15 must-see exhibitions in Paris you won’t want to miss: our selection of outings

Paris enjoys a vibrant, varied cultural life. The capital is home to dozens of museums, hundreds of galleries, and countless works to discover around every corner... Each venue has its own program and invites us to explore its exhibitions, which change all the time. In short, you can quickly feel overwhelmed by the sheer stream of news and events that kick off each month. But then, what should you see, where should you go, what outing to choose?

Much to our chagrin, time is not infinite and certain daily obligations keep us away from museums. So when we can finally take the time to visit a beautiful exhibition, we want to be sure that it's going to be fantastic! Alas, it's not easy to choose between all these options. That's where Sortiraparis.com comes in.

For you, we’ve combed through every museum program in Paris and the Île-de-France region, filtering down to the cream of the crop—the must-see exhibitions to check out this month. Of course, many other shows deserve a place in this guide, but this pick already lets you discover the artistic releases that are truly unmissable in Paris or across Île-de-France right now and in the days ahead.

Have you already seen it all, or are the current proposals not exciting you? Check this guide often: this page is updated regularly as we uncover discoveries and as museums announce new exhibitions. So if you're still on the hunt for great exhibitions in the Paris region, we recommend bookmarking this guide for even more great ideas for outings!

Are you ready? Strap in—it's time for the must-see exhibitions currently on view in Paris and Île-de-France!

The 15 must-see exhibitions in Paris right now:

150th Anniversary Expo: the gigantic, free street-art exhibition takes over a former Zara storefront spanning 2,400 square meters.
The 150th Expo is back, reviving the spirit of the Cabaret du Chat Noir at the former Zara store in Denfert-Rochereau, in Paris's 14th arrondissement. The works of hundreds of urban artists await you free of charge from October 3 to 25, 2026. This year they partner with StreetArt Denfert to offer you no fewer than three floors of discoveries. Note that entry is by free registration—reserve your spots! [Read more]

Rafael Pavarotti Photographer: A Fashion Photography Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
Fashion photography takes over the Musée des Arts Décoratifs with an exhibition devoted to Rafael Pavarotti. From October 2, 2026, to May 2, 2027, more than 200 color prints trace the Brazilian photographer's career for the first time in France and engage with the museum's photography collections. [Read more]

Kurt Schwitters, The World in Chaos: a blockbuster retrospective at the Picasso Museum
Co-organized with New York's MoMA, the Kurt Schwitters. The Chaos-World. 1918–1948 exhibition arrives at the Musée national Picasso-Paris from October 6, 2026 to February 7, 2027. More than 300 paintings, sculptures and collages trace the career of this major figure in modern art. [Read more]

Le Large opens its doors on Île Seguin with the Imaginary Engine exhibition.
The Imaginary Engine exhibition opens Large, the new contemporary art center on Île Seguin in Boulogne-Billancourt. Masterpieces from the Renault collection and brand-new creations respond to one another from October 17, 2026, to March 7, 2027. [Read more]

Remember Me: Masterpieces of photography from the Pinault Collection are on display at the Bourse de Commerce.
This fall and winter, the Bourse de Commerce hosts the photographic masterpieces from the Pinault Collection. From October 7, 2026 to January 18, 2027, you can explore around 700 works by more than 70 artists, including Erwin Blumenfeld, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Lee Miller, Irving Penn, Cindy Sherman, and Annie Leibovitz. [Read more]

Parallax: Stan Douglas, the artist at the center of a photography exhibition at the Jeu de Paume
Photography as a way to tell stories and shape reality... Discover Stan Douglas’s work through the Parallax exhibition, on view at the Jeu de Paume from 20 October 2026 to 10 January 2027. [Read more]

Louise Bourgeois Exhibition at the BnF: Drawings, Engravings and Nerves Laid Bare
The BnF Richelieu in Paris presents the exhibition "Louise Bourgeois. Extreme Tension," devoted to the drawings and prints by the Franco-American artist, from October 20, 2026 to February 21, 2027. A landmark gathering of the BnF’s holdings with those of the Centre Pompidou. [Read more]

