Palais De L'Industrie

Palais de l’Industrie Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Paris Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Palais de l’Industrie, once an emblem of 19th-century French industrial and artistic achievement, played a pivotal role in the history of Paris world expositions. Built for the 1855 Exposition Universelle, this monumental structure showcased the fusion of tradition and modernity, blending classical stone with pioneering iron and glass engineering. Although demolished in 1897 to make way for the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, its legacy is vividly preserved through these successor landmarks. Today, visitors can explore the Grand Palais’s glass nave and the Petit Palais’s fine arts collections, both situated on the original site along the Champs-Élysées. This guide provides a detailed overview of the Palais de l’Industrie’s history, architectural significance, and practical visitor information for its successors and nearby historical sites.

For more on current exhibitions, visiting hours, and ticketing, consult the official pages of the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, and delve deeper into the site’s history at Paris 1900 and BIE Paris.

Vintage wood engraving depicting the arrival of paintings before the Salon at Palais des Champs-Élysées on March 15, 19th century.

Vintage painting of people leaving an art salon at the Palais de l'Industrie circa 1890

Illustration of two men in military attire, one playing a piano and the other dancing

Black and white illustration of a comedy scene with a man in a hat and a woman in a dress on stage

Vintage black and white illustration of women in 1920s fashion with hats and elegant dresses

Historical drawing of horse-drawn carriages in front of the main pavilion of the Palais de l'Industrie

Engraving of the main entrance to the Palais de l'Industrie during the 1855 Universal Exhibition on Champs-Élysées, Paris

Historical typographic print of the Champs-Élysées by Broise et Courtier, measuring 62x89.8 cm

View of the Palais de l'Industrie across the Champs-Élysées in Paris with the Cirque de l'Impératrice and Salle Lacaze theaters in the foreground

General view of Paris taken from the Rond Point, historic cityscape

Panoramic view of Paris from the Champs-Elysées roundabout

Four sided lamp with decorative iron post incorporated into decorative iron railing fence at Palais de l'Industrie, 1878

Eight sided decorative street lamp with intricate iron post on a street corner

Commemorative fan from Paris Exposition Universelle 1855, painted and gilt lithograph on ivory and paper

First page of the 1896 contract for extras in the Cavalcade du Bœuf Gras

First page of the 1897 Bœuf Gras extras contract

Second page of the 1897 Bœuf Gras extras contract

Third page of the 1897 Bœuf Gras extras contract

Illustration from volume 2 of the illustrated popular dictionary by Edmond Alonnier and Joseph Décembre

Illustrated page from the 1855 edition of Die Gartenlaube magazine on page 181

Example page from Die Gartenlaube 1855 edition illustrating 19th century German literature

Palais de l'Industrie in Paris, 1855 illustration from Die Gartenlaube journal

Vintage black and white illustration from Die Gartenlaube 1863 showing a detailed scene of a family gathered in a garden

Engraving of the Palais de l'Industrie and Galerie des Machines at the 1855 Exposition Universelle in Paris

Wood engraving of the main entrance of the Palace of Industry from the 19th century

Main entrance of the Palais de l'Industrie from the north side near the Champs-Elysées avenue, wood engraving by Emile Théodore Therond, 1821

Main entrance of Palais de l'Industrie in Paris with classical architectural details

19th century urban landscape drawing of Champs Élysées, 8th arrondissement, Paris, France

1857 lithographed guide map of the Exposition des Beaux-Arts at the Palais de l'Industrie in Paris

Lithograph of the Palais de l'Industrie at the Exposition Universelle, exterior view

Bird's-eye view lithograph of the Exposition Universelle in Paris by Auguste Victor Deroy and Max Berthelin

Lithograph view of the Palace of the Universal Exposition and its annex from the terrace at the edge of the river in Paris

19th century lithograph of the Palais de l'Exposition and its annex at the Universal Exposition, view from the terrace by the water in Paris

View of the Palais de l'Exposition and its annex from the terrace by the water during the Exposition Universelle in Paris

Plan guide of the Palais des Beaux-Arts at the 1855 Exposition Universelle with detailed engravings and typographic prints

Colored lithographic plan, section, and elevation drawing for construction of new palaces on the Champs-Élysées for the 1900 Exposition Universelle

Main entrance facade of the Palais de l'Industrie in Paris

Facade of the Pavilion and main entrance of the Palais de l'Industrie and annex gallery in Paris

Wood engraving of the Palais de l'Industrie exterior, 19th century

Frontispiece engraving of the Palais de l'Industrie, Paris, 1891 by Henri Toussaint, detailed etching showing exterior views

Painting jury session with jury members seated and engaged in evaluation

19th century engraving showing exterior view of a Parisian street with detailed architecture and historical buildings

Exterior view of Palais de l'Industrie in 1855

Bird's-eye view elevation of the Palais de l'industrie for the 1855 Great Exhibit on the Champs-Élysées

Historical Overview
Visiting Today: Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and Nearby Historical Sites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References and Further Reading

Historical Overview

Origins and Conception

Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, the Palais de l’Industrie was France’s answer to London’s Crystal Palace, aiming to display national achievements in industry and the arts at the 1855 Exposition Universelle. A design competition in 1852 selected Jean-Marie-Victor Viel (architect) and Alexis Barrault (engineer), who envisioned a structure combining masonry with cast iron supports. The result was a vast exhibition hall strategically placed between the Seine and the Champs-Élysées, marking a new era in Parisian architecture and urban planning (BIE Paris; Paris 1900).

