The Palais de Tokyo is a major center for contemporary and modern art located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. It stands on the avenue du Président Wilson, near the Seine River and directly opposite the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, with which it shares a common architectural structure. The building was constructed for the International Exhibition of Arts and Technology in Modern Life held in Paris in 1937.

Unlike a traditional museum, the Palais de Tokyo is distinguished by its focus on the most current developments in the art world. It functions primarily as a site for creation and experimentation, offering a dynamic program of temporary exhibitions, live performances, film screenings, and artistic interventions. Its mission is to support and present the work of living artists, both French and international, across all disciplines including painting, sculpture, installation, video, design, and fashion.

The institution operates with an unconventional and flexible approach to exhibition design and visitor experience. Its vast, raw industrial spaces, which are deliberately left unfinished in parts, provide a distinctive backdrop that encourages artists to conceive ambitious, site-specific projects. This architectural philosophy makes the building itself an integral part of the artistic experience.

The Palais de Tokyo's programming is organized around major thematic exhibitions that change several times a year, ensuring a constantly evolving presentation. It also hosts a restaurant, a bookshop, and educational workshops, positioning itself as a cultural hub open to a wide public. Its activities extend beyond the visual arts to encompass music, dance, literature, and gastronomy, fostering dialogue between different forms of contemporary expression.

As one of the largest centers for contemporary creation in Europe, the Palais de Tokyo plays a significant role in the international art scene. It serves as a vital platform for discovering emerging talents and for engaging with the critical debates shaping contemporary culture. Its location within a historic palace from the 1930s creates a compelling contrast between the legacy of modernist architecture and the avant-garde artistic practices it houses today.