November has a bad reputation... The days are getting shorter, the weather is ugly, the Christmas vacations still seem a long way off: in short, November is rarely the French people's favorite month. It's time to do something about this unloved month! There are no 36 solutions: get out and about, and take advantage of all the cultural activities on offer in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.
And what better way to boost morale and rekindle the flame than with a beautiful exhibition? To travel through time or around the Earth, to meet the world's greatest artists, to discover unusual worlds, to have fun, to learn, to dream, to escape... There's only one place where you can do all these things: museums!
Museums, castles, foundations, galleries, art spaces — there’s no shortage of options for art and culture enthusiasts. The hardest part might just be deciding which of the many fantastic exhibitions scheduled for November 2026 to explore first.
Without further ado, here's your November travel guide...
An exhibition of costumes designed by Christian Lacroix at the Château de Fontainebleau - reviews & photos
As part of the Festival of Art History, Fontainebleau Castle is hosting an exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix, inspired by Marie-Antoinette and her legendary sense of style... Open from June 5 to November 2, 2026. [Read more]
Animalia : an ancient and fantastical bestiary is on display at the Hôtel de la Marine, our photos
The Al Thani Collection unveils some of its animal-inspired treasures in a brand-new exhibition opening July 1, 2026, and running through January 10, 2027. Join us at the Hôtel de la Marine to discover the Animalia exhibition. [Read more]
Video Games & Music at the Philharmonie: our photos from the exhibition about video game music
The Philharmonie de Paris highlights video game music with the exhibition Video Games & Music – The Music You Are the Hero Of, on view from April 2 to November 1, 2026. conceived as an immersive, interactive journey, the show traces the evolution of video game soundtracks, from Pong’s early electronic tones to the expansive scores of Final Fantasy, demonstrating how musical creation has accompanied the history and transformations of the medium. [Read more]
Le Paradox Museum Paris unveils five new immersive experiences alongside a Hans & Gretel Café
Paradox Museum offers nearly a hundred immersive experiences—from trompe-l'œil illusions and optical tricks to sensory overhauls—that await visitors in Paris. Get ready to be tricked and to snap surreal photos. Five new interactive installations have just been added to the journey, making it the perfect time to challenge your senses! And as a bonus, a brand-new, ultra-delicious café, Hans & Gretel, is ready to tempt you. [Read more]
Small Lives: Centre Pompidou's exhibition at the Panthéon
The exhibition Vies minuscules fills the Pantheon’s nave in Paris from 25 September 2026 to 31 January 2027. About thirty artists from the Centre Pompidou’s collections tell the stories of anonymous lives, with no extra ticket required. [Read more]
This medieval troglodyte castle in Val-d'Oise hides a giant dragon.
A giant dragon in a troglodyte medieval castle? That's what you'll be able to see during La Vie de Château, the château's contemporary art exhibition at Château de la Roche-Guyon in the Val d'Oise, running from June 20 to November 1, 2026. [Read more]
Korea, the kingdom of the scholars: a historic and immersive exhibition at the Cernuschi Museum
The Cernuschi Museum invites us to Korea for its upcoming exhibition on the yangban, the kingdom’s literati across the centuries, opening on 20 November 2026, featuring ancient masterpieces, period furniture, and costumes. [Read more]
AURA INVALIDES, the must-see sound and light show in Paris
Looking for a unique nocturnal experience in Paris? Ready to be amazed and embark on a timeless journey to a legendary heritage site? Come and discover AURA INVALIDES, a sound and light show at the iconic Dôme des Invalides as night falls. A magical moment in the heart of the Dome, sure to delight young and old alike. [Read more]
Tropical autumn, palms, treasures and secrets: the Nature Exhibition returns to the Jardin des Plantes
The National Museum of Natural History invites you to an immersive nature experience, set amid the Grandes Serres at the Jardin des Plantes, from October 15 to November 23, 2026. This exhibition, titled "Autumn Tropical: Palms, Treasures and Secrets," invites you to discover Paris this fall. [Read more]
Following in the footsteps of dinosaurs: an immersive exhibit at the Great Gallery of Evolution at the Museum
Step into the shoes of paleontologists and embark on a journey to explore the world of dinosaurs. This engaging and immersive educational exhibition will be on display from July 16, 2026, through January 2028. [Read more]
