Exhibition 'Cézanne and Us' at the Grand Palais: Discover 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.

The Grand Palais is hosting Cézanne and Us, a retrospective examining how Paul Cézanne's work has shaped generations of artists from the late 19th century to contemporary art. The exhibition runs from September 23, 2026, to January 17, 2027. Organized in collaboration with the Musée d'Orsay, and presented in an innovative off-site format, it offers a captivating immersion into the world of the master of still life. The exhibition features a unique display that pairs Cézanne's masterpieces with works by artists who admired, reinterpreted, or challenged him.

By revisiting the artist's journey and how his work has been perceived, collected, and reshaped over time, the exhibition provides a compelling reevaluation of his artistic legacy. It also prompts an important question: what—if anything—remains of Cézanne today?

An immersive museum experience blending history and modernity

From the very first rooms, the exhibition takes you back to the time when Cézanne, isolated in Aix-en-Provence, was beginning to catch the eye of a few artists and collectors, thanks to the support of figures like Père Tanguy. These initial encounters laid the foundation of his myth, well before official recognition came.

Then, the exhibition's staging takes you through the pivotal moments in the artist's recognition: from monographic exhibitions curated by Ambroise Vollard at the end of the 19th century, to Cézanne's incorporation into public collections, made possible by the bequest of Caillebotte. This carefully mapped-out journey sheds light on how Cézanne gradually establishes himself—not merely as an heir to Impressionism, but as a guiding figure of an emerging symbolist movement, celebrated in particular by Maurice Denis.

A Contemporary Take on the Cézanne Myth

What sets Cézanne and Us apart from traditional retrospectives is its focus on illustrating how the artist was received, reinterpreted, and even transcended by 20th-century avant-garde movements. You’ll discover how his approach to form and color influenced not only European abstract movements and artists between the wars, but also the more radical currents of lyrical abstraction and hard-edge painting.

Visitors are invited to explore "Cézanne Seen Through Others", the guiding theme of the exhibition. This show features direct comparisons between Cézanne’s works and pieces by artists who drew inspiration from him. Each room examines a distinct perspective on Cézanne’s legacy, offering a kaleidoscopic view of a body of work that has continually sparked debate, influenced new forms, and challenged viewers’ perceptions.

An outing to enjoy both reflection and wonder

Whether you're a novice or an expert, the exhibition offers an experience that is both intellectually engaging and sensorially captivating. It features a curated selection of iconic works such as Fruits, Serviette, and Milk Box (circa 1880), on loan from the Musée de l'Orangerie. Visitors will also discover rarely seen pieces or those presented from fresh perspectives.

Cézanne and Us is more than just a tribute exhibition—it's an invitation to explore how a single work of art can transcend time, shape perception, and influence contemporary art. Mark your calendars for 2026 to experience it at the Grand Palais!

This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.