What if you could travel back in time without leaving the capital? You don't need a DeLorean or any other time machine straight out of an H.G. Wells novel to do this: the museums of Paris and its suburbs do the job very well, and many of them offer a wide range of historical exhibitions to help you learn all about the various eras of the past.
Whether it's thehistory of France or of other countries around the world, there's something for every taste and desire... And for all ages! Take a trip to the Musée de l'Armée, for example, to learn all about the history of wars in France and around the world. Or head to the Musée Guimet or the Musée Cernuschi, to immerse yourself in Asian history and culture. You could also opt for the Musée de la Libération de Paris, or the Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux, to learn more about the history of the First and Second World Wars... In short, everything you need to know about history!
Please note that this guide is updated regularly as we make new discoveries and announcements, so be sure to keep this page handy so you don't miss out on any of the great historical exhibitions coming up in Paris and the Île-de-France region! Mark your calendars!
Treasures of the Al Thani Collection, the exhibition at Hôtel de la Marine
The Centre des Monuments nationaux and the Al Thani Collection Foundation unveil the new galleries dedicated to exhibiting the works of Prince Qatar. As of November 18, 2021, come and discover the first temporary exhibition entitled "Treasures from the Al Thani Collection". [Read more]
Notre-Dame de Paris at the Cité de l'architecture: our photos of the monumental exhibition
The Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine and the Etablissement public chargé de la conservation et de la restauration de la cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, the contracting authority for the restoration project, invite you to discover the exhibition Notre-Dame de Paris - Des bâtisseurs aux restaurateurs. On view from February 15, 2023 to June 2, 2024, this exhibition looks back at the history of the cathedral's construction, the current worksite with its constraints and fantastic discoveries, and presents the restored works and sculptures that will join the cathedral for its opening in 2024. [Read more]
The Château de Fontainebleau, Napoleon III and Eugenie in a Second Empire tour
The Château de Fontainebleau commemorates the 150th anniversary of the death of Napoleon III through a discovery tour of the Second Empire period. It's a time to make new discoveries, notably through an exhibition of period costumes. [Read more]
Notre-Dame de Paris at the heart of the construction site, the free exhibition under the forecourt in photos
The Notre-Dame de Paris: au coeur du chantier exhibition, which takes place beneath the cathedral's forecourt, is now unveiled. From March 7, 2023, until the monument reopens, discover the work of the hundreds of men and women who are rebuilding the cathedral. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the highlights of the titanic construction site, to discover the work of the journeymen and craftsmen, and the challenges of reconstruction. [Read more]
Soldats sportifs: the photo exhibition on sport in the army at the Musée de la Grande Guerre
For almost a year, the Musée de la Grande Guerre (Great War Museum) will be showcasing sporting practices in the army, with an exceptional free photographic exhibition on the forecourt. [Read more]
The new History Gallery at the Château de Versailles to celebrate 400 years - photos
The History Gallery at the Château de Versailles reopens its doors to celebrate the 400th anniversary of this emblematic monument. Free of charge from September 15 to 17, 2023 for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), then from September 21 with a ticket, discover a completely redesigned and refurbished gallery, retracing the history of the Château from its construction in 1623 by Louis XIII to the present day. More than 120 works from the Versailles collections, accompanied by a digital device, enable us to understand the creations, transformations and upheavals that have marked the Château. [Read more]
Fashion and sport, the surprising and unexpected exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs - our photos
In the run-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs will be exploring the links between sport and fashion throughout history, from antiquity to the present day, from September 20, 2023. [Read more]
Robert Doisneau, the spirit of resistance: a tribute exhibition at the Musée de la Résistance Nationale
The Musée de la Résistance nationale lifts the veil on a little-known period in Robert Doisneau's life, in an exhibition to be discovered from October 15, 2023 to April 28, 2024. [Read more]
Explorer l'infiniment, the exhibition exploring unknown worlds, at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
From October 17, 2023, the Musée des Arts et Métiers invites you to discover the fascinating world of exploration, from the abyss to space and the study of our planet. Embark on a special adventure, following in the footsteps of the great explorers from the Musée des Arts et Métiers! [Read more]
Metro! Le Grand Paris en mouvement: the exhibition at the Cité de l'Architecture et du patrimoine, our photos
