Ionic columns line the front of the rather classical façade of Petit Palais. Like many Beaux Arts buildings, it combines Greek and Roman forms but also includes plenty of ornamentation, making it rather eclectic in style.
Reopened in 2005 after more than 4 years of renovations, Paris' Petit Palais was - like its counterpart across the street, -the Grand Palais - built for the Universal Exposition in the year 1900. Originally meant to be just a temporary structure to host a large exposition of French art, this magnificent Beaux Arts-style building - designed by Charles Girault - became a favorite with Paris residents, who refused to tear it down... and it still stands today.