Yes, there are free exhibitions in Paris, and they’re more abundant than you might imagine! Museums, art galleries, virtual displays, or outdoor installations around the city — all you need is to look a little closer. To make your quest easier, here’s a handy guide that will fill your calendar with adventures and outings.
With a packed lineup of special events and must-see gatherings, there's plenty to explore and enjoy in Paris — all without spending a dime. So, what are the top free cultural outings scheduled for this month in the city and its surroundings? To help you navigate, we’ve curated a list of 10 compelling free exhibitions to check out in February 2026 across Paris and Île-de-France. Yes, you can indulge in the Parisian lifestyle without breaking the bank!
"Rêveries de pierres" at the École des Arts Joailliers: an exhibition of a precious collection of stones
Sponsored - Are you in search of a truly original, poetic, and deeply mesmerizing exhibition? From November 6, 2025, to March 29, 2026, the École des Arts Joailliers, in partnership with the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle, invites you to explore "Dreams of Stones: Poetry and Minerals of Roger Caillois," right in the heart of Paris’s 9th arrondissement. This event offers a rare opportunity to marvel at 200 extraordinary minerals, accompanied by never-before-seen texts from one of the most distinctive thinkers of the 20th century. Additionally, entry is free with prior reservation (link below). [Read more]
Kid Cudi unveils "Echoes of the Past," his debut art exhibition in Paris
Fans of Kid Cudi are headed to the 3rd arrondissement of Paris to experience "Echoes of the Past," the rapper’s very first solo exhibition. The event takes place at Galerie Ruttkowski;68 from January 30 to March 1, 2026, where visitors can explore the artist’s paintings, complemented by a unique original sound piece created specifically for the occasion. [Read more]
Castles, museums, and monuments in Yvelines to visit for free on Sunday, February 1, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month
On the first Sunday of every month, many landmarks, castles, museums, and historic sites across the Yvelines open their doors to the public for free. However, this isn’t the case for all sites year-round. To help you plan your visit, here’s a list of cultural attractions in the 78 that you can explore this Sunday, February 1, 2026. [Read more]
Beyond Our Horizons: From Tokyo to Paris, the New Free Exhibition at the 19M Gallery
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]
Louvre Museum: Experience the free evening opening on Friday, February 6, 2026, the first Friday of the month
This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of every month: the Louvre Museum opens its doors to the public free of charge on the first Friday of each month, after 6 pm. Mark your calendar for the next free evening: February 6, 2026. [Read more]
Captivating Time: Van Cleef & Arpels' Free Watchmaking Exhibition at the Heritage Gallery
Time is on full display with all its seconds and minutes. At the Galerie du Patrimoine, Van Cleef & Arpels presents a horological showcase titled "Enchanting Time," a free jewelry exhibition running from January 16 to June 1, 2026, in Place Vendôme, Paris. [Read more]
Paris / Rome: Free Photo Exhibition Now Open on the City Hall Fences
On the gates of City Hall, discover a curated selection of photographs that reflect the twin beauty of Rome and Paris. Free to view from January 26 to February 26, 2026. [Read more]
Barbara: The legendary French singer-songwriter honored in a new exhibition at the BnF François-Mitterrand
Attention, Barbara fans! Nearly 30 years after her passing, the François-Mitterrand Library (BnF) is celebrating the legendary singer-songwriter with a brand-new exhibition titled "Dis quand reviendras-tu? Barbara et son public". This unique cultural event is free to the public and runs from January 27 to April 5, 2026, in the Donors' Gallery. [Read more]
Beaubourg Competition of 1971: A Free Exhibition Showcasing the Architectural Proposals for the Pompidou Center
The Centre Pompidou building was created following an international architectural competition. Explore other notable entries from the contest — alternative versions of the Centre Pompidou that might have existed in Paris. These intriguing designs are showcased in a free exhibition by the Academy of Architecture, open from January 30 to February 22, 2026. [Read more]
Free castles and museums in Seine-et-Marne this Sunday, February 1, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month
On the first Sunday of every month, numerous castles, museums, and historic sites across Île-de-France open their doors to visitors for free. But what about Seine-et-Marne? Some attractions offer free admission every first Sunday of the month year-round, while others host special free days on specific dates. Here's what's happening this Sunday, February 1, 2026. [Read more]
Victor Hugo's house in Paris, an artistic plunge into the world of the famous author
The Maison de Victor Hugo is tucked away on the Place des Vosges in the heart of Paris. This museum dedicated to France's most famous author lets us discover the apartment where the artist and his family lived. [Read more]
Here's a quick rundown of the must-see free exhibitions happening in Paris this month. If you're a culture enthusiast eager for even more great deals, we've got you covered with a broader selection of completely free cultural events in the Île-de-France region in the article below!
Free Exhibitions in February 2026: Must-See Events in Paris and Île-de-France
We love exhibitions. But we definitely prefer when they’re free! So, we've rounded up the best deals for February 2026, perfect for enjoyable cultural outings in Paris this winter. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From February 1, 2026 to February 28, 2029
Prices
Free
Free Exhibitions in February 2026: Must-See Events in Paris and Île-de-France