The history of the metro, mobility and urbanity is unveiled at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine from November 8, 2023 to June 2, 2024, in a groundbreaking exhibition entitled "Métro! Le Grand Paris en mouvement". [Read more]
Le Paris de la Modernité, the historical exhibition at the Petit Palais up to the Roaring Twenties
Discover Paris from the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties in an exceptional historical exhibition, presenting the capital in all its modernity, at the heart of the Petit Palais, from November 14, 2023. [Read more]
Prehistomania at the Musée de l'Homme: the rock art exhibition - our photos
A plunge into prehistory through rock art, that's what the Musée de l'Homme in Paris is offering us with Préhistomania, an exhibition-event that runs from November 17, 2023 to May 20, 2024. [Read more]
Balzac, Daumier and Parisians: our photos of the exhibition at the Maison de Balzac
The Maison de Balzac invites you to discover its latest exhibition, "Balzac, Daumier and the Parisians", from November 22, 2023 to March 31, 2024. From La Comédie humaine to Daumier's striking caricatures, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 19th-century Parisian life! [Read more]
Militant figures in popular sport, a committed exhibition at Campus Condorcet
Discover the lives and stories of sports activists who helped democratize sport in the last century, thanks to a free exhibition on display from November 2023 at the Condorcet Campus, as part of the Cultural Olympiad. [Read more]
Rambouillet 1950, in the intimacy of the President, the château de Rambouillet exhibition
(Re)discover the Château de Rambouillet as it was in the 1950s, under the aegis of President Vincent Auriol. The exhibition runs from December 10, 2023 to April 21, 2024. [Read more]
Maurice Denis, Les Chemins de la Nature exhibition, Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78)
Sponsored - In the splendid home of Maurice Denis, in the heart of an exceptional garden, the exhibition Les Chemins de la Nature invites you to an ode to nature. At the crossroads of Impressionism and Symbolism, the paintings on display depict the nature loved by the youngest of the Nabis painters! [Read more]
Leonardo da Vinci, the inventions of a genius: model exhibition at Atelier Grognard
The spirit of genius Leonardo da Vinci is honored at an exhibition in Rueil-Malmaison. From January 17 to May 12, 2024, the Atelier Grognard unveils nearly a hundred scale models of his innovative inventions conceived during the Renaissance. [Read more]
In the Seine: an exhibition at the Crypte archéologique reveals the objects found in the Seine
The Archeological Crypt presents an exhibition that's as curious as it is entertaining, revealing objects found in the Seine, from prehistory to the present day. Visit this unique exhibition from January 31, 2024, until the end of the year. [Read more]
Foreigners in the French Resistance: the free exhibition at the Shoah Memorial
The Shoah Memorial honors foreigners involved in the French Resistance, with an exhibition accessible free of charge from February 2, 2024. [Read more]
Egypt of the Pharaohs: the Atelier des Lumières immersive exhibition unveiled in images
A fabulous journey awaits us this year at the Atelier des Lumières: from February 9, 2024 to January 5, 2025, discover the Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II. [Read more]
Viking heroes: a free exhibition combining history and culture at the Val d'Oise archaeological museum
The Musée d'archéologique du Val d'Oise introduces us to the world of the Vikings, between history and imaginary clichés, with the Viking Heroes exhibition on view from February 10 to December 29, 2024. [Read more]
A great playground, a photo exhibition on 135 years of sporting exploits at the Eiffel Tower
Crossing on a wire, climbing the steps on a mountain bike or on a trapeze, the Eiffel Tower has seen some exceptional sporting feats that have marked its history. A photo exhibition on the 1st floor, from February 13, 2024. [Read more]
From one world to another: the exhibition that tells the story of Autun at the Musée d'Archéologie Nationale
The Musée d'archéologie nationale presents "D'un monde à l'autre : Autun from Antiquity to the Middle Ages", a fascinating exhibition on view from February 17 to June 17, 2024. [Read more]
The invention of the Renaissance, the humanist and literary exhibition at the BnF Richelieu - our photos
The Renaissance changed the face of Europe, with a humanist movement born in 14th-century Italy. The BnF Richelieu is devoting an exhibition to its beginnings, in the heart of its magnificent libraries, through superb manuscripts, from February 20 to June 16, 2024. [Read more]
Missak Manouchian exhibition at the Panthéon
The Panthéon is hosting an exhibition entitled "Vivre à en mourir. Missak Manouchian et ses camarades de Résistance au Panthéon" (Living to Die. Missak Manouchian and his Comrades in the Resistance at the Pantheon), on view at no extra charge until September 8, 2024. [Read more]
Baghdad exhibition with Assassin's Creed Mirage at the Institut du Monde Arabe - our photos
