Free exhibitions to see in September 2026: the must-see picks in Paris

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.

• To be read
• Cultural outings in Paris: The must-see exhibitions to catch in September 2026

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

10,000 years of culinary travel: the free exhibition at the Chinese Cultural Centre
From September 11 to November 10, 2026, the Chinese Cultural Center presents the free exhibition “10,000 Years of Culinary Journey.” Through an immersive journey that blends historical artifacts and technology, discover the secrets, rituals, and millennia‑old history of Chinese cuisine in the 7th arrondissement. [Read more]

Exhibition Islands of Freedom at the Polish Library of Paris, the Kultura Literary Institute, Libella Bookshop, and Lambert Gallery
Sponsored - As part of the Jerzy Giedroyć and Józef Czapski Year and the 80th anniversary of the Kultura Literary Institute. Opening evening of the exhibition: 6:30 p.m., Friday, 11 September 2026. [Read more]

Summer Fireworks in Paris: the collective contemporary art exhibition at Goldshteyn-Saatort
The group exhibition Summer Fireworks reopened its doors on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery, after its summer break. On view until September 15 at 7 rue de Verneuil, in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, it brings together artists from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the Netherlands. [Read more]

The Soul of Paris: a free exhibition for Heritage Days 2026 in the 14th arrondissement
Sponsored - The Soul of Paris, a free exhibition for the 2026 Heritage Days, awaits you in the 14th arrondissement on September 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. [Read more]

Bombes Météo: the street-art collective exhibition that aims to raise the alarm about climate disasters
For its season-opening show, Galerie Nature Forte in Paris brings together around thirty urban artists. Titled “Bombes Météo,” this collective, free installation aims to raise awareness of climate disasters—and more broadly, the current ecological crisis. Come see their works from September 10 to October 3, 2026 in the 10th arrondissement of the capital. [Read more]

Open studios by Pré-Saint-Gervais artists 2026: this edition's program
The artists' studios of Pré Saint-Gervais open their doors to the public for an exceptional 15th edition, centered on the theme "Daybreak." Come meet around a hundred artists and discover Pré Saint-Gervais, its street art and its exhibitions on the weekend of 26 and 27 September 2026. [Read more]

All is in order: the offbeat exhibition at the Swedish Institute for Paris Design Week - our photos
This autumn, the Swedish Institute reveals its shared sense of order, one of the pillars of Swedish culture. Mark your calendars from September 2 to October 4, 2026 to discover this collective, free-spirited exhibition that blends art and fashion, presented for Paris Design Week. [Read more]

KABRALA: Ai Huang's photographic exhibition at La Lison Gallery in Paris
La Lison gallery hosts KABRALA, Ai Huang's first solo exhibition in France, running from September 3 to October 10, 2026. Located in Paris's 10th arrondissement, this series of silver-gelatin self-portraits explores the body, identity, and the transformations of images produced in the darkroom. [Read more]

Giant puppet parade and free exhibition in Paris's 13th arrondissement.
An unusual show awaits you at Espace Bièvre, in Paris's 13th arrondissement: discover a display of giant puppets from September 21 to 25, 2026, and don't miss the grand parade on Saturday, September 26! [Read more]

Jean Faucheur: around 200 drawings by the urban artist on display in Paris's 13th arrondissement
Considered one of the pioneers of urban art in France, Jean Faucheur is being celebrated this fall by the Mathgoth gallery. Mark your calendars for September 24 to October 24, 2026 to discover Jean Faucheur’s new exhibition. Titled “à suivre” (To Be Continued), the installation will showcase around 200 drawings he has produced since 2022. [Read more]

Free street art exhibition by Djalouz in Paris’s 13th arrondissement: In My Nest 2
Djalouz is back in the 13th arrondissement with a new free street art exhibition at 13 Korner, the second edition of his project "Dans mon nid," running from September 10 to 27, 2026. The lineup features 3D graffiti, sculptures, live painting, workshops, and a Pigecam scavenger hunt. [Read more]

Pavlov's Dogs: Johan Creten's free exhibition at Galerie Perrotin in September
Johan Creten revitalizes aging machines at Galerie Perrotin. In "The Pavlov Dogs," the Belgian artist fuses family memories, ceramics, bronzes, and obsolete computers to probe our automatisms in a free, open exhibition you can discover in the Marais from September 5 to October 10, 2026. [Read more]

BACK TO MR CUTE : the season’s opening exhibition that will have all pop culture and street art lovers swooning.
Sponsored - What if your fondest childhood memories came to life in the heart of Paris? With BACK TO MR CUTE, discover the very first pop-up gallery dedicated to the world of artist Mr Cute. This immersive exhibit blends pop art and street art to playfully reimagine the iconic figures of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Goldorak, Candy, Marilyn, Amicalement Votre, Daft Punk, and many more await for a journey that’s as nostalgic as it is surprising… on view for only a few weeks. [Read more]

