Free exhibitions to explore in September 2026: the best spots to visit in Paris and Île-de-France

Published by La Rédac · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on December 30, 2025 at 09:54 a.m. · Published on August 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
Looking to enjoy a fantastic free exhibition in September 2026 in Paris? You're in luck, as museums and galleries are also kicking off their new season! Come explore the must-see art highlights happening in Paris and the Île-de-France region.

Every year, it's the same: we have to leave the sea, the mountains, the vacations, and return to Paris to start a new year. It's a prospect that can seem a little daunting. Fortunately, we have a secret weapon that always makes us want to return to the capital. Let us let you in on the secret...

The "Joyful September" campaign is officially underway: our goal is to help you rediscover your smile and enjoy a wonderful September 2026 in Paris. To do so, we're sharing the lineup of free exhibitions currently on view. Museums, art galleries, streets, cultural centers, foundations, historic sites, and gardens — art is everywhere, and so is the beauty and pleasure of discovering it!

Here's a small selection ofexhibitions to see in September, without having to pay a penny. Get out your diaries: you'll also need to note the dates of the major artistic and cultural events coming up this month.

But above all, make sure you keep this page in your favorites: this guide is updated as and when we add new listings and discoveries, so don't hesitate to consult it regularly to make sure you don't miss out on any good Parisian deals.

Free Exhibitions to Explore in September 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France:

Visuels musée et monument - Fondation EDFVisuels musée et monument - Fondation EDFVisuels musée et monument - Fondation EDFVisuels musée et monument - Fondation EDF Me and Others: An Exhibition Exploring Our Digital Lives at the EDF Foundation
Contemporary artists are delving into our digital lives and identities through the exhibition Me and Others, showcased free of charge at the EDF Foundation from March 13 to September 27, 2026. [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]

This program will allow you to satisfy your desire for artistic discovery while keeping your wallet intact! In fact, you'll find more free outings in our weekly guide and in our guide to free museums all year round .

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From September 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026

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

    Prices
    Free

    Comments
    Refine your search
    Refine your search
    Refine your search
    Refine your search