Until 1848, the Paris Salon was held in the Louvre, which many complained kept the masterpieces of the museum hidden for long periods each year to make room for the works by the living artists. After convincing the powers that be that there would be no better place than the Royal Palace of the Tuileries, the Paris Salon was held there.
Since it had been vacated by the flight of King Louis-Philippe and his family, and already possessed large rooms and fine lighting, it was a perfect choice. However, the new republic immediately appropriated 650,000 francs for the erection of the Palais de l'Industrie on the Champs Elysées and after 1855, the salon was held there.
"The Jury for Painting, Salon des Artistes Français," 1885, by Henri Gervex (French, 1852–1929). Oil on canvas, 115 3/4 inches by 151 1/4 inches. Musée d'Orsay
