th Century)

The Jeu de Paume building was originally constructed in 1862 as a sporting hall for “jeu de paume,” the precursor to modern tennis. Commissioned by Napoleon III and designed by Melchior Viraut, it complemented the nearby Orangerie with its neoclassical style and quickly became a social hub for Parisian elites.

Wartime History and Transformation

During World War II, the building became infamous as a Nazi repository for looted art, much of it stolen from Jewish families. The courageous efforts of curator Rose Valland, who secretly documented the plundered works, are commemorated today by a plaque on-site.

Following the war, the space transitioned to a museum setting. From the mid-20th century, the Jeu de Paume hosted Impressionist works before specializing in modern and contemporary art, particularly photography, from 2004 onwards.

Evolution as a Contemporary Art Center

Modern renovations led by Antoine Stinco in the early 1990s transformed the interior for cutting-edge exhibitions. Today, the Jeu de Paume is a leading institution for photography, video, and digital media, hosting retrospectives for international artists and innovative thematic shows.

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursdays: Extended hours until 9:00 PM
Monday: Closed
Holiday Closures: January 1, May 1, July 14, December 25; early closing at 5:00 PM on December 24 and 31.
Temporary Closures: Possible during special events or renovations (e.g., Paris 2024 Olympics)—always check the official website before your visit.

Tickets & Admission Fees

Standard: €12
Reduced: €9 (seniors, teachers, select groups)
Youth: €7.50 (under 26, weekdays)
Free: Under 12s, job seekers, certain social benefit recipients, and under 25s on the last Tuesday of each month
Special Events: Cinema/seminars from €3
Group Rates: Available for groups of 25+ (inquire ahead)
Purchase: Online via Tiqets or on-site

Security & Policies

Security checks per the Vigipirate plan.
Only cabin-sized luggage accepted in the cloakroom.
Non-flash photography allowed in public areas; some exhibitions may restrict photography.
Cloakroom available for small bags and coats.

Major 2025 Exhibitions & Programming

Key Exhibitions

Festival “Paysages Mouvants” (Moving Landscapes): Feb 7 – Mar 23, 2025
A festival exploring landscape transformations through photography and video, curated by Jeanne Mercier. (Paris Select Book)
“Le Monde selon l’IA” (The World According to AI): Apr 11 – Sept 21, 2025
Examining AI’s impact on art, with interactive installations and generative works. (Jeu de Paume – Saison 2025)
Luc Delahaye: Retrospective: Oct 11, 2024 – Jan 25, 2026
A career-spanning look at Delahaye’s transition from documentary to conceptual photography.
Chantal Akerman & Tina Barney: Sept 28, 2024 – Jan 19, 2025
Major retrospectives highlighting diverse approaches in contemporary photography.

Cinema & Audiovisual Programming

Art-house Cinema: Opened November 2024, the only such venue in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, with 400 films annually.
Special Cycles:
- Véréna Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor (June 2025)
- Luis García Berlanga (November 2025)

Offsite Exhibitions

Château de Tours:
- Prix Niépce – Gens d’Images 2024 (Summer 2025)
- Prix Swiss Life à 4 mains (Summer 2025)
- Madeleine de Sinéty (Dec 2025 – May 2026)

Educational Programs

Workshops: For children and families, including creative sessions and digital editing.
Guided Tours: Free every Wednesday and Saturday at 12:30 (with ticket).
Artist Talks & Book Events: Check the museum calendar for dates.

Facilities and Amenities

Rose Bakery Café: Terrace seating with views of the Tuileries.
Open Tuesday 11:00–19:30, Wednesday–Sunday 11:00–18:30.
Bookshop: Art books, exhibition catalogues, and gifts.
Restrooms & Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the museum.
Cloakroom: For small bags and coats.

Accessibility

Fully wheelchair accessible via the Pont de Fer entrance.
Accessible restrooms and elevators.
Staff assistance available; contact the museum ahead for specific needs.

Getting There

Address: 1 Place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris
Metro: Concorde (Lines 1, 8, 12)
Bus: 24, 42, 52, 72, 73, 84, 94
Vélib’ Bike Share: Stations at Place de la Madeleine, Rue Saint-Honoré, Rue d’Alger
Car: Parking Concorde nearby (consider traffic/limited parking)
Walking: Steps from the Louvre and Musée de l’Orangerie

Nearby Attractions

Louvre Museum: 5-minute walk
Musée de l’Orangerie: Adjacent
Tuileries Gardens: For scenic strolls
Place de la Concorde: Historic urban landmark

Visitor Tips

Visit weekday mornings or Tuesday evenings for fewer crowds.
Book tickets online for busy exhibitions.
Combine with a visit to other nearby museums.
Families: Take advantage of workshops and interactive activities.
Bilingual materials and guided tours are available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Jeu de Paume opening hours?
A: Tuesday–Sunday 11:00–19:00, Thursday until 21:00, closed Monday.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Online via the official website or at the entrance.

Q: Is the Jeu de Paume accessible?
A: Yes, fully wheelchair accessible with adapted facilities.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, free tours Wednesday and Saturday at 12:30 with a valid ticket.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, non-flash photography is permitted unless otherwise indicated.

Q: Are there amenities for families?
A: Yes, including workshops, family rendezvous, and treasure hunts.

Visual Resources

Photographs of the neoclassical façade with the Tuileries Gardens
Interior gallery shots with current exhibitions
Images of the Rose Bakery café terrace
Photos of the new cinema space
All images should include descriptive alt text, e.g., “Jeu de Paume museum façade in Paris with Tuileries Gardens in the foreground.”

Conclusion

The Galerie Nationale du Jeu de Paume weaves together Parisian history, innovative art, and contemporary cultural debate. Its dynamic programming and central location make it a premier destination for anyone seeking to experience modern photography, digital media, and the evolving language of imagery. With comprehensive amenities, accessibility, and a welcoming atmosphere, the Jeu de Paume facilitates an enriching visit for all. Book your tickets online, check the exhibition calendar, and immerse yourself in one of Paris’s most vibrant cultural landmarks.