Les Halles, the Pont-Neuf, the Pont des Arts, the department stores and rue de Rivoli, the Tuileries Gardens, Place Vendôme, the Louvre, the Conciergerie, the Musée de l'Orangerie and the Musée en Herbe... Paris's 1st arrondissement is packed with beautiful spots, must-sees and activities of all kinds.
You could spend an entire day here, between shopping, restaurants and cafés, outdoor walks and cultural outings... But what can you do in the 1st arrondissement if you loveart and culture?
Dear friends, if you're an art lover, you won't be bored in central Paris: it's home to some of the capital's finest museums, as well as numerous art venues and galleries. Here's a selection ofexhibitions to see in Paris's 1st arrondissement right now, and a sneak preview of those coming soon to local museums.
Open-air exhibition of Theodoulos Gregoriou's sculptures in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district
Faubourg Saint-Honoré is rewritten as an open-air gallery with a free, outdoor exhibition in Paris, where time is carved in layered strata. From April 28 to July 27, 2026, the sculptures by Cypriot artist Theodoulos Gregoriou for "Cyprus on Faubourg Saint-Honoré" invite memory and contemporary creation to converse in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, between reinvented ruins and today’s sculptural language. [Read more]
Admire them all: Pokémon take center stage in a playful and nostalgic exhibition at the Musée en Herbe
The Musée en Herbe marks Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with an exhibition that is as artistic as it is playful, on view from April 16 to September 6, 2026. [Read more]
Michelangelo / Rodin: Sculptors in a head-to-head encounter in a major Louvre museum exhibition
The Louvre Museum brings two great masters of sculpture into dialogue in an exhibition that takes us behind the secrets of creation: from April 15 to July 20, 2026, don't miss "Michelangelo / Rodin". [Read more]
Martin Schongauer: The Beau Martin painting exhibition at the Louvre Museum, photos
Discover Martin Schongauer, a German painter from the Middle Ages whose talent has endured through the centuries. The Louvre Museum is staging a retrospective devoted to this "Bel immortel," from April 8 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Henri Rousseau: The Artist's Ambition — A Photo Exhibition of the Douanier at the Orangerie Museum
The Orangerie Museum showcases the works of Henri Rousseau, the renowned naïve painter, with its exhibition "Henri Rousseau, The Ambition of Painting." A must-see for art enthusiasts, the exhibition is on display from March 25 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Chiaroscuro: the Exhibition Exploring Shadow and Light at the Bourse de Commerce - Our Photos
On the occasion of its latest exhibition titled "Chiaroscuro," the Bourse de Commerce transforms into a landscape that is both luminous and dusk-like. Until August 24, 2026, visitors can explore around a hundred works from the Pinault Collection, featuring pieces by Pierre Huyghe, Victor Man, Bill Viola, Laura Lamiel, Jean Dubuffet, Alberto Giacometti, Germaine Richier, as well as Yves Tanguy and Wolfgang Tillmans. [Read more]
A Day in the 18th Century: An Immersive Exhibition in a Parisian Townhouse at MAD
The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris transports visitors back to the 18th century, offering an immersive experience through the exhibition "A Day in the 18th Century." Explore a French private mansion and step into the past from February 18th to July 5th, 2026. [Read more]
All Parts Of Us: Susanna Inglada Exhibits at Drawing Lab in Paris
The Drawing Lab in Paris is hosting the exhibition All Parts Of Us by Susanna Inglada, the recipient of the 2025 Drawing Now Award, from February 13 to May 10, 2026. Through a compelling blend of drawings, installations, and videos, the artist delves into the tensions shaping our modern world, examining the collective gaze and power dynamics at play. [Read more]
Captivating Time: Van Cleef & Arpels' Free Watchmaking Exhibition at the Heritage Gallery
Time is on full display with all its seconds and minutes. At the Galerie du Patrimoine, Van Cleef & Arpels presents a horological showcase titled "Enchanting Time," a free jewelry exhibition running from January 16 to June 1, 2026, in Place Vendôme, Paris. [Read more]
The Cartier Foundation: a showcase for contemporary art right in the heart of Paris
Located on Place du Palais-Royal, facing the Louvre Museum, the Cartier Foundation celebrates contemporary art in all its diversity through a dynamic and varied program of exhibitions and events. [Read more]
The language of the walls: China's stamped artworks displayed at the Museum of Decorative Arts