Architectural Significance

The Palais de l’Industrie measured approximately 260 meters in length and 105 meters in width, featuring an expansive central nave with a glass ceiling supported by iron beams. Its exterior, built in stone, provided a stately façade with sculptural adornments by Élias Robert and Georges Diebolt. This blend of iron, glass, and stone was innovative for its time, influencing future exhibition halls and foreshadowing the architectural advances of the Grand Palais (Musée d’Orsay).

Major Events and Uses

Exposition Universelle of 1855

The Palais de l’Industrie was the focal point of the 1855 Exposition Universelle, welcoming over five million visitors and exhibitors from 34 nations. Showcased within its halls were innovations such as Saint-Gobain’s giant mirror, Foucault’s pendulum, early washing machines, and Samuel Colt’s revolver. The central nave displayed monumental objects, while annexes housed large machinery and engines. The event also marked the creation of the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification, a system still influential today (BIE Paris).

Later Uses

Following 1855, the Palais became the site for annual art Salons and specialty expositions, including the first International Exhibition of Electricity in 1881. These events reinforced its status as a cultural and technological hub in Paris (Paris 1900).

Decline and Demolition

By the late 19th century, the Palais de l’Industrie was considered outdated, with issues like insufficient space and poor ventilation. Demolition began in 1896, paving the way for the construction of the Grand Palais and Petit Palais, completed for the 1900 Exposition Universelle. The new avenue created along the site, Avenue Winston Churchill, established a grand urban axis from the Champs-Élysées to Les Invalides (Paris 1900).

Visiting Today: Grand Palais, Petit Palais, and Nearby Historical Sites

The Site Today

Grand Palais: An architectural marvel of Beaux-Arts style, the Grand Palais is renowned for its glass nave and iron framework. It hosts major art exhibitions, fashion events, and cultural gatherings.
Petit Palais: Directly across Avenue Winston Churchill, the Petit Palais houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts, offering permanent collections and temporary exhibitions in a tranquil setting.

Both buildings are situated on the Champs-Élysées, close to the Seine, and continue the Palais de l’Industrie’s legacy as vibrant cultural institutions (Grand Palais; Petit Palais).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Grand Palais:
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (late opening Thursdays until 10:00 PM for select exhibitions).
- Closed Mondays and certain holidays.
- Ticket prices: Generally €15–€20 for adults, with discounts for students, seniors, and EU residents under 26.
- Advance online booking recommended (Grand Palais Tickets).
Petit Palais:
- Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; closed Mondays.
- Free entry for permanent collections; temporary exhibitions may require a ticket (Petit Palais Tickets).

Accessibility and Travel Tips

Accessibility: Both venues are wheelchair accessible and offer adapted facilities. Wheelchairs are available on request.
Getting There:
- Metro: Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau (Lines 1, 13), Franklin D. Roosevelt (Lines 1, 9)
- Bus: Lines 28, 42, 72, 73, 80, 83, 93
- RER: Line C (Invalides)
Tips:
- Arrive early or visit late for fewer crowds.
- Non-flash photography is generally allowed, but check for exhibition-specific rules.
- Combine your visit with the Petit Palais or a stroll along the Seine for a full day of exploration.

Other Paris Historical Sites Nearby

Champs-Élysées: Paris’s iconic avenue, home to luxury shops, theaters, and cafés.
Place de la Concorde: Historic square with fountains and the Luxor Obelisk.
Musée d’Orsay: Famed museum hosting Impressionist masterpieces in a converted railway station.
Pont Alexandre III: Ornate bridge offering panoramic views of the Grand Palais and Eiffel Tower.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Palais de l’Industrie still standing?
No, the original building was demolished in 1896–97. The Grand Palais and Petit Palais now occupy the site.

Can I visit the Palais de l’Industrie?
While the structure no longer exists, its successors—the Grand Palais and Petit Palais—are open to visitors and continue its legacy.

What are the Grand Palais visiting hours and ticket prices?
Typically open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, with late openings on Thursdays. Tickets for major exhibitions range from €15–€20.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, both venues offer guided tours and audio guides in multiple languages. Advance booking is advised for peak periods.

Is the Grand Palais accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, both the Grand Palais and Petit Palais provide accessible entrances, elevators, and adapted restrooms.

Can I take photos inside?
Non-flash photography is usually permitted in public areas; some exhibitions may restrict photography.

Conclusion

Although the original Palais de l’Industrie no longer stands, its influence endures through the Grand Palais and Petit Palais—two of Paris’s most celebrated cultural venues. These institutions continue the tradition of hosting world-class exhibitions and embody the innovative spirit that defined the original Palais. Visitors can immerse themselves in Paris’s rich history by exploring these sites and the surrounding landmarks. For up-to-date visiting hours, ticketing details, and special events, always consult the Grand Palais official website and Petit Palais official website. Enhance your Paris itinerary with the Audiala app for personalized travel tips, and savor the city’s timeless blend of heritage and modernity.