Planning a visit to the Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection museum in Paris? French billionaire and businessman François Pinault owns more than ten thousand pieces of modern art. Some of these can already be seen in his museum in Venice, but since 2021 you can visit the beautiful building located in the Les Halles district. The museum organizes great exhibitions and artistic events all year round. Some of the works from the permanent collection are exhibited in seven rooms around the rotunda. The Bourse de Commerce offers more than 6,800 m² of exhibition space and there is also a restaurant by Michel and Sébastien Bras, La Halle aux Grains.
In this blog article the most important things and fun facts to make the most of your visit to the Bourse de Commerce in Paris. But also where you can buy tickets for the remarkable building and how much a ticket will cost you. It is better to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid the queues. With our tips you can visit one of the best museums in Paris without any worries. Be sure to read our frequently asked questions about Bourse de Commerce with ticket prices, address, opening hours, etc…
TIP: every first Saturday of the month there is a free late night from 5pm to 9pm. Handy if you want to visit Paris on a budget!
• Fun to do: Tickets Paris Seine River Cruise by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
• Nice combination: Tickets Montparnasse Tower + Tootbus Hop-On-Hop-Off Paris →
1. Tickets & prices for Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection museum
Buying tickets for the Bourse de Commerce museum in Paris is easy via the link below. The price for a ticket is 15€. With a ticket you have general access to the Bourse de Commerce, access to all exhibitions and an audio guide app in 6 languages (accessible online on your phone).
There are 10 temporary exhibitions and events per year with the latest paintings, sculptures, photos, videos and sound installations. It is a very popular museum in Paris. So be sure to buy your tickets online in advance to enjoy the building and the exhibition as soon as possible.
2. Bourse de Commerce: unique building with a nice collection and exhibitions
Multibillionaire François Pinault (the businessman behind luxury fashion brands such as Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga) has built up an enormous collection of contemporary art over the past decades. The collection now consists of more than 10,000 pieces and is worth approximately 1.25 billion euros.
François Pinault had been looking for a Parisian space for a permanent exhibition of his gigantic collection for years. Various new construction plans fell through and his original plan to take over the old Citroën factory in the 15th arrondissement of Paris did not go smoothly. In 2016, the Paris city council announced that it had bought the current building for 86 million euros and leased it to the Pinault Collection for 50 years.
After five years of work (restored and transformed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando), the new museum opened in May 2021 with a large exhibition space, an auditorium in the basement and a gastronomic restaurant on the top floor. There are original wooden display cases with contemporary artworks, a huge ceiling fresco from 1886 and the 9-meter high concrete wall that surrounds and delimits the central exhibition space. The building is truly beautiful and even if you are not an art lover, a visit to this museum is highly recommended.
3. Practical tips for a visit to the museum
• Count on about 1 to 2 hours to discover all the collections and exhibitions in the Bourse de Commerce
• Especially during popular exhibitions it can get very busy. The crowds increase on weekends. If possible, plan your visit on weekdays and preferably in the morning or evening, when it is also less busy.
• Some nice museums and gardens that you can discover around the Bourse de Commerce:
– The Louvre: one of the largest art collections in the world
– Jardin du Palais Royal: enjoy a quiet walk in these beautiful gardens
– Centre Pompidou: museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art
A visit to the Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection museum by François Pinault is definitely worth it during a city trip to Paris. Whether you are a seasoned art lover or an architecture fan, the impressive building invites you to immerse yourself in the intersection of art and architecture. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid the queues.
FAQ about visiting the Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection in Paris
1. What is the Bourse de Commerce exactly?
The Bourse de Commerce is a stunning circular building in the heart of Paris that now houses the contemporary art collection of French billionaire François Pinault. Think edgy, bold, and often surprising art, all in a historic 18th-century setting.
2. Where is it located?
Right in the center of Paris! You’ll find it near Les Halles and the Louvre, at 2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris. It’s super easy to reach, just steps from Les Halles metro station (Line 4) or Châtelet.
3. What kind of art will I see there?
Mostly contemporary art, with rotating exhibitions from both established and emerging artists. Expect installations, video art, photography, sculpture, and the occasional piece that might leave you scratching your head (in a good way).
4. Is the building itself worth seeing?
Absolutely. The Bourse de Commerce is a brilliant mix of old and new, a historic grain exchange turned high-concept art space. The renovation by architect Tadao Ando adds a sleek concrete cylinder inside the circular rotunda. It’s a work of art on its own.
5. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It’s recommended, especially on weekends or during major exhibitions. Tickets can be booked online and are time-slotted. Entry is free for under-18s and EU residents under 26.
6. How much time should I plan for a visit?
About 1 to 1.5 hours is plenty for most visits, depending on how deeply you dive into the exhibitions. There’s also a café and bookshop if you feel like lingering longer.
7. Is there a rooftop or view?
Yes! The top-floor restaurant, Halle aux Grains, offers a gorgeous view of the city and the nearby Saint-Eustache church. Even if you’re not dining, it’s worth sneaking a peek.
8. Can I take photos inside?
Yes, non-flash photography is usually allowed for personal use, but always check signs near the artworks. Some pieces or exhibitions may have restrictions.
9. Is the museum family-friendly?
While it’s not specifically aimed at kids, curious teens and art-loving families will enjoy it. Just keep in mind that contemporary art can be abstract or provocative, not everything will be suitable for very young children.
10. What else is nearby?
You’re in the center of it all! After your visit, you can stroll through Les Halles, visit the Louvre, or explore the quirky Marais district, all within walking distance.
Bonus tip: even if you’re not a contemporary art expert, the Bourse de Commerce is worth visiting just for its architecture, ambiance, and the chance to see Paris’s newest major museum from the inside.
