History and art around every corner - that's the promise of every Parisian stroll. The capital has lived up to its reputation as a cultural city, with the many museums and monuments that make up its rich heritage. And since each arrondissement of Paris has its own unique atmosphere, exploring the different districts of the capital allows you to immerse yourself in different atmospheres while quenching your thirst for discovery and culture.
In the heart of Paris, the 2nd arrondissement has something to delight the curious and the passionate alike, with its various, sometimes little-known treasures, art galleries and exhibitions. If you'd like to explore this central district of the capital in all its glory, we've come up with a selection of ideas for cultural outings right now. And the good news is that this guide is updated as we post new listings and make new discoveries, so check back regularly for more ideas on what to do in Paris's 2nd arrondissement!
And for more ideas on what to do in the area, click here!
Did you know? The shapes of the Salle Labrouste, INHA's library, are inspired by dresses.
The Salle Labrouste, home to the Bibliothèque de l'Institut Nationale de l'Histoire de l'Art, is undoubtedly one of the prettiest libraries in Paris, if not the most beautiful. With its unusual architecture, we tell you all about its history and inspiration. [Read more]
BnF Richelieu, the historic home of the Bibliothèque nationale de France and its museum
The Richelieu site, located in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, is the historic birthplace of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, which has housed collections of royal documents since 1721. A historic site, recently modernized, accessible to all! [Read more]
The Tour Jean-sans-Peur, a medieval treasure in Paris
Immerse yourself in medieval history at the Tour Jean-sans-Peur in Paris. The last vestige of the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne Valois, the Tour Jean sans Peur was built in 1409 and offers a glimpse of life in the Middle Ages in a reconstructed residence. It currently houses an exhibition on Health in the Middle Ages, which runs until September 10, 2023 (excluding the month of August). [Read more]
Did you know? The Galerie Vivienne, Paris's most charming covered passageway, is built on a former cemetery.
Discover the Galerie Vivienne, a historic gem in the heart of Paris, open since 1826 and listed as a historic monument. It's a must-see in Paris, especially when it rains. [Read more]
Did you know? The smallest street in Paris is 5 metres long.
They say small is beautiful. The smallest street in Paris is no exception, discreetly wedged between the shopping streets of Beauregard and Cléry, in the center of the capital. [Read more]
The Richelieu Library, historic birthplace of the BNF
The Bibliothèque Richelieu is one of the most beautiful libraries in Paris. Discover it for yourself! [Read more]
Coalition exhibition at Gaité Lyrique
La Gaité Lyrique invites you to discover its new exhibition, Coalition, from April 24 to June 2, 2024. In all, the works of fifty artists await you for an immersion in the links between artistic creation and environmental commitment. [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]
Exhibition at the Gaîté Lyrique: Ukraine, vision(s), our photos
Ukraine, vision(s) is the new exhibition to be discovered at the Gaîté Lyrique, bringing together the MYOP photography collective and the authors of PEN Ukraine for an unprecedented artistic and literary journey through contemporary Ukraine, from February 9 to June 9, 2024. This free, one-of-a-kind exhibition bears witness to cultural and human resistance in the face of current challenges. [Read more]
Rex Studios, (re)discover behind-the-scenes at the Grand Rex
Discover the magic of cinema with this behind-the-scenes tour of Europe's largest cinema, Rex Studios! Film set, director's office, projection booth, editing room, special effects... A fun and educational visit to the heart of the Grand Rex. [Read more]