When video games allow us to explore the past... The Institut du Monde Arabe and Ubisoft join forces for an exceptional exhibition: February 28 to November 10, 2024, discover Baghdad: rediscover Madinat al-Salam, with Assassin's Creed Mirage. [Read more]
En garde! From pen to sword: the Dumas family at the Château de Monte-Cristo exhibition
Château de Monte-Cristo showcases fencing and dueling in a brand new exhibition. Discover En garde! From pen to sword from March 1 to June 2, 2024. [Read more]
Henry Cros, Sculpteur et Dessinateur exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, photos
Henry Cros, 1840-1907 exhibition: discover the work of the visionary sculptor, ceramist, glassmaker and draughtsman at the Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris, from March 6 to May 26, 2024. An unprecedented plunge into 19th-century art. From wax modelling to the invention of pâte de verre sculpture, we plunge into the artist's evolution through time, discovering works never before shown. [Read more]
Taste of the Renaissance, a collectors' exhibition unveiled at Hôtel de la Marine
The Al Thani Collection at Hôtel de la Marine presents "A Taste of the Renaissance", an original exhibition organized in partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum, from March 6 to June 30, 2024. [Read more]
1974 - Simone Veil's speech: a free exhibition at the National Archives
The National Archives are organizing an exhibition based on Simone Veil's speech on the abortion law. This free exhibition runs from March 8 to September 2, 2024. [Read more]
The arts in France under Charles VII: the Musée de Cluny's historic exhibition unveiled in images
The Musée de Cluny takes us to the turn of the 15th century, to discover a key period in the history of art. Come and admire the exhibition The Arts in France under Charles VII from March 12 to June 16, 2024. [Read more]
Imperial silks for Versailles, an exhibition by the Mobilier national at the Château de Versailles
In this exceptional exhibition dedicated to Napoleon's silk order for the Château de Versailles, discover a set of never-before-used, like-new textiles in the Grand Trianon at Versailles. [Read more]
Wonderful Treasure of Oignies: discover one of Belgium's 7 wonders at the Musée de Cluny
An exceptional historical treasure, presented for the first time in France for a century: don't miss the Merveilleux Trésor d'Oignies exhibition at the Musée de Cluny, on view from March 19 to October 20, 2024. [Read more]
The Van Eyck exhibition at the Louvre unveils: (re)discover La Vierge du chancelier Rolin (The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin)
To mark the restoration of Van Eyck's masterpiece The Virgin of Chancellor Rolin, the Musée du Louvre is unveiling an exceptional exhibition featuring the largest number of Van Eyck's works ever presented in France. From March 20 to June 17, 2024, we're off to the second floor of the Salle de la Chapelle to discover some sixty works that allow us to delve into the ins and outs of this creation. [Read more]
Il était une fois les stades, the sports exhibition at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine
What better city than Paris for an exhibition on stadiums? Stade de France, Parc des Princes, Jean Bouin... so many sports venues that host matches throughout the year, deconstructed in length and breadth at the Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine, from March 20, 2024. [Read more]
Is Paris burning? our photos from the film exhibition at the Musée de la Libération de Paris
The Musée de la Libération de Paris - Musée du Général Leclerc - Musée Jean Moulin invites you to discover its latest exhibition, entitled "Paris brûle-t-il? When cinema reinvents the Liberation", on view from March 27 to September 22, 2024. The exhibition takes a detailed look at the film's creative process and the questions it raises, just 20 years after the end of the war. [Read more]
Luxe de Poche: our photos of the very, very chic exhibition at the Musée Cognacq-Jay
Immerse yourself in 18th-century elegance with the Luxe de Poche exhibition, to be enjoyed without moderation at the Musée Cognacq-Jay! From March 29 to September 29, 2024, discover a unique collection of boxes, snuffboxes and other luxury objects that shaped the sociability rituals of the elite. Admire the work of legendary goldsmiths and let yourself be transported by the beauty and ingenuity of these art treasures! [Read more]
Olympic Games, mirror of society: free exhibition at the Shoah Memorial - our photos
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are just around the corner, and many museums are creating exhibitions on the subject, depending on their theme! The Paris branch of the Shoah Memorial is evoking the values and prejudices around sport, in a free exhibition, from March 29, 2024. [Read more]
Mexica, gifts and gods at Templo Major: a mystical exhibition by the Musée du Quai Branly
Discover the mighty Mexica empire and its mysterious culture, revealed in a new exhibition at the Musée du Quai Branly, from April 3 to September 8, 2024. [Read more]
New exhibition "Combattre loin de chez soi - L'Empire colonial français dans la Grande Guerre" (Fighting far from home - The French colonial empire in the Great War)
