Artists’ Faces

Petit Palais, Paris

18 Mar - 19 Jul 2026

The Petit Palais in Paris presents a masterly dialogue between the past and present, juxtaposing iconic 19th-century self-portraits by masters like Gustave Courbet with provocative contemporary works by leading female artists. This curated odyssey explores the evolution of the artistic soul through a sophisticated array of paintings, sculptures, and photography.

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The exhibition Artists' Faces: From Gustave Courbet to Annette Messager at the Petit Palais offers a profound exploration of the artist's portrait and self-portrait, drawing from the museum's rich permanent collections. The curatorial theme transcends simple likeness, examining the portrait as a tool for social assertion, a tribute to artistic lineage, and a space for radical creative freedom. By moving through four thematic sections—from the intimate isolation of the self-portrait to the shared identity of group portraits and studio scenes—the showcase reveals how creators have navigated the delicate balance between their private vulnerabilities and the public images they chose to project throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Central to the exhibition is a remarkable dialogue between historical masters and contemporary visionaries. Iconic masterpieces such as Gustave Courbet’s Self-Portrait with a Black Dog and Léon Bonnat’s academic rigor are confronted by the disruptive energy of modern works. A significant curatorial highlight is the inclusion of thirteen contemporary female artists, including Annette Messager, Cindy Sherman, and Nan Goldin. Their contributions challenge the traditionally male-dominated history of the genre, addressing modern concerns of identity, gender, and feminist issues while breathing new life into the museum's storied halls.

The historical significance of the exhibition is deeply rooted in the Petit Palais’ own heritage, featuring many works brought out of storage specifically for this event. Visitors can admire the expressive busts of Impressionist painters sculpted by Paul Paulin, featuring the likes of Renoir, Monet, and Pissarro, which emphasize the networks of friendship and professional circles that defined the era. The narrative journey also explores the studio space as a site of sociability and invention, where the myth of the lone genius is often dismantled through photographs and paintings that place the artist within their physical and emotional environment.

Emotionally, the exhibition resonates by stripping away the "landscape" of the world to focus entirely on the human face as a mirror of the soul. There is a palpable sense of intimacy in the "confidential" scenography, which invites viewers to witness the doubts and audacities of the artists. From the hyper-realistic sculptures of Hélène Delprat to the monumental Janus by Anne and Patrick Poirier, the works evoke a spectrum of feelings ranging from introspective calm to sudden surprise. This journey ultimately serves as a powerful reminder of the permanence of human questioning, making the distant past feel urgently present through the shared gaze of the artist.

Highlights

Admire the iconic Self-Portrait with a Black Dog by Gustave Courbet, a masterpiece marking his debut at the Paris Salon.
Witness the intense dialogue between 19th-century classics and contemporary works by artists like Annette Messager and Cindy Sherman.
Explore the expressive bronze busts of Impressionist painters sculpted by Paul Paulin, featuring Renoir, Monet, and Pissarro.
Discover rare treasures brought out of storage specifically for this event, including academic works by Léon Bonnat.
Experience the immersive section dedicated to the artist's studio, revealing the intimate environments where creative genius is born.
Marvel at the monumental and surprising Janus sculpture created by the duo Anne and Patrick Poirier.

While access to the permanent collections at the Petit Palais is free, the 'Artists’ Faces' temporary exhibition requires a specific paid ticket.

A typical visit to the 'Artists’ Faces' exhibition lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on your interest in the individual self-portraits.

Photography for personal use is generally permitted without flash or tripods, though certain loaned masterpieces may have specific restrictions indicated by signage.

Yes, the Petit Palais is fully accessible, and elevators are available to ensure all visitors can reach the 'Artists’ Faces' exhibition galleries.

The exhibition explores creative identity by juxtaposing 19th-century self-portraits, such as those by Gustave Courbet, with contemporary works by artists like Annette Messager.

The Petit Palais often organizes lecture tours and workshops related to temporary exhibitions; it is recommended to check the museum's daily schedule upon arrival.

Petit Palais

Paris

Nestled near the Champs-Élysées, the Petit Palais is a Parisian architectural treasure housing a magnificent permanent collection of fine art paintings and sculptures. Its world-class exhibitions offer deep dives into diverse artistic movements, making it an essential destination for cultural explorers in Paris.

Schedules

Opening Hours

The Petit Palais is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the museum offers late-night hours until 8:00 PM for temporary exhibitions.
The last entry to the collections is permitted until 5:15 PM before the galleries begin closing.
The venue is strictly closed to the public every Monday and on select major holidays.

Special Days

Access to the permanent collections is completely free for all visitors and does not require a reservation.

The museum is closed every Monday and on public holidays including January 1st, May 1st, July 14th, and December 25th.

Extended late-night hours are available until 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays for temporary exhibitions only.

How to get there

Located in the heart of the 8th arrondissement on the prestigious Avenue Winston Churchill, the Petit Palais sits elegantly between the Champs-Élysées and the Seine, offering exceptional accessibility from across the city. This architectural masterpiece is easily reached via Paris’s efficient public transit network, ensuring a seamless arrival for art enthusiasts.

Metro: Lines 1 and 13 stop at Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau, while Line 9 serves Franklin D. Roosevelt, both placing you just a short stroll from the museum entrance.
RER: Take Line C to Invalides, located just across the Pont Alexandre III, providing a scenic walk toward the venue.
Bus: Multiple routes including lines 28, 42, 72, 73, 80, 83, and 93 stop at Grand Palais or Champs-Élysées - Clemenceau, offering direct access to the museum's vicinity.
Batobus: For a riverside arrival, the Place de la Concorde stop is a beautiful 10-minute walk along the Seine to the museum.