Magic Exhibition at the Cité des Sciences: when illusion becomes a scientific experience
The Cité des sciences et de l’industrie in Paris hosts Magic, a temporary exhibition devoted to illusions, cognitive biases, and the mechanisms of perception, running from October 13, 2026 to August 1, 2027. Designed in collaboration with magic companies and cognitive science researchers, this interactive journey, open to visitors aged 9 and up, explores why our brains sometimes fall for tricks. [Read more]

This 17th-century Spanish painter is finally on display at the Louvre.
The Louvre Museum is devoting a major retrospective to Francisco de Zurbarán, a leading figure in 17th-century Spanish painting. So we’re pulling out the calendar to note this first-ever exhibition, which will be staged in the Napoléon Hall from October 7, 2026 to January 25, 2027. [Read more]

Gustave Fayet at the Louis Vuitton Foundation: Van Gogh, Gauguin and Redon in a landmark exhibition
The Louis Vuitton Foundation is dedicating a major, blockbuster exhibition to Gustave Fayet, a visionary collector and multi-disciplinary creator, from October 9, 2026, to March 8, 2027. [Read more]

Nicolas Flamel, the Paper Alchemist: Cluny Museum's Exhibition on the Fascinating Figure
Embark on a journey to meet a fascinating figure in history, where legend and reality intertwine... The Cluny Museum invites you to discover Nicolas Flamel in an exhibition running from October 13, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]

Long live the bride! : An unprecedented cultural exhibition at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute invites us to a celebration like no other... Dive into the world of Maghrebi weddings with a major immersive exhibition running from September 29, 2026 to February 28, 2027. [Read more]

The Call of the Deep: the exhibition in the abyss at the National Maritime Museum
From October 14, 2026, to February 14, 2027, the National Maritime Museum explores the depths at the Trocadéro. Nearly 240 works retrace the history of underwater exploration, from innovations and myths to scientific discoveries. [Read more]

And don't miss these exceptional events:

Pop Art Car 2.0: a free exhibition blending pop art, design and digital culture on the Champs-Élysées
Sponsored - From September 24, 2026 to January 31, 2027, pop art car 2.0 takes over Renault’s showcase on the Champs-Élysées, at 53 Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. With a mix of historical works, never-before-seen digital pieces and automobiles, this free exhibition brings together artists Sébastien Preschoux, Popay, Victor Vasarely and Julio Le Parc. Not to mention the all-new show car, the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, unveiled in a world premiere. [Read more]

Street Art Madeleine II relocates and expands, becoming Street Art Denfert on 800 m2.
Free street-art exhibition Street Art Madeleine II leaves the crypt beneath La Madeleine church and becomes StreetArt Denfert to team up with the Expo des 150! On its floor, around a hundred Île-de-France artists will be showcased in the former Zara store at Denfert-Rochereau, Paris’s 14th arrondissement, from October 3 to 25, 2026. We’ve got all the details, and above all, remember to snag your free tickets! [Read more]

Art Basel Paris 2026: The lineup for the contemporary art fair at the Grand Palais
The Art Basel Paris international contemporary art fair is finally back at the Grand Palais for a new edition. The event awaits you over the weekend of October 23–25, 2026. Discover the program of this major art event. [Read more]

Brie-Comte-Robert Medieval Festival 2026: free performances from Seine-et-Marne (77)
The Brie-Comte-Robert Médiévale festival is back for its 27th edition, inviting troubadours, storytellers and druids to the town centre of this Seine-et-Marne commune on October 3–4, 2026, for a free, family-friendly medieval celebration. [Read more]

Contemporary Art: What to do in Paris during Art Basel Paris 2026 week?
Contemporary art is in the spotlight in Paris from October 23 to 25, 2026, with Art Basel Paris. At the Grand Palais, but also in galleries, parks, and squares across the capital: art is everywhere! Now is the time to discover the artists of today and tomorrow. [Read more]

Art Basel 2026: the lineup of off-site exhibitions to discover in Paris
What are these monumental installations blooming across Paris? They’re the works from Art Basel Paris’s off-site program, the must-attend event in the Paris contemporary art scene. From October 20 to 25, 2026, come and marvel at these unusual installations. [Read more]

Open studios of the artists in Pré-Saint-Gervais 2026: weekend program
The artist studios of Le Pré Saint-Gervais open their doors to the public for an unmissable 15th edition, themed "The Day Breaks." Come meet around a hundred artists and discover Le Pré Saint-Gervais, its street art, and its exhibitions during the weekend of September 26–27, 2026. [Read more]