The Museum of Decorative Arts presents "The Language of Walls" from March 18 to June 28, 2026, an exhibition focused on the art of stamping. It brings together 19th-century Chinese pieces with contemporary imprints, all created directly on the stones of Notre-Dame de Paris during its restoration. [Read more]
Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris: programming, opening hours, history... All you need to know
The Musée de l'Orangerie is famous for Monet's Water Lilies. But the museum holds many other treasures... Here's everything you need to know to visit. [Read more]
Yoga, dance, magic, stand-up: a series of unconventional nighttime activities at the Louvre Museum
As dusk falls on Friday evening, head to the Louvre Museum to rediscover its collections from a new perspective. Enjoy unique workshops and unconventional activities, in addition to the current exhibitions! [Read more]
Fashion in all its grandeur: Haute couture and tradition at the Thai court — an exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
Looking ahead, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is gearing up for a grand exhibition on royal fashion: “Majestic Fashion: Haute Couture and Tradition at the Thai Court,” set to run from May 13 to November 1, 2026. Over a hundred garments and accessories—designed by Queen Sirikit in collaboration with Thai historians and designers—offer a captivating glimpse into the evolution of royal elegance. This sartorial dialogue began with the legendary designer Pierre Balmain and continues today through the Balmain and Lesage houses. [Read more]
Gallery of the Five Continents: opening of a new exhibition space at the Louvre Museum
From December 3, 2025, the Gallery of the Five Continents will be open to visitors at the Louvre Museum, offering an opportunity to admire works from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, in a journey that reveals the diversity and dialogue of human creativity across the globe. [Read more]
The Paris Museum of Illusions—this spring’s must-see destination!
Sponsored - The Museum of Illusions, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris within the Châtelet-Les Halles district, welcomes families and friends alike. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind, exciting adventure as you delve into the captivating world of illusions, where your senses will be completely challenged... And for the first time, the museum is launching enchanting evening sessions. [Read more]
General Exhibition: the Fondation Cartier recounts 40 years of exhibitions for its reopening
The Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain is reopening its doors in a new location in the heart of Paris with a new exhibition: from October 25, 2025, to August 23, 2026, discover the General Exhibition. [Read more]
Bourse de Commerce in Paris: discover this contemporary art center and the Pinault collection
Located in the heart of the capital, in the Halles district, the Bourse de Commerce and the Pinault Collection offer a wonderful stroll through contemporary works of art. Here's everything you need to know before visiting this art center. [Read more]
Musée du Louvre: discover the artistic and tourist heart of the capital
The Musée du Louvre, one of the capital's must-see museums, promotes French and European culture through its many masterpieces on display, as evidenced by the 8 million visitors a year who come to contemplate the smile of the Mona Lisa or the fervor of Liberty Guiding the People. A place steeped in history, where art has been flourishing for two centuries already, to discover if you're staying in Paris! [Read more]
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the must-see Parisian museum dedicated to design and fashion
Just a stone's throw from the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre Pyramid, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs occupies the Rohan and Marsan wings of the Palais du Louvre, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that are a must-see for all Paris design enthusiasts. [Read more]
The Bourse de Commerce by night: an evening of contemporary art every Friday night
Every Friday evening, until 9pm, the Bourse de Commerce, temple of contemporary art, welcomes you for a nocturne through the exhibitions and installations of the moment. [Read more]
Acne Paper Palais Royal: the permanent (art) gallery for the Acne Studios brand opens in Paris
Paris mixes fashion and culture in style! On June 26, 2025, Acne Studios opened its first independent art gallery, Acne Paper Palais Royal, under the arcades of the Palais Royal. An arty new spot in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. [Read more]
59 Rivoli, the free artists' squat on rue de Rivoli in Paris
As you walk up the Rue de Rivoli, one building stands out for its colorful decorations, which stand out among the ashlar buildings. Welcome to 59 Rivoli, an artistic squat with free exhibitions. [Read more]
The Louvre by night: two evenings of art every Wednesday and Friday!