Sponsored - Follow in the footsteps of the 600,000 men from Black Africa, the West Indies, Oceania, Asia and North Africa who came to fight far from home on the various fronts of the war in Europe in a major exhibition at the Musée de la Grande Guerre. From April 4 to December 30, 2024. [Read more]
The birth of department stores, a double exhibition at the heart of these mythical Parisian landmarks
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Cité de l'Architecture take us to the heart of the legendary addresses of Parisian art de vivre with "The Birth of Department Stores", a two-part exhibition. Visit the MAD from April 10 to October 13, 2024, then from October 16, 2024 to March 16, 2025, to discover the history of these temples to fashion right up to the present day. [Read more]
Grands Décors de Notre-Dame: an exhibition by the Mobilier national at the Galerie des Gobelins
Just a few months before the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Mobilier National is presenting the work carried out to restore the monument's decor to the public, in a free exhibition from April 25 to July 26, 2024. [Read more]
De pierre et d'eau - Histoires de la fontaine des Innocents exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet
The Musée Carnavalet is devoting an exhibition to the history of the Innocents fountain, entitled De pierre et d'eau, from April 24 to August 25, 2024. [Read more]
Duels, the exhibition that plunges us into the art of combat at the Musée de l'Armée
The Musée de l'Armée tells us about the art of fencing through the exhibition "Duels, l'art du combat", on view from April 24 to August 18, 2024. [Read more]
A la table des mousquetaires exhibition: History and gastronomy meet at the Château de Vincennes
Discover the gastronomic habits and customs of France in the Grand siècle, with the exhibition A la table des mousquetaires, at the Château de Vincennes from April 24 to July 10, 2024. [Read more]
Olympism, a modern invention: the art and sport exhibition at the Musée du Louvre
The Musée du Louvre is gearing up for the Olympic Games, with a brand-new, sporting exhibition. From April 24 to September 16, 2024, discover "Olympism, a modern invention, an ancient heritage". [Read more]
Olympism, a world history: the Olympiad exhibition at the Palais de la Porte Dorée
Since 1896, 33 Olympiads have been held around the world. To mark the Paris 2024 Games, the Palais de la Porte Dorée is retracing their history and behind-the-scenes in a retrospective exhibition, from April 26 to September 8, 2024. [Read more]
Victor Hugo s'escrime: the exhibition at the Maison de Victor Hugo takes us to the heart of the fight
With sword or pen, Victor Hugo fought many battles. Discover them in the Victor Hugo s'escrime exhibition, presented from April 30 to September 15, 2024 in the writer's house, Place des Vosges, Paris. [Read more]
Monuments Men exhibition at Château de la Roche Guyon, a tribute to art officers
We're off to the Château de La Roche-Guyon to discover the "Monuments Men" exhibition from May 18 to November 24, 2024, which pays tribute to the efforts of the "art officers" of the Second World War, dedicated to protecting, safeguarding and restoring Europe's cultural heritage. As part of the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Liberation, this exhibition takes visitors on a journey through history and art in a place steeped in memory. [Read more]
Comic strip exhibition at the Centre Pompidou: Comics on every floor
Comics exhibition in Paris: From May 29 to November 4, 2024, discover "La BD à tous les étages" at the Centre Pompidou. An event dedicated to the 9th art, giving you a rendezvous with Hergé, Corto Maltese, and much more, across every level of this iconic cultural institution. [Read more]
Championnes: the photo exhibition exploring women's sport at Galerie Roger-Viollet
Come and admire the female sporting champions of the inter-war years by discovering the free photo exhibition organized by the Roger-Viollet gallery and L'Equipe, from June 13 to September 14, 2024. [Read more]
Resistantes! France, 1940-1944: the historical exhibition at the Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération
The Musée de l'Ordre de la Libération opens its doors to you this summer for a historical exhibition on the role of women in the Resistance, to honor their commitment during the war, from June 13 to October 13, 2024. [Read more]
Cheval en majesté, at the heart of a civilization: the exhibition at the Château de Versailles
The Château de Versailles plunges us into the world of the horse, with an exhibition event organized from July 2 to November 3, 2024. Come and discover "Cheval en majesté, au cœur d'une civilisation". [Read more]
Masterpieces from the Galleria Borghese, the Italian exhibition at the Musée Jacquemart-André
The Musée Jacquemart-André reopens its doors in September 2024: to mark the occasion, the museum is showing Masterpieces from the Galerie Borghèse from September 6, 2024 to January 30, 2025. [Read more]
Exhibition on the Grands Magasins Parisiens at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine
At the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, a fantastic exhibition on the fascinating history of Parisian department stores is taking shape. From October 16, 2024 to March 16, 2025, you can learn more about their architecture and evolution since the Second Empire. [Read more]
Enjoy your visit!