Paris Fashion Week: runways, exhibitions, events... what to do from September 28 to October 6, 2026?
Fashion Week returns to Paris from September 28 to October 6, 2026, bringing more than just runways. Shows, official calendar, live streams, exhibitions, pop-ups and events open to the public: here are the appointments to keep an eye on in the capital. [Read more]

Open studios in Ménilmontant: meet the artists of the 20th arrondissement
Les Ateliers de Ménilmontant open their doors to the general public from September 24 to 27, 2026: come meet painters, sculptors, photographers, engravers, ceramicists, illustrators, visual artists, and video artists from Paris’s 20th arrondissement through this arts festival. Discover the program for the 35th edition. [Read more]

The Journées Particulières 2026: LVMH’s Maisons unveil their program and booking dates
Fashion, jewelry, perfumery, gastronomy or heritage: LVMH’s Journées Particulières return from October 16 to 18, 2026. Here are the Houses to discover in Paris, the visit program, and the dates reservations open. [Read more]

The Edgar Quinet Creation Market: a free, open-air art gallery
Sponsored - The Edgar-Quinet Creation Market invites you every Sunday in Paris's 14th arrondissement. Painting, sculpture, photography, engraving and ceramics. Every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. And what if your stroll led you to meet artists? [Read more]

Moon Festival 2026 in Paris: top mid‑autumn picks
The Moon Festival is celebrated in Paris and Île-de-France around Friday, September 25, 2026, with events spread over several days in the 13th arrondissement, in Belleville and even as far as the Yvelines: performances, gourmet markets, and mooncakes. [Read more]

Moon Festival in Paris’s 13th arrondissement 2026: free activities lineup
The Moon Festival settles into Paris's 13th arrondissement through September 26, 2026, around Place d'Italie. A France–Korea exhibition, the RICE Asian market, concerts, a literary evening, and stand-up compose a program that's completely free. [Read more]

National Artists’ Days 2026: meet creators in Paris and Île-de-France
Discover the second edition of the National Artists’ Days, an event that lets us meet creators and tour their studios in Paris and the Île-de-France region. See you on October 2–4, 2026. [Read more]

Salon des Beaux-Arts 2026: a new, free-to-attend edition at the Senate's Orangery
The 2026 Salon des Beaux-Arts settles into the Orangerie of the Senate in Paris’s 6th arrondissement. This free event runs in two sessions: September 18–22, and September 24–29, 2026. Here’s what to expect at this must-attend art gathering. [Read more]

An immersive, costume-filled garden party is in the works at this château in the Yvelines.
An immersive garden party, titled "The Enchanted Garden of Pompadour," sweeps onto the Dampierre-en-Yvelines estate this Saturday, September 26, 2026, featuring entertainment, activities for children, and an equestrian show in the spirit of Madame de Pompadour. [Read more]

National Architecture Days 2026: the lineup for this edition is unveiled
The National Architecture Days return on October 17 and 18, 2026, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Over the full weekend, you'll have the chance to visit unusual and historic sites, while taking part in workshops and talks with architects. Here's a preview of what awaits... [Read more]

Free museums and monuments: places to visit this Sunday, October 4, in Paris and Île-de-France
Which free museum should you visit in Paris or Île-de-France on the first Sunday of the month, Sunday, October 4, 2026? We’re happy to revive our little monthly ritual: exploring a museum or monument without spending a penny! Don’t miss these Sunday tips... [Read more]

A free after-hours at the Louvre Museum: the date for the next October visit.
Here's the monthly insider deal you can count on: the Louvre opens its doors for free to all visitors on the first Friday after 6 p.m. each month. The next date to note is October 2, 2026. [Read more]

Photo Doc. 2026, the premier gathering for documentary photography returns to the Hôtel de l'Industrie
The Hôtel de l'Industrie hosts the new edition of the international Photo Doc fair, from October 9 to 12, 2026. It’s the must-attend event for documentary photography enthusiasts in Paris. [Read more]

Nuit des Châteaux 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: the full program for its 8th edition
The Night of the Castles is back for another edition, October 16, 17 and 18, 2026. Across Paris and the Île-de-France region, several castles and monuments are opening their doors for a charming stroll under the stars. Ready for a magical, nocturnal adventure? Here’s what to expect this year. [Read more]

