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.