The accounts are not good: to relieve its finances and restore its building, the Palais de Tokyo will be forced to close its doors in the near future. The details of this closure have not yet been finalized, but it is likely that the museum will decide to begin the work in 2025, with a hoped-for reopening in 2026.
For the 1937Exposition Internationale, a huge Art Deco building was erected between Avenue du Président Wilson and Avenue de New York (formerly known as the "Quai de Tokio"), to house two museums of modern art. Nearly a century later, the building is beginning to show its age. The Palais de Tokyo, housed in the building's west wing, has been suffering from a number of problems for several years now.
Major waterproofing problems have been reported and monitored since 2018. Roofing, skylights, bay windows, marble slabs: water is seeping into the museum, causing considerable damage. In an observation report published in December 2022, the Cour des Comptes also mentions " a diagnosis of the exterior facades, then of the interior stone facings, a study of the resistance of the floors, an electrical audit etc. [qui] successively bring to light defects either in design, or in maintenance and renovation, which weaken the site or put it in danger through lack of compliance with new standards. "
A complete restoration of the museum is therefore called for. But the work is not trivial, and requires complex organization. " The total cost of the work, covering renovation and insulation (waterproofing, replacement of the original zinc roofs, for example) and bringing the building up to safety standards, including electrical, without any new developments for programmatic purposes, is estimated at a minimum of 15 million euros ", adds the Cour des Comptes.
In 2021, as recalled by the Journal des Arts, the operator of cultural heritage and real estate projects (Oppic) recommended that the Centre d'Art Moderne carry out a series of works over a ten-year period, so that the museum could continue to welcome visitors. However, the cost of the multiple restorations carried out over the years, coupled with the special insurance the museum must take out to protect the works, are no longer viable.
To cut costs, the Palais de Tokyo is considering closing its doors entirely for a limited period. By devoting itself solely to the work, the museum should be able to speed up the restoration process, and thus save money, despite the absence of visitors. Marianne Berger, Deputy Director General of the Palais de Tokyo, is counting on a "short closure of no more than one year", according to Le Monde.
According to current discussions, the museum should be completely closed during 2025, and reopened around 2026. Details of the action plan for the Palais de Tokyo's renovation will have to be announced at a later date. In the meantime, the art center continues its activities.
Palais de Tokyo: opening hours, prices, reservations... All you need to know about the Paris museum
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Palais de Tokyo, a jewel of contemporary art located in the heart of Paris. Opening times, prices, reservations, nearby transport... Everything you need to know before your visit! [Read more]
In 2025, the Palais de Tokyo inaugurates Symbiosis, a unique performance program led by Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar. Residencies, public rehearsals and performances will punctuate the year, offering a unique immersion in the world of contemporary dance and artistic creation. [Read more]
The Palais de Tokyo is hosting the exhibition "Collective Joy - Learning to Flambé!" from February 20 to May 11, 2025. An exploration of cultures of gathering and the experience of collective joy through diverse artistic practices. [Read more]
The Palais de Tokyo hosts Raphaël Barontini's exhibition "Quelque part dans la nuit, le peuple danse" from February 20 to May 11, 2025. A plunge into living narratives combining historical archives and contemporary creations, at the crossroads of tradition and innovation. [Read more]
From February 20 to May 11 2025, the Palais de Tokyo and the CAPC Bordeaux will present the first French retrospective devoted to the artist RAMMELLZEE at the Paris museum. In all, some one hundred major works and previously unseen archives will be on display, tracing the career of an enigmatic figure in contemporary art and hip-hop. [Read more]
Palais de Tokyo: opening hours, prices, reservations... All you need to know about the Paris museum
Symbiosis at the Palais de Tokyo: a year of immersive performances with Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar
Collective Joy - Learning to Flambé: the exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo
Raphaël Barontini exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo
Rammellzzee exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo
