Christmas, New Year, Valentine's Day, birthdays... There's no doubt about it: thewinter season is costly! But there's no reason why we shouldn't go out for three months. And you don't have to: there are plenty of free exhibitions to see from December 21, 2025 to March 20, 2026! In Paris and the Ile-de-France region, museums, art galleries, foundations and other cultural spaces are offering us a lovely program to discover without moderation.
All the same, what a pleasure it is to live in and around the capital. Even in the darkest months of the year, our daily lives are brightened by these free or inexpensive outings. Paintings, sculptures, photographs, art installations or performances: art lives in Paris all year round.
It's decided: armed with our beanie and scarf, we'll brave the winter chill to enjoy these free exhibitions. But before you go, take your pick from this selection of things to do now and in the weeks to come. We've got plenty of good ideas for a great season in Paris and the Ile-de-France region!
Thierry Lefort's California - 20 years of painting: Free retrospective exhibition
Sponsored - How about taking a trip to California without leaving Paris? From December 23, 2025, to January 7, 2026, the Beffroi de Montrouge is hosting "La Californie de Thierry Lefort," a museum-scale exhibition curated by Yoyo Maeght.
This exceptional retrospective traces twenty years of painting between Paris and Los Angeles. An artistic journey not to be missed. Admission is free upon reservation, with a gift for each visitor (links below). [Read more]
The Louvre Museum is free on the first Friday of the month in the evening, so book your tickets now.
It's a great deal that we enjoy at the beginning of every month: the Louvre Museum opens its doors free of charge to all visitors on the first Friday of each month after 6 p.m. Hurry and reserve your tickets for January 2, 2026. [Read more]
Free evening opening at the Bourse de Commerce: an artistic evening this Saturday, January 3, 2026
Want to visit the collections at the Bourse de Commerce? Take advantage of the free evening opening on Saturday, January 3, 2026, to discover this must-see art venue in Paris. [Read more]
Castles, museums, and historic landmarks in Yvelines offering free entry on Sunday, January 4, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month
On the first Sunday of the month, many of the Yvelines' landmarks—historic castles, museums, and cultural sites—open their doors to visitors free of charge. However, this isn’t the case for all venues throughout the year. To help you plan your day, here’s a list of cultural sites in the 78 department to explore on Sunday, January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Free castles and museums in Seine-et-Marne this Sunday, January 4, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month
On the first Sunday of every month, many castles, museums, and monuments across Île-de-France open their doors to visitors free of charge. So, what’s the situation in Seine-et-Marne? Some sites offering free entry on the first Sunday of every month do so year-round, while others only open for free on specific dates. Here’s a quick update for this Sunday, January 4, 2026. [Read more]
The Beat Goes On! : Free Exhibition Celebrating Clubbing Culture at Quai de la Photo
The vibrant world of clubbing culture — both festive and politically charged — takes center stage in a free photographic exhibition running from January 9 to April 24, 2026. Come explore The Beat Goes On! at Quai de la Photo. [Read more]
Various and eclectic objects: Song Dong’s free, monumental, and immersive exhibition at Le Bon Marché
For its 11th edition, the January art showcase at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche pays tribute to Song Dong, the renowned Chinese artist renowned for transforming everyday objects into living memory. From January 10 to February 22, 2026, his free exhibition, "Various and Diverse Objects – 百货 (baihuò)", takes over the store's showcases, features two large-scale installations beneath the glass roof, and immerses visitors in an interactive experience on the second floor. [Read more]
Grand Palais: Free Exhibition Celebrates 200 Years of Le Figaro, Offering an Immersive Journey Through the Newspaper’s History
Under the nave of the Grand Palais, a three-day celebration unfolds with an XXL festival marking "1826-2026: 200 Years of Freedom." This free exhibition offers a journey through two centuries of images, archives, and discussions—an immersive experience to rediscover 200 years of rich and inspiring history. [Read more]
100% Paper IV: A Free Collective Street Art Exhibition at Bastille Design Center
« 100% Paper IV »: the title of the upcoming fourth edition of the free collective exhibition curated by Hopare in partnership with Urban Signature. debuting at the Bastille Design Center in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, this street art installation will feature nearly 120 artists, all inspired by paper. Visitors will be able to enjoy approximately 300 original works from January 15 to 18, 2026! [Read more]
I Love Sushi: A Free Exhibition in Paris Celebrates Japan's Iconic Cuisine
In 2026, sushi takes center stage at the Japan Cultural Center in Paris! From January 20 to April 11, the Japanese cultural center is hosting a unique, free exhibition dedicated to this iconic element of Japanese cuisine. [Read more]
Doris Brynner: the iconic fashion exhibition at Sotheby's Paris
Sotheby's Paris is dedicating an exhibition to Doris Brynner, a figure of 20th-century cosmopolitan elegance, from January 23 to 26, 2026. The exhibition is being held during Haute Couture Fashion Week. [Read more]
Beyond Our Horizons: From Tokyo to Paris, the New Free Exhibition at the Galerie du 19M in January
Beyond Our Horizons lands in Paris: from January 29 to April 26, 2026, the Galerie du 19M showcases French artisans alongside Japanese creators, weaving their stories together. After captivating 75,000 visitors in Tokyo, this exhibition offers a journey where tradition and innovation intersect in every detail. Embroideries, molds, feathers, and metals become bridges connecting different cultures and craftsmanship. [Read more]
Simone Veil. My Sisters and I: An Intimate, Free Exhibition at the Memorial of the Shoah
The Shoah Memorial highlights the deep bond between Simone Veil and her sisters with a moving exhibition running from February 10 to October 15, 2026. [Read more]
Montrouge Fair 2026: The Contemporary Art Exhibition Showcasing the Next Generation of Talents
The Montrouge Pavilion is back for its 69th edition, running from February 13 to March 1, 2026. This must-attend event in the contemporary art scene showcases dozens of emerging artists each year, all gathered within the 1,500 square meters of the Beffroi. [Read more]
Le rêve cette autre part: the dreamlike exhibition at the Pernod Ricard Foundation
At the Fondation Pernod Ricard, the exhibition "Le rêve, cette autre part" explores dreams as a space for creation, thought and relationships, with artists Amie Barouh, Chloé Quenum and philosopher Mohamed Amer Meziane. On view from February 17 to April 18, 2026. [Read more]
Expo4Art: Dates Set for the 2026 Editions of the Free Art Fair at Halle des Blancs Manteaux
The Expo4Art fair is making its comeback with four editions scheduled for 2026 at the Halle des Blancs Manteaux. A perfect opportunity to explore the emerging talents shaping the art scene. Mark your calendar for the upcoming dates this year — and remember, entry is free! [Read more]
FOREVER: The Free Exhibition Curated by Maurizio Cattelan at Galeries Lafayette
FOR ETERNITY, outside the walls of the exhibition Sunday Without End, brings contemporary art from the Centre Pompidou-Metz into the heart of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Conceived by Maurizio Cattelan and Chiara Parisi, this innovative route features sculptures, photographs, and sound installations spread across the dome, the staircases, and the terrace, turning the flagship department store into a vibrant, living gallery. From March 10 to April 27, 2026, visitors are invited to explore freely a collection of significant works by Gloria Friedmann, Birgit Jürgenssen, Christodoulos Panayiotou, and Lawrence Weiner. [Read more]
You've already seen all these exhibitions? Come back and check out this guide later: it's regularly updated with new programming from Parisian art venues. And in the meantime, you can take a tour of the capital's free museums. And don't forget to check out the other exhibitions taking place this winter.
Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips
Looking for a free museum in Paris? The Musée des Beaux-Arts, the Musée d'Art Moderne, the Musée de l'Aviation, the Musée des Arts Asiatiques - over 20 museums are free all year round, and we've got some great ideas for getting out and learning something new. [Read more]
The days are short and it's chilly... Quickly, let's head to the nearest museum to warm up. Winter in Paris is the perfect season to explore a new exhibition! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From December 21, 2025 to March 20, 2026
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips
Winter Exhibitions: Must-See Cultural Highlights in Paris and Île-de-France