A free, immersive exhibit explores the 1867 Universal Exhibition and the evolution of photography in Paris
Dive into the heart of the 1867 World's Fair through the lens of photography, from November 25, 2026, to February 22, 2027. Experience this engaging and free exhibit at the National Archives, offering an immersive journey into this historic event. [Read more]
Clovis’s World: The Interactive Exhibition Where You’re the Hero at the Val d’Oise Archaeological Museum
The Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum invites you to step into a historic journey — an interactive adventure where you become the hero, tracing the footsteps of King Clovis. Running from February 14 to November 1, 2026, this immersive and highly engaging exhibition promises an unforgettable experience. [Read more]
The Hidden Treasures of the Nasrid Alhambra: An Exhibition in the Heart of Granada at the Arab World Institute
From November 24, 2026, to May 16, 2027, the Arab World Institute will take you on a journey to the Alhambra of the Nasrid sultans. Through an immersive experience and the display of extraordinary works of art, the exhibition revives the lost grandeur of Muhammad V's reign. [Read more]
Weddings - Farah: a Unique Cultural Exhibition at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute is inviting us to a celebration— and not just any celebration. Immerse yourself in the world of Maghrebian weddings with an expansive, immersive exhibition opening from September 29, 2026, through January 31, 2027. [Read more]
Les derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304: an immersive expedition at Bercy Village
Travel back in time and experience history differently with Les derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304, a virtual reality experience from Excurio, in partnership with the Centre des Monuments nationaux. Available at Eclipso in Bercy Village from April 4, 2025. [Read more]
La Cité de l'Histoire, our test of the immersive French History experience at La Défense
Ready to plunge into the great History of France? The first Cité de l'Histoire is opening its doors in La Défense's Grande Arche, with a fun, immersive tour of our shared past. [Read more]
Mission spatiale, the new permanent exhibition in the stars at the Cité des sciences
Take a trip into space from October 23, 2023 at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, with a new permanent exhibition on the conquest of space. [Read more]
Le Corbusier in Boulogne: visit the apartment-studio of the famous French architect
The Fondation Le Corbusier offers unique tours of the famous French architect's apartment-studio, located in the Molitor building on the Boulogne-Paris border, to perpetuate the eternal influence of this visionary genius. [Read more]
Circus, a breeding ground for modern art: a vibrant exhibition at the Montmartre Museum
The circus has long captivated and inspired many artists. The Montmartre Museum presents a selection of 20th‑century works tied to this vibrant world, in the exhibition "The Circus, a Factory of Modern Art," on view from October 16, 2026 to February 14, 2027. [Read more]
Landscape stories, from Monet to Hockney: a painting exhibition at the Marmottan Monet Museum.
The Marmottan Monet Museum dives into landscape art from 1890 to the present, offering a rich and varied journey. Discover the exhibition Histoires de paysages from September 24, 2026, to January 31, 2027. [Read more]
Brussels 1900 Exhibition at the Petit Palais: Belgian art in the spotlight in Paris
The Brussels 1900 exhibition at the Petit Palais invites us to step into the vibrant artistic scene of Belgium’s capital at the turn of the 20th century, through painting, architecture, jewellery and fashion. On view at the Petit Palais from 10 November 2026 to 25 April 2027. [Read more]
Eva Gonzalès exhibition at the Petit Palais, the first major retrospective arrives
The exhibition devoted to the Impressionist painter Eva Gonzalès (1847–1883), the sole pupil of Édouard Manet, opens at the Petit Palais in Paris from 15 September 2026 to 24 January 2027. A first-ever global monograph of her work that you’d be wise not to miss. [Read more]
This 17th-century Spanish painter is finally on display at the Louvre.
The Louvre Museum is devoting a major retrospective to Francisco de Zurbarán, a leading figure in 17th-century Spanish painting. So we’re pulling out the calendar to note this first-ever exhibition, which will be staged in the Napoléon Hall from October 7, 2026 to January 25, 2027. [Read more]
Gustave Fayet at the Louis Vuitton Foundation: Van Gogh, Gauguin and Redon in a landmark exhibition
The Louis Vuitton Foundation is dedicating a major, blockbuster exhibition to Gustave Fayet, a visionary collector and multi-disciplinary creator, from October 9, 2026, to March 8, 2027. [Read more]
Kerry James Marshall reveals his stories in an exhibition at the Paris Museum of Modern Art.
