In August, it's well known that Paris is almost devoid of Parisians. This summer season, many have answered the call of the summer vacations. Except, of course, in this year of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. If you'd like to take a break between athletics competitions, and enjoy the capital's many other cultural events, you've come to the right place.
The capital's good deals never stop, including in the cultural sphere! So we're taking you on a tour of the free exhibitions on offer in the capital this summer. Outdoors or indoors, on a sunny stroll or in the shade, these cultural highlights are legion in the capital and makesummer in Paris all the more enjoyable!
So, what are the free exhibitions in Paris this August? Here we reveal the cultural outings that await you in the capital. But be warned, if you're a fan of these kinds of good deals, we recommend that you keep this page carefully: the guide is updated as we make new discoveries and announcements. So don't miss out on any of these free cultural outings.
Sumo: a free exhibition exploring this ancient martial art at the Japanese Cultural Center
In conjunction with the Paris Sumo Tournament taking place in the capital this summer, the Maison de la Culture du Japon is mounting a free exhibition devoted to this ancient martial art. From June 9 to September 26, 2026, discover "Sumo, Sacred Forces," a photographic installation by Bruno Aveillan. [Read more]
Everyone’s looking for their cat: a street-art exhibition centered on felines at Fluctuart
"Everyone's Looking for Their Cat," is the name of the new free urban art exhibition to see at Fluctuart. Join us from May 7 to August 23, 2026 to admire the works by about ten street artists created around the famous feline. [Read more]
ABC Dictionary: Exploring the Arctic Through Inuit Art — The Contemporary Exhibition at Art Inuit Gallery
Inuit artists share their lives and culture from the Arctic through an artistic alphabet, available for free at the Art Inuit Gallery from March 26 to August 31, 2026. [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]
Colors of Korea: free contemporary art exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center in Paris, photos
The Korean Cultural Center unveils the exhibition "Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l'art contemporain coréen", on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, from October 24, 2025 to August 29, 2026. This free exhibition presents a unique immersion in Korean art, illustrating the work of 34 artists who blend tradition and innovation through the power of color. [Read more]
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, 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]
And in this beautiful month of summer, don't forget to hydrate regularly between two exhibitions!
Dates and Opening Time
From August 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026
Prices
Free
