Situated at the northern edge of the Tuileries Garden, adjacent to Place de la Concorde in Paris's 1st arrondissement, the Jeu de Paume is a prominent institution dedicated to photography, video, and new media art. Originally built in 1861 by Napoleon III as an indoor tennis court (Jeu de Paume), its name reflects its historical function.

From Imperial Past to Artistic Present

Designed by architect Anatole Ray, the rectangular iron-and-glass structure was innovative for its time, providing ample natural light ideal for both tennis and later, art exhibitions. After World War II, it served as an Impressionist Museum from 1947 to 1986, housing masterpieces by Monet and Renoir before their transfer to the newly opened Musée d'Orsay.

During World War II, the building was infamously used by the Nazis as a temporary storage facility for looted art, a dark chapter depicted in the film The Monuments Men. This history underscores the building's multifaceted past.

A Hub for Contemporary Visual Culture

Following the move of its Impressionist collection, the Jeu de Paume was re-purposed in 1991 as a space for contemporary art exhibitions. In 2004, it solidified its current identity as a specialized museum for photography, video, and new media, reflecting the evolving landscape of visual arts.

The museum operates without a permanent collection, focusing instead on 4-5 major temporary exhibitions annually. It regularly hosts retrospectives of influential 20th and 21st-century photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Diane Arbus, Stephen Shore, and Robert Mapplethorpe, making it a key venue for photographic art in Paris.

Emerging Artists and Media Installations

Beyond major retrospectives, Jeu de Paume supports emerging artists through programs like the Prix Elysée exhibitions, showcasing new talents from France and Europe. The second floor features a dedicated gallery for video and new media installations, designed as a black box space to optimize the viewing experience for works by artists like Pipilotti Rist and Harun Farocki.

PhotoParis and Panoramic Views

Each November, the Jeu de Paume serves as an official exhibition venue for PhotoParis, one of the world's leading photography fairs. This collaboration solidifies its role as a central hub for international photographic exchange and discourse.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Tuileries Garden, Place de la Concorde, and the Eiffel Tower from the museum's first-floor café, offering a unique blend of art appreciation and Parisian scenery.

Visiting Information

The Jeu de Paume is located at 1 Place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris, France. It is easily accessible via Metro lines 1, 8, and 12 to Concorde station. Admission for adults is €12. The museum is closed on Mondays. On Tuesdays, it opens from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and from Wednesday to Sunday, it operates from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. A visit of approximately 1.5 hours is recommended.

For a comprehensive cultural experience, visitors often combine a trip to the Jeu de Paume with a visit to the Musée de l'Orangerie, located at the opposite end of the Tuileries Garden. This allows for a leisurely stroll through the historic garden, connecting contemporary media art with Monet's iconic Water Lilies.