The Musée du Petit Palais occupies the former archbishops' and cardinals' residence on Place du Palais, across the square from the Palais des Papes in Avignon, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. The building dates from the 14th and 15th centuries and was fortified and remodelled over time, and it now houses one of Europe's richest collections of Italian paintings from the 13th to 16th centuries. The Campana collection forms the core, assembled by the Marquis Giampietro Campana and acquired in the 19th century, and it includes works by Sandro Botticelli, Vittore Carpaccio, Giovanni di Paolo and Paolo Uccello's circle, together with Sienese and Florentine panels on gold backgrounds. Visitors also see Avignon school paintings, sculpture and works from the local medieval workshops. The museum is quiet and compact, and the rooms are arranged chronologically, so a visit takes one to one and a half hours. Highlights include Botticelli's Virgin and Child and the large Gothic painted altarpieces, which show the transition from Byzantine-influenced styles toward Renaissance realism. The inner courtyard and the building's architecture are worth attention on their own. Crowds are generally light, with the busiest moments being the middle of the day in July, and the museum is a good choice on hot afternoons or during mistral days. It is closed on Tuesdays, and the first Sunday of the month often offers free admission. The Palais des Papes, the cathedral and the Rocher des Doms are all within a few minutes' walk.
| Admission | About EUR 6-8 (~$7-9); first Sunday of the month often free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Typically Wed-Mon 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00; closed Tuesday |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours |
| Best time | Early morning or late afternoon, outside July festival peak |
| Getting there | Walk; across the square from the Palais |
| Address | Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon |
Location
Place du Palais, 84000 Avignon
43.9513, 4.8066 View on map
Highlights
- Botticelli's Virgin and Child from the Campana collection
- Italian primitive panels on gold grounds from Siena and Florence
- Avignon school paintings and medieval sculpture
- Historic archbishops' palace architecture and courtyard
Tips for visiting
- First Sunday of the month often has free admission, so check the calendar.
- The museum is closed on Tuesday.
- Allow 1 to 1.5 hours, as the collection is compact.
- Combine with the Palais des Papes ticket day as the museum is across the same square.
- Visit at midday in summer for cool, quiet galleries.
When to visit
Weekday mornings and mid-afternoons are typically quiet. The museum is a good option for hot or windy days.
Accessibility
The historic building has stairs and uneven floors, but a lift or adapted route may serve visitors with reduced mobility. Visitors can ask at the reception desk for the best access.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
Around one to one and a half hours covers the main galleries.
Is it worth it for kids?
The collection of religious paintings mostly suits older children and adults, so younger children may find it less engaging.
Is photography allowed?
Photography without flash is often permitted for personal use, though rules can vary by room, so check signs.
Which artists are on display?
The museum is known for Botticelli, Carpaccio and other Italian painters of the 13th to 16th centuries.