American artist Kerry James Marshall is in the spotlight at the Museum of Modern Art: his exhibition The Histories explores the place of African Americans in U.S. history. On view from September 18, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]
Eternal Tintoretto: the Italian master at the heart of a new exhibition at the Jacquemart-André Museum
Tintoretto, the master of Italian painting, is in the spotlight at the Jacquemart-André Museum in an unprecedented exhibition running from September 11, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]
Heritage in Resistance: From Timbuktu to Odessa, an Exhibition at the City of Architecture.
Sponsored - In Paris, the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine presents the exhibition Patrimoines en résistance : de Tombouctou à Odessa, running from May 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, a look at heritage in wartime, where destruction, safeguarding, and rebuilding come into play. [Read more]
Van Gogh as Influencer: An Exhibition Celebrating the Artist’s Legacy at Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise
From April 18, 2026, to January 3, 2027, the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise will host an exhibition dedicated to delving into the sources of inspiration and the lasting legacy of Vincent van Gogh's work, highlighting his enduring influence. [Read more]
Mary Cassatt: Embracing Independence — The Major Impressionist Exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay
Bold and contemporary, Mary Cassatt asserts her distinctive style and her freedom within Impressionism. From October 6, 2026, to January 31, 2027, the Musée d’Orsay celebrates her hundredth birthday with the exhibition "Mary Cassatt: The Choice of Independence," showcasing nearly 80 rare works. [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]
Exhibition "Cézanne and Us" at the Grand Palais: Dive into the Legacy of the Father of Modern Art
The Grand Palais is hosting a major exhibition dedicated to Paul Cézanne, titled Cézanne and Us, running from September 23, 2026, to January 17, 2027. This outside-the-venue exhibit has been developed in partnership with the Musée d'Orsay. [Read more]
The Warhol Line: An Exhibition Showcasing Andy Warhol’s Forgotten Works at the Luxembourg Museum
The Luxembourg Museum delves into Andy Warhol's sketches in a groundbreaking exhibition running from September 16, 2026, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
L'Esquisse, Barbizon's new cultural hotel, both café and free museum
L'Esquisse is a fusion of hotel, café and free museum. We're off to Barbizon, the famous artists' village, to take advantage of this new spot that combines large, charming rooms, a great café by the fireplace and a free museum honoring the artists who have influenced Barbizon around the world. [Read more]
Claude Monet's Maison Impressionniste, the museum of the painter's life in Argenteuil
To discover the life of Claude Monet, there's no need to go as far as Giverny, as the Maison Impressionniste de Claude Monet in Argenteuil is home to an immersive museum about the painter. [Read more]
Cosmofania at the Abbey of Maubuisson: a contemporary art exhibition exploring the sacred and the unseen
The Abbey of Maubuisson, in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône in the Val-d’Oise, hosts Cosmofania, a collective exhibition exploring the sacred, rituals, memory, and the unseen worlds, from October 11, 2026, to February 21, 2027. Thirteen artists take over the former Cistercian abbey with installations, photographs, sculptures, sound works, and multiple performances. [Read more]
Hassan Hajjaj: My rock stars, the colorful portraits by the contemporary artist on display at the Music Museum
Hassan Hajjaj, the renowned contemporary artist and photographer who draws on his Moroccan heritage and multiculturalism, unveils his colorful, playful portraits in an unprecedented exhibition to be seen at the Museum of Music from September 22, 2026 to April 25, 2027. For the occasion, the group Acid Arab will present a sound piece that engages with the exhibition. [Read more]
Louise Bourgeois Exhibition at the BnF: Drawings, Engravings and Nerves Laid Bare
The BnF Richelieu in Paris presents the exhibition "Louise Bourgeois. Extreme Tension," devoted to the drawings and prints by the Franco-American artist, from October 20, 2026 to February 21, 2027. A landmark gathering of the BnF’s holdings with those of the Centre Pompidou. [Read more]
Lionel Sabatté Exhibition at the Museum of Hunting and Nature: when animals reclaim their wild side
The Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris presents Lionel Sabatté's exhibition "Ce qui reste" from October 15, 2026 to March 21, 2027. Paintings, sculptures, drawings and tapestries explore the animal figure, matter, and the cycles of life. [Read more]
Simone Fattal exhibition at MAM Paris: myths, exile and submerged cities
The MAM Paris presents "Des villes au fond d’un lac," the first Paris-based monographic exhibition devoted to Simone Fattal, running from 18 September 2026 to 24 January 2027. Paintings, ceramics, collages, and books trace more than five decades of her work. [Read more]
Villeglé exhibition at Carnavalet: Paris, torn from the streets and urban art
The "Paris à l'arraché" exhibition celebrates Jacques Villeglé's centenary at the Musée Carnavalet, in the Marais, from 14 October 2026 to 14 February 2027. Torn posters, audio archives, and unseen documents trace 70 years of urban art in Paris. [Read more]
Women sculptors honored in Prune Nourry's Visionaries exhibition at the Petit Palais
Artist Prune Nourry is set to spotlight forgotten women sculptors in the history of art with an exhibition at the Petit Palais, running from October 20, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]
Harvest Time: A major exhibition to discover this autumn at the Cartier Foundation
The Cartier Foundation welcomes artist Ibrahim Mahama and his Ghanaian collaborators for a major exhibition running from 22 October 2026 to 28 February 2027. [Read more]
Descriptive contemporary artworks take up residence in this superb medieval castle in the Val d'Oise.