In your busy week, treat yourself to a moment of magic: the Musée du Louvre opens at night every Wednesday and Friday evening. The permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the world's most beautiful museum await you! [Read more]
LV Dream by Louis Vuitton: free exhibition, boutique, café and chocolate shop
The famous Maison Louis Vuitton opens LV DREAM, a free exhibition and gift store that also features a café and a chocolate shop in collaboration with Chef Pâtissier Maxime Frédéric of Cheval Blanc Paris. While the exhibition is by reservation only, the boutique and café are open to the public. [Read more]
The Musée en Herbe, a child-sized cultural venue in the Marais district of Paris
In the Marais district of Paris, the Musée en Herbe offers the youngest visitors a chance to discover art, through fun, interactive exhibitions for young and old alike, aged 3 to 103. [Read more]
Louvre Museum: Must-see masterpieces
The Louvre Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world, and houses some of the most famous works. Here are the must-sees on your next visit. [Read more]
The Musée de l'Illusion in Paris: a multi-sensory journey that will make you lose your head!
The Musée de l'Illusion awaits you in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, in the Châtelet les Halles district. Come with friends or family for a unique and exciting experience! Immerse yourself in a fascinating world, where all your senses will be turned upside down... A multi-sensory visit that's a must. [Read more]
Louvre Museum: a free late-night experience on Friday, June 5, 2026 — the first Friday of the month.
Here's the monthly tip you can count on: the Louvre opens its doors to everyone for free on the first Friday of every month after 6 p.m. Next date to note: June 5, 2026. [Read more]
Fujiko Nakaya: Her Fog Sculpture Unveiled This Summer at the Bourse de Commerce
This summer, the Rotonde at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris will host one of the renowned fog sculptures by Japanese artist Fujiko Nakaya. From June 4 to September 20, 2026, visitors can experience this captivating installation, where a thick white cloud of water vapor will appear and vanish, enveloping and revealing guests in an enchanting mist. [Read more]
Primordial Water at the Louvre: An Exhibition Exploring Water in Ancient Mesopotamia
The Louvre Museum in Paris will host Primordial Water from May 20, 2026, to March 15, 2027. This exhibition explores the vital role of water in ancient Mesopotamian civilizations and will be displayed in the Oriental Antiquities Department galleries. Through archaeological artifacts, mythological stories, and the earliest hydraulic structures, visitors will delve into the development of irrigation systems and discover how Mesopotamian societies organized their landscapes around this crucial resource. [Read more]
The Cave of Pont Neuf: JR transforms Paris's oldest bridge into a monumental grotto in June 2026
The Pont Neuf folds, inflates, reveals itself, and transforms into… The Cave of Pont Neuf! JR is set to turn Paris's oldest bridge into a giant, immersive grotto where stone, light, and air carve out a one-of-a-kind experience. From June 6 to 28, 2026, walk through this optical illusion, explore its cracks, and let interactive installations reshape how you see Paris. [Read more]
Monet and Time at the Orangerie Museum: An Exhibition Exploring the Moment, the Duration, and the Water Lilies
At the Orangerie Museum, the exhibition "Monet and Time" delves into how Claude Monet captured moments, the passage of time, and the evolving landscape through his series and the Water Lilies cycle, running from September 30, 2026, to March 29, 2027. [Read more]
Rafael Pavarotti Photographer: A Fashion Photography Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
Fashion photography takes over the Museum of Decorative Arts with an exhibition dedicated to Rafael Pavarotti. From September 23, 2026, to February 7, 2027, over 200 vibrant prints will showcase, for the first time in France, the career of the Brazilian photographer and engage in a dialogue with the museum's photographic collections. [Read more]
Look, 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum: A Retrospective Couture Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
At the Museum of Decorative Arts, the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Fashion is celebrated with "Look: 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum," a must-see fashion exhibition. Forty iconic ensembles take the runway in the nave's central space, surrounded by sketches, patterns, and embroidery, showcasing four decades of style and craftsmanship. [Read more]
The 1st arrondissement, also known as the Louvre district, is never short ofcultural events and outings ! Whether you live in the area or are just passing through, you'll always find a great exhibition to discover.
