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Paid · Temporary Exhibitions
Palais Lumière
A former 1902 thermal establishment repurposed as an excellent exhibition center, facing Lake Léman. Temporary exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography.
Camster · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Exhibition center and museum
Access
Paid
Price
From €9 (full price), €7 (reduced), free under 16
Duration
1 to 2 hours (exhibition visit)
Best season
Year-round (according to programming)
Parking
Port parking nearby (paid)
Dogs
Not allowed (except assistance dogs)
Town
Évian-les-Bains
What is Palais Lumière
The Palais Lumière is a former thermal establishment built in 1902 by architect Ernest Brunnarius, located on quai Charles-Albert Besson, facing Lake Léman. A historical monument listed in 1986, the building was purchased in 1996 by the City of Évian and completely renovated by architects Michel Spitz and François Châtillon to reopen in 2006 as a cultural and congress center.
The 4,200 m² building now houses 700 m² of exhibition rooms across two levels, highly equipped to host international exhibitions (painting, sculpture, photography), the Charles-Ferdinand Ramuz media library spanning 700 m², and a congress space of 2,200 m² with a 382-seat auditorium. The building has recovered its central dome measuring 8.5 m in diameter reaching 35 m in height, its two stone campaniles adorned with flamed sandstone, and the murals by Jean Benderly in the vestibule.
In just a few years, Palais Lumière has become one of the main cultural centers in the Léman basin, with a programming of internationally renowned temporary exhibitions: Marc Chagall, Raoul Dufy, Rodin, Charlie Chaplin, Félix Ziem. In 2026, the building received the S3A label guaranteeing welcome and accessibility for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Activities
What you can do here
Practical
Practical information
Address
Quai Charles-Albert Besson, 74500 Évian-les-Bains View on map
Hours
April 19, 2025 to January 4, 2026: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays 10 am–6 pm. Tuesday 2–6 pm outside school holidays, 10 am–6 pm during school holidays. Closed December 25 and January 1. Verified on the official website on May 14, 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.
Prices
Full price: €9. Reduced price: €7 (students, job seekers, large families, groups min 10 persons, Pass Léman). Guided tour: €13 (admission + guided visit). Free for under 16. Verified May 14, 2026.
Booking
No booking required for individual admission. Tickets purchased on-site only (no online ticketing). Booking recommended for group guided tours: 04 50 83 10 19 or [email protected].
Contact
Tel: 04 50 83 15 90 · Media library: 04 50 83 15 80 · Cultural services: 04 50 83 10 19
Parking
Port parking nearby (paid). Adapted disabled parking spaces near the building.
Accessibility
Lift (80 x 130 cm). Accessible toilets with grab bars. Wheelchairs available at reception on request. Hearing loop at reception. S3A label 2026 (intellectual disability accessibility). Adapted visits on request Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
Animals
Assistance dogs accepted. Other animals not allowed.
Access
How to get there
By car
From Geneva (45 km, 45 min): take the A40 towards Chamonix, exit 16 Thonon-Ouest, then D1005 towards Évian. From Annecy (75 km, 1 h 10): D1508 then D1005. Palais Lumière is located on quai Charles-Albert Besson, facing the lake, next to the town hall. Port parking nearby.
Open in MapsBy bike
ViaRhôna cycle path (EuroVelo 17) nearby. Cycle facilities along quai Charles-Albert Besson. Bike racks in front of Palais Lumière.
Open in MapsWhen to visit
When to visit
Palais Lumière is open year-round according to temporary exhibition programming (usually 2 to 3 major exhibitions per year). Peak periods occur during exhibition openings and weekends in July–August. Visiting on weekdays outside school holidays ensures a more peaceful experience. Guided family visits on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings are very popular. In winter, enjoy the heating and natural light from the restored skylights. In summer, extend your visit with a stroll along the lake.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I buy tickets for Palais Lumière?
Tickets for Palais Lumière are purchased on-site only, at the reception desk of Palais Lumière, quai Charles-Albert Besson. There is no online ticketing. Full price €9, reduced €7, free for under 16.
What is the price of Palais Lumière?
Admission to Palais Lumière is €9 (full price), €7 (reduced price for students, job seekers, large families, groups min 10 persons, Pass Léman), €13 with guided tour. Free for under 16. Verified May 14, 2026.
What are the hours of Palais Lumière?
Palais Lumière is open Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays from 10 am to 6 pm. Tuesday: 2–6 pm outside school holidays, 10 am–6 pm during school holidays. Closed December 25 and January 1. Verified on the official website May 14, 2026 — subject to seasonal changes.
What exhibition is currently at Palais Lumière?
From April 19, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Palais Lumière presents 'Paris-Brussels, 1880-1914', a selection of over three hundred works from a private collection: paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, illustrated books. Guided visits daily at 14:30.
Is Palais Lumière wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Palais Lumière has a lift (80 x 130 cm), accessible toilets with grab bars, and wheelchairs available at reception on request. The building received the S3A label in 2026 guaranteeing accessibility for persons with intellectual disabilities. Hearing loop available at reception.
How much time should I allow to visit Palais Lumière?
Allow 1 to 2 hours to visit the temporary exhibition at Palais Lumière, depending on your pace. Guided tours last approximately 1 hour (+ €4 in addition to admission). Family visits for children aged 6–12 last 40 minutes.
Where can I park to visit Palais Lumière?
Évian Port parking (paid) is located immediately next to Palais Lumière, on quai Charles-Albert Besson. Adapted disabled parking spaces available next to the building. Palais Lumière is also accessible on foot from the CGN landing stage (200 m) and SNCF station (900 m, 10 min).
Are dogs allowed at Palais Lumière?
Only assistance dogs are accepted in the exhibition rooms of Palais Lumière. Other animals are not allowed.
Sources
Sources & verification
Multi-source verification at publication date. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.