Resident artists take over the Château de La Roche-Guyon in Val-d'Oise with new works and installations that blend sculpture, sound, and a fantastical menagerie. So we’re off to discover this immersive contemporary exhibition from June 20 to November 1, 2026. We’ve already had a sneak peek at a few pieces and can’t wait to see what else is in store. [Read more]
Just outside Paris, a free exhibition takes up residence in France’s largest cemetery.
Artworks will take over France’s largest cemetery from May 30 to November 15, 2026, as part of the Demeure exhibition. To discover it, head to the gates of Paris, at the Parisian Pantin Cemetery, conveniently accessible by metro. [Read more]
The Cherqui Foundation: the kinetic art museum just outside Paris!
Sponsored - The Cherqui Foundation is a true museum, housing a private collection of 5,000 optical and kinetic artworks that opens to the public. The collector Jean Cherqui's grandson leads guided tours through the heart of his grandfather's vast collection. Discover the upcoming dates! The museum is open during the summer holidays. [Read more]
Silent Storytellers: Female Sculptors Share Their Journeys in a New Exhibition at Espace Monte-Cristo
The Monte-Cristo Space will host several female sculptors from April 18 to December 13, 2026, offering free access to the exhibition titled "Speakers of Silence." [Read more]
I saw: Jenny Holzer’s luminous exhibition that makes words come alive at the Orsay Museum this fall
Words Take Over the Orsay Museum, Transforming the Space into a Luminous Stage. From October 20, 2026, to February 21, 2027, the exhibition "I Have Seen" by Jenny Holzer invites visitors to explore a dialogue between letters, political texts, and literary writings alongside the museum's iconic collections. Through projections, LED installations, and engravings, the exhibit immerses visitors in a captivating experience where past and present resonate anew, offering a fresh perspective. [Read more]
The Hangar Y's contemporary open-air exhibition is back! An artistic stroll in the green
The Hangar Y, which conceals a 10-hectare natural area planted with trees, offers a year-round open-air art walk, free on weekdays and €3 with access to the Hangar on weekends. Since April 28, 2025, new works have been added to the circuit. From Erwin Wurm and Lionel Sabatte to Pauline Tralongo and Odile Decq, it's time for an unusual, unplugged stroll through the heart of the Hauts-de-Seine. [Read more]
Japanese photography since 1945 on display at the BnF François-Mitterrand site
From September 30, 2026 to January 31, 2027, the BnF François-Mitterrand site highlights Japanese photography since 1945, presenting the work of around a hundred artists, including Hiromi Tsuchida, Shigeo Gocho, Yoshi Takata, Mamoru Sakamoto, and Kazuo Amemiya. [Read more]
First Nations: An exhibition exploring the arts and cultures of North America at the Quai Branly Museum
The Quai Branly Museum invites visitors to meet the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest with an exhibition running from September 29, 2026 to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
Knowledge in trompe-l'œil: the Korean art exhibition at the Guimet Museum
The Guimet Museum delves into the art and significance of trompe-l'œil in 18th-century Korea with the exhibition "Le savoir en trompe-l'œil," on view from September 16, 2026, to January 4, 2027. [Read more]
Paradise Feathers: An Invitation to Travel to Papua New Guinea, from the Quai Branly
The Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris is hosting the exhibition Feathers of Paradise from May 12 to November 8, 2026. Dedicated to the birds of paradise from New Guinea, this showcase features nearly 190 items—including adornments, paintings, preserved specimens, fashion objects, and illustrated books. The exhibit takes visitors on a journey through five centuries of fascination with these spectacular creatures, weaving together perspectives from art, science, ethnology, and ecology. [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 Call of the Deep: the exhibition in the abyss at the National Maritime Museum
From October 14, 2026, to February 14, 2027, the National Maritime Museum explores the depths at the Trocadéro. Nearly 240 works retrace the history of underwater exploration, from innovations and myths to scientific discoveries. [Read more]