This free fashion exhibition in Paris reveals how the hats that headline the major runway shows are created.
Behind a beret, a boater, or a capeline lie hours of work and skills handed down through generations. From September 23 to December 13, 2026, the 19M will host a free exhibition dedicated to Maison Michel, inviting the public to discover the behind-the-scenes of hatmaking. [Read more]

Toctoc presents "À la carte!", their new solo exhibition on view at Lavo//Matik
Attention Toctoc fans! The renowned street artist, famed for his character Duduss, is taking over Lavo//Matik in Paris from August 28 to September 12, 2026, to present his new free solo exhibition titled "À la carte!". [Read more]

Gulahallat: the Sami contemporary art exhibition at the Finnish Institute for Paris Design Week
L Sami contemporary art makes its way to the Finnish Institute as part of Paris Design Week. Meet at the Nordic Cultural Center from September 11 to October 24, 2026 to discover the free new exhibition, "Gulahallat," and to view the works and crafts of about ten Sami artists, including Hildá Länsman, Outi Pieski, and Marja Helander. [Read more]

U2: An Irish Story, the exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of Bono's band at the Irish Cultural Centre
This autumn, U2 turns 50! To mark the occasion, the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris is hosting a free exhibition devoted to the legendary Irish rock band U2. Mark your calendars for September 23, 2026, to discover this unprecedented event. [Read more]

[IN]IMAGINABLE at Fluctuart: dive into the imagined worlds born from lowbrow and pop surrealism
This autumn, the Fluctuart houseboat in Paris invites you to dive into the imaginations born of lowbrow and pop surrealism. From September 10 to December 20, 2026, discover "[IN]IMAGINABLE," a new free exhibition spotlighting works by Amandine Urruty, Benjamin Lacombe, Stom500, Veks Van Hillik, and Ador. [Read more]

Fashion Week: A dress worn by Lady Gaga on display for free at a luxury Paris hotel — photos
Feathers, crystals and spectacular silhouettes are taking over a Paris luxury hotel. For Haute Couture Fashion Week, the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg is showcasing several fashion pieces worn by international stars, free of charge, until October 6, 2026. [Read more]

Two fashion photographers take the spotlight in a chic, free exhibition at Galerie Rouge.
La Galerie Rouge invites us to discover the work of two American fashion photographers, in a free exhibition running from May 29 to September 19, 2026. [Read more]

We are (still) here : street art takes over the Petit Palais in a free exhibition this summer
After a first edition in 2024, the We are here exhibition is back at the Petit Palais: enjoy a rich urban-art journey right in the heart of the Fine Arts Museum. The exhibition is free to visit from June 20 to September 20, 2026. [Read more]

Sumo, Sacred Forces: a photo exhibition worth seeing at the Maison de la culture du Japon
As the capital welcomed the Paris Sumo Tournament, the Maison de la Culture du Japon is hosting a free exhibition dedicated to this ancient martial art. Be sure to visit through September 26, 2026 to discover "Sumo, Sacred Forces", a photographic installation by Bruno Aveillan. [Read more]

Two centuries of images: a free, outdoor photography exhibition in Hauts-de-Seine.
The Domaine de Sceaux and the Chanteraines departmental park are hosting a brand-new, free photo exhibition. From June 18 to December 18, 2026, discover “Two Centuries of Images.” [Read more]

Night-time Paris of the 20th century unfolds in a free photo exhibition at the Roger-Viollet Gallery.
Paris shines as much by day as by night: discover the capital’s rich nocturnal life, with the exhibition "Paris, Open at Night," on view for free from June 11 to October 3, 2026 at the Roger-Viollet Gallery. [Read more]

Simulacres: the free exhibition at Magasins Généraux (93) that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.
Reality takes on a slight blur in Pantin, at the Magasins Généraux, from June 25 to September 27, 2026. With the free exhibition “Simulacres,” certainties falter and images sometimes hold the upper hand. Here, seeing isn’t always enough to understand. [Read more]

Marilyn Monroe at the Galerie de l’Instant, a photography exhibition centered on Sam Shaw’s portraits
The Galerie de l’Instant in Paris presents "Marilyn, Portrait of a Radiant Child," an exhibition devoted to the photographs of Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw, from June 1 to September 15, 2026. A journey through the star’s image, spanning cinema, portraiture, and more intimate moments. [Read more]

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]

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, 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]

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 .