Monument Jeu d'enfant 2026: dates and schedule at Paris and Île-de-France's national monuments
Monument Jeu d'Enfant, this lovely weekend of free activities in national monuments, returns on October 17 and 18, 2026, across 54 monuments in France. For two days, families will enjoy a wealth of tours, activities and playful discoveries. In Paris and Île-de-France, more than a dozen monuments will open their doors to us! [Read more]

Asia Now 2026: the most Asian art fair returns to the Monnaie de Paris
Asia Now, the Asian art fair, is back in Paris! The fair invites us to the Monnaie de Paris from October 20 to 24, 2026, for its 12th edition, with a packed program. [Read more]

Outsider' Paris 2026: the outsider art fair at the Bastille Design Center for a new edition
The Outsider Art Fair, Outsider' Paris, is back for a fourth edition at the Bastille Design Center, from October 20 to 25, 2026. A free event for art lovers. [Read more]

Menart Fair 2026: Dates for the international fair dedicated to Middle Eastern and Maghrebi art
The countries of the Middle East and the Maghreb are teeming with talented contemporary artists: come discover them from October 23 to 25, 2026 at Menart Fair, the international fair held at the Joseph-Turenne Gallery in the Marais, Paris. [Read more]

The Carnavalet Museum marks its 160th anniversary with a weekend of free events.
The Carnavalet Museum marks its 160th anniversary with a fully free, festive weekend in the heart of the Marais, on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, featuring quirky tours, a nocturnal opening, and surprises for the whole family. [Read more]

Science Festival 2026 in Île-de-France: workshops, tours, experiments… free outings on the program
The 2026 Science Festival runs from October 2 to 12 in Paris and across Île-de-France, offering many free events for the general public and families. Open laboratories, demonstrations, meetings, performances, and hands-on workshops make up the program for this 35th edition. [Read more]

Candlelit evenings at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 2026: a magical stroll and fireworks
Candlelit evenings at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte promise a magical moment to share with loved ones. The program includes a nighttime tour by the glow of 2,000 candles, water games, a romantic stroll through the gardens set to Baroque music, and even fireworks if conditions permit! An exceptional experience running from May 16 to September 26, 2026. [Read more]

Must-see art events in Paris in the coming days
Night tours, a photo festival, Heritage Days, a street-art event... No matter the season, art is always in fête in Paris! To make sure you don’t miss these major cultural happenings, follow our guide to Parisian artistic events. [Read more]

Nights of Light: the digital art festival returns to the heart of a castle, just a metro ride away, in 2026
A digital art festival rolls into the outskirts of Paris this autumn with the second edition in Vincennes, Nights of Light (formerly Château de Lumière). From October 15 to November 8, 2026, this nocturnal event invites visitors to wander among immersive and interactive artworks before a monumental projection in the courtyard of the Château de Vincennes. Here’s what to expect at this unusual rendezvous. [Read more]

C.A.P.S 2026: The lineup for Clichy’s XXL urban art festival
The town of Clichy becomes a giant museum for the new edition of C.A.P.S, the urban art festival. Mark your calendars from June 27 to December 12, 2026 for an even more incredible sixth edition! [Read more]

Paris Fashion Week: must-see fashion events not to miss, September 28 to October 6, 2026.
The Spring-Summer 2027 Women's Fashion Week isn’t all about the shows. From September 28 to October 6, 2026, fashion-week happenings pop up all over Paris: exhibitions, pop-up shops, wardrobe-clearing sales, installations, and fashion events open to the public. A chance to experience fashion week differently, even without a front-row invitation! [Read more]

Heritage in Resistance: From Timbuktu to Odessa, an Exhibition at the City of Architecture.
Sponsored - In Paris, the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine presents the exhibition Patrimoines en résistance : de Tombouctou à Odessa, running from May 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, a look at heritage in wartime, where destruction, safeguarding, and rebuilding come into play. [Read more]

Look, 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum: A Retrospective Couture Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
At the Museum of Decorative Arts, the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Fashion is celebrated with "Look: 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum," a must-see fashion exhibition. Forty iconic ensembles take the runway in the nave's central space, surrounded by sketches, patterns, and embroidery, showcasing four decades of style and craftsmanship. [Read more]

What a crazy program! Which exhibition will you start with?