MIDAN, a naive art museum nestled in a country house in Vicq (78)
The Musée international d'art naïf d'île-de-France (MIDAN) is located in Vicq, a small town in the Yvelines department of France, a cultural venue dedicated to a little-known yet very rich artistic movement. [Read more]
U2: An Irish Story, the exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of Bono's band at the Irish Cultural Centre
This autumn, U2 turns 50! To mark the occasion, the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris is hosting a free exhibition devoted to the legendary Irish rock band U2. Mark your calendars for September 23, 2026, to discover this unprecedented event. [Read more]
Remember Me: Masterpieces of photography from the Pinault Collection are on display at the Bourse de Commerce.
This fall and winter, the Bourse de Commerce hosts the photographic masterpieces from the Pinault Collection. From October 7, 2026 to January 18, 2027, you can explore around 700 works by more than 70 artists, including Erwin Blumenfeld, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Lee Miller, Irving Penn, Cindy Sherman, and Annie Leibovitz. [Read more]
In Paris, this exhibition traces 60 years of fashion through the lens of Irving Penn, opening in September.
Irving Penn makes his mark at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie with PENN & FASHION, running from September 30, 2026 to January 17, 2027. Spanning more than six decades of images, the exhibition shows how his eye reshaped the rules of fashion photography, from Dior and Balenciaga to Issey Miyake, Chanel, and John Galliano. [Read more]
Parallax: Stan Douglas, the artist at the center of a photography exhibition at the Jeu de Paume
Photography as a way to tell stories and shape reality... Discover Stan Douglas’s work through the Parallax exhibition, on view at the Jeu de Paume from 20 October 2026 to 10 January 2027. [Read more]
This fashion exhibition in Paris reveals the intimate Africa of a master couturier in 50 silhouettes.
Memories turned into silhouettes. From July 7, 2026 to January 4, 2027, the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation stages an exhibition that explores the deep ties between the designer and Africa, through around fifty creations and previously unseen photographs by Peter Beard. [Read more]
Two centuries of images: a free, outdoor photography exhibition in Hauts-de-Seine.
The Domaine de Sceaux and the Chanteraines departmental park are hosting a brand-new, free photo exhibition. From June 18 to December 18, 2026, discover “Two Centuries of Images.” [Read more]
Louvre Photo, when the museum inspires photographers: an original exhibition at the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum presents an unconventional exhibition and staging itself through photography, in a special route to be seen from November 4, 2026 to May 3, 2027. [Read more]
The Catacombs host a photo exhibition on Paris, from the depths to the skies.
The photographer Nadar, renowned for his images of Paris, is being celebrated at the Catacombs of Paris. From September 29, 2026 to January 31, 2027, don’t miss the exhibition "Nadar: Inventing Paris, From the Depths to the Sky." [Read more]
The Great Ages: Nikos Aliagas's tender photo exhibition at the Musée de l'Homme
Until January 3, 2027, Nikos Aliagas is exhibiting at the Musée de l’Homme. Blending intimate portraits with scientific data, « Les Grands âges » examines our relationship with aging and the essential role of our elders, through a photographic exhibition. [Read more]
Robert Capa Exhibition at the Museum of the Liberation of Paris
The Museum of the Liberation of Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Robert Capa, a legendary figure in war photojournalism, in collaboration with Magnum Photos. This immersive journey explores his perspective on 20th-century conflicts and is open from February 18 to December 20, 2026. [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]
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]
As promised, exhibitions are making November even more beautiful! What's your next destination?
Dates and Opening Time
From November 1, 2026 to November 30, 2026
