Musee du Petit Palais, Avignon

On the north side of the Place du Palais and immediately adjacent the large Palais des Papes is the Musee du Petit Palais, a smallish museum that focuses on religious paintings on wood screens and panels (which would normally be placed within various churches) as well as some scultupres. The museum is well organized, laid out and the 14th century palace that it is situated in as interesting in its own right. The collection is narrowly focused so would appeal mostly to a particular crowd. The museum is free and since one is normally in the area to see the Palais des Papes, it is worth the 20 minute visit.

Although this museum is free, most of the rooms/works of art were closed off. Thankfully I did get to see Botticelli’s Madonna & Child, but whereas I’d normally spend a good couple of hours in an art gallery, I was done in less than half an hour. I was also looking forward to enjoying a coffee in the courtyard, but the café was closed and it looked like they were renovating or getting rid of it!