Sight · Vivienne
Palais Brongniart
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Palais Brongniart, also known as the Paris Bourse, is a neoclassical landmark in the 2nd arrondissement, at Place de la Bourse. Built between 1808 and 1826, it originally housed the Paris Stock Exchange (Bourse de Paris) until 1998. The building's grand colonnaded facade and soaring interior dome are architectural highlights. Today, it serves as a venue for conferences, exhibitions, fashion shows, and cultural events. Visitors can admire the exterior and occasionally step inside during open days or events. Its location in the Vivienne neighborhood places it near the covered passages (like Galerie Vivienne) and the Palais Royal, making it a perfect stop on a walking tour of historic Paris.
Don't miss
- Marvel at the grand neoclassical colonnade and the statue of Napoleon atop the pediment.
- Peek inside during special events like the European Heritage Days to see the grand trading floor.
- Stroll through the nearby Galerie Vivienne, a stunning 19th-century covered arcade with boutiques and cafes.
- Visit the adjacent Place de la Bourse, a lively square with fountains and benches.
- Combine with a visit to the Palais Royal and its gardens, just a 5-minute walk away.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Palais Brongniart
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine Palais Brongniart with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inParis Notre-Dame Interior or Exterior Walking Tour4.9★ · 2,293 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$35 per personSee dates →
Most bookedLouvre Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour with Access4.5★ · 12,899 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$74 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleParis City Center with Notre Dame interior Exclusive Walking Tour4.9★ · 220 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$60 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Interior visits are rare; plan around special open days like Heritage Days.
- The exterior is photogenic; best shots from across the square.
- Combine with a walk through the nearby covered passages (Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas).
- Cafes around Place de la Bourse offer good people-watching spots.
A bit of history
Commissioned by Napoleon I and designed by architect Alexandre-Théodore Brongniart, the building opened in 1826 as the Paris Bourse. It functioned as the stock exchange for over 170 years until electronic trading made the physical floor obsolete.
Common questions
Can I go inside Palais Brongniart?
Generally, no, it's a private event venue. However, it opens to the public during European Heritage Days and occasional cultural events.
What is the best way to get there?
Take Metro line 3 to Bourse station, which exits right at the square. It's also a short walk from the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre station.
Is there an entrance fee?
There is no fee to view the exterior. For interior events, entry is usually free but may require registration.
What is the history of the building?
It was built as the Paris Stock Exchange in the early 19th century and served that role until electronic trading replaced the floor in 1998.
Are there guided tours?
Not regularly, but during open days, guided tours may be offered. Check the official site for details.
What else is nearby?
The Palais Royal, Louvre Museum, and several covered passages are within walking distance.
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