Free exhibitions to visit in December 2026: top picks in Paris and Île-de-France

Published by La Rédac · Photos by Audrey de Sortiraparis · Updated on January 6, 2026 at 01:10 p.m.
Looking for an impressive free exhibition to check out in December 2026? You've come to the right place (or clicked the right link): here’s our curated list of must-see free exhibitions happening in Paris this month. Follow along!

We know it, we expect it, we prepare for it, and yet, every year, it's the same: the month of December and its many parties and celebrations drain our wallets awfully fast. We've got to face it: if we don't want to end up in the red (and we're not talking about Santa's outfit), we've got to save a little...

However, there's no reason to stop going out: in Paris, there are enough good deals and free events to keep us entertained every day, without spending a penny.

Are you a fan of art and culture? So are we! That’s why we’ve curated the best free exhibitions to explore in Paris and Île-de-France, this December. Don’t wait any longer—take a look at your upcoming cultural outings and discover something new.

L'Hôtel de Soubise, un écrin remarquable pour les Archives nationales - fotor 1742900046911L'Hôtel de Soubise, un écrin remarquable pour les Archives nationales - fotor 1742900046911L'Hôtel de Soubise, un écrin remarquable pour les Archives nationales - fotor 1742900046911L'Hôtel de Soubise, un écrin remarquable pour les Archives nationales - fotor 1742900046911 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]

Les mondes imaginaires : l'exposition de sculptures onirique de l'Espace Monte-Cristo - photos - IMG20240412104909Les mondes imaginaires : l'exposition de sculptures onirique de l'Espace Monte-Cristo - photos - IMG20240412104909Les mondes imaginaires : l'exposition de sculptures onirique de l'Espace Monte-Cristo - photos - IMG20240412104909Les mondes imaginaires : l'exposition de sculptures onirique de l'Espace Monte-Cristo - photos - IMG20240412104909 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]

ZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et Métiers - fotor 1765963680084ZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et Métiers - fotor 1765963680084ZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et Métiers - fotor 1765963680084ZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et Métiers - fotor 1765963680084 ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Olympics, on display for free at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
Zeus, the mechanical horse from the Olympic Games that captured everyone's hearts, has now arrived at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The towering steel colossus is open to the public free of charge from December 17, 2025, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]

visuel Paris visuel  -  palais royal - colonnes de burenvisuel Paris visuel  -  palais royal - colonnes de burenvisuel Paris visuel  -  palais royal - colonnes de burenvisuel Paris visuel  -  palais royal - colonnes de buren 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]

L'Esquisse, le nouvel Hôtel culturel de Barbizon à la fois café et Musée gratuitL'Esquisse, le nouvel Hôtel culturel de Barbizon à la fois café et Musée gratuitL'Esquisse, le nouvel Hôtel culturel de Barbizon à la fois café et Musée gratuitL'Esquisse, le nouvel Hôtel culturel de Barbizon à la fois café et Musée gratuit 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]

Current Free Exhibitions:

With a program like this, you're already pretty busy. But that's not all! Free artistic and cultural events can be added to your agenda in the near future. To make sure you don't miss a thing, check out this guide regularly.

There's no shortage of good deals in Paris: you can always treat yourself at a low price! We wish you a wonderful December, and a wonderful festive season with Sortiraparis.com.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From December 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Prices
    Free

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