They lived exceptional lives, revolutionized their field, changed History or created masterpieces admired by generations of visitors… They deserve to be in the limelight, in the heart of an exhibition devoted to their lives and careers.
These people – male or female artists, politicians, geniuses – are given pride of place in museums and art galleries through exclusive retrospectives. These exhibitions allow us to find out more about these great names that made such an impact on our lives or art.
It is settled then, let us discover one of these magnificent retrospective exhibitions! Yes, but which one? To find out, choose the one attracting you the most in our selection below. We listed the best retrospectives to visit now or in the coming weeks in Paris and Île-de-France.
This guide is regularly updated depending on museums’ and art venues’ programs in Paris and Île-de-France. Do not hesitate to come back soon to discover novelties!
Current retrospectives in Paris:
Le Monde de Steve McCurry, Musée Maillol’s compelling photo exhibition - extra time
From December 9, 2021 to July 31, 2022, the Musée Maillol is home to a large-sized retrospective of the most beautiful photographs taken by renown contemporary press photographed Steve McCurry. [Read more]
Cézanne at the Atelier des Lumières: the unmissable exhibition to enjoy now - our pictures
A door to Provence in the middle of Paris: from February 18, 2022 to January 1, 2023, the Atelier des Lumières takes us on an unusual journey through the “Cézanne, the Lights of Provence” exhibition. [Read more]
Kandinsky at the Atelier des Lumières: the immersive exhibition to discover - our pictures
Discover abstract art pioneer Vassily Kandinsky through the immersive exhibition of the Atelier des Lumières: “Kandinsky, The Odyssey of Abstraction”. Running from February 18, 2022 to January 1, 2023. [Read more]
Albert Edelfelt, Lights of Finland – the exhibition at the Petit Palais
The Petit Palais takes you on a journey to Finland meeting painter Albert Edelfelt. From March 10 to July 10, 2022, escape thanks to the “Albert Edelfelt, Lights of Finland” exhibition. [Read more]
Gallen-Kallela exhibition at the Musée Jacquemart-André
Calling all Scandinavian painting fans! From March 11 to July 25, 2022 the Musée Jacquemart-André dedicates an exhibition to Finnish artist Akseli Gallen-Kallela. An exclusive dive into the painter’s naturalist universe who has been revealed to Paris in 2012 through a display at the Musée d’Orsay. [Read more]
Romy Schneider, the tribute exhibition at the Cinémathèque - Our pictures
She was Sissi, Leni, Annemarie, Rosalie, Helene, La Califfa… She was the actress revered by all, all along her career: the Cinémathèque pays tribute to Romy Schneider from March 16 to July 31, 2022 in an eponymous exhibition. [Read more]
Anita Molinero exhibition at the City of Paris Museum of Modern Art
From March 25 to July 24, 2022, the City of Paris Museum of Modern Art dedicates an exhibition to plastic artist, painter and sculptor Anita Molinero. Dive into her unique universe filled with anthropomorphic silhouettes. [Read more]
Toyen, l’écart asbolu – the exhibition at Paris Museum of Modern Art
Paris Museum of Modern Art dedicates an exhibition to Czech artist Marie Čermínová, aka “Toyen”. Called “Toyen, l’écart absolu”, it runs from March 25 to July 24, 2022. [Read more]
Giovanni Boldini exhibition at the Petit Palais
From March 29 to July 24, 2022, the Petit Palais dedicates an exhibition to Italian artist Giovanni Boldini called Boldini, Pleasures and Days. [Read more]
Gaudi exhibition, the compelling retrospective at the Musée d’Orsay - Our pictures
The Musée d’Orsay shines a light on the genius work created by architect Antoni Gaudi. From April 12 to July 17, 2022, dive into Art Nouveau and disproportionate projects by this uncommon designer. [Read more]
Aristide Maillol exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay - Our pictures
From April 12 to August 21, 2022, the Musée d’Orsay dedicates an exhibition to Aristide Maillol called “Aristide Maillol, la quête de l’harmonie” – Aristide Maillol, the quest for harmony. An exhibition created in partnership with the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Oskar Reinhart Collection in Winterthur, Kunsthaus Zürich, the Piscine in Roubaix and the Fondation Dina Vierny – Musée Maillol, in Paris. [Read more]
Maya Ruiz-Picasso, our pictures of the exhibition at the Musée Picasso
From April 19, 2022, to January 1, 2023, the Musée Picasso devotes an exhibition to the eponymous artist’s daughter called “Maya Ruiz-Picasso, daughter of Pablo”. [Read more]
Simon Hantaï, The Centenary Exhibition: the compelling retrospective by the Louis Vuitton Foundation
The Louis Vuitton Foundation takes us to Simon Hantaï’s original and unique universe – a painter from the 20th century – who marked his time because of his works and the mystery around. From May 18 to August 29, 2022, come and visit Simon Hantaï, The Centenary Exhibition and meet this uncommon artist. [Read more]
“Shocking! Les mondes surréalistes d’Elsa Schiaparelli”, the fashion exhibition at MAD Paris
Bold, inspiring, avant-garde, shocking! Fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli has been called many names… And how about making your own mind thanks to the “Shocking! Les mondes surréalistes d’Elsa Schiaparelli” exhibition running from July 6, 2022, to January 22, 2023, at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris? [Read more]
Upcoming retrospectives in Paris:
Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Palais Galliera: a retrospective showing pieces from the Casa Azul in Paris
Known as Paris fashion museum, the Palais Galliera devotes a promising exhibition to a major icon: Frida Kahlo. This retrospective – in partnership with the Museo Frida Kahlo – is to unveil over 200 pieces coming straight from the artist’s childhood home, the Casa Azul in Mexico. Meet from September 15, 2022, to March 5, 2023. [Read more]
Edvard Munch exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay invites art fans to come from September 20, 2022 to January 20, 2023, and discover an exhibition focusing on work by Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, called “Edvard Munch, Un poème d’amour, de vie et de mort”. [Read more]
Rosa Bonheur, the compelling exhibition to see at the Musée d’Orsay
For the bicentenary of her birth, the Musée d’Orsay gives Rosa Bonheur pride of place by curating a major exhibition you do not want to miss. Meet from October 18, 2022 to January 15, 2023 to discover exclusive works found in attics by the Parisian museum. [Read more]
Painters, sculptors, musicians, actors, great France’s History characters… There are many people to celebrate! Choose the one you are interested in the most and go discover their exhibition. Enjoy!
