If you're a fan ofcontemporary art, then you're probably constantly on the lookout for great exhibitions, whether in museums or art galleries, to (re)discover the works oftalented artists past and present. From renowned talents to rising stars and little-known artists, here's a selection of hot exhibitions to quench your thirst for culture.
Between group exhibitions, cartes blanches, retrospectives and fairs, you'll find in this guide the exhibitions of the moment, but also those to come, so that you can make a note of the dates in your diaries. All these cultural events are waiting for you, and some of them are even an opportunity to acquire a work of art for your home!
Please note that this guide is updated regularly as we make new discoveries and announcements, so be sure to keep this page handy so you don't miss out on any of the great contemporary art exhibitions to come in Paris and the Île-de-France region!
So, are you ready? Let's get ready for the contemporary art exhibitions awaiting you in the capital!
BLEU FUTUR Exhibition by RASSIM® at the Bulgarian Cultural Center
Sponsored - The Bulgarian Cultural Institute is hosting Paris’s first exhibition showcasing the bold, experimental work of Bulgarian artist RASSIM®. Join us on Thursday, February 5th, from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM for the opening reception. [Read more]
The Musée de la Sculpture en plein air: a free art walk in the heart of Paris
Have you heard of the Musée de la Sculpture en plein air? Located in the Square Tino Rossi in the 5th arrondissement, this small museum offers a free cultural stroll along the banks of the Seine, in a magnificent bucolic setting. [Read more]
L'Étoffe des Rêves, the exhibition at Halle Saint-Pierre
From September 12, 2025 to July 31, 2026, La Halle Saint Pierre presents "L'étoffe des rêves", a groundbreaking exhibition featuring 36 artists and over 300 textile works ranging from art brut to surrealism and poetic experimentation. [Read more]
Correspondances, an exhibition mixing contemporary art and 18th-century works at the Musée Cognacq-Jay
Contemporary artist Agnès Thurnauer takes up residence at the Musée Cognacq-Jay, engaging in an unprecedented dialogue between 18th-century works and her modern creations. The exhibition Correspondances runs from October 2, 2025 to February 8, 2026. [Read more]
Mandorla, the contemporary exhibition to discover at the Abbaye de Maubuisson
The Abbaye de Maubuisson presents Mandorla, a collective exhibition of contemporary art that dialogues with the site's medieval sculptures. An artistic and spiritual immersion into the metamorphoses of the sacred, to be discovered until March 8, 2026. [Read more]
Dalí x Rubinstein, Illusions croisées: an original dialogue in the heart of Montmartre
Sponsored - Located in Montmartre, the mecca of Parisian artistic creation, Dalí Paris has been home to the largest private collection dedicated to Salvador Dalí for over thirty years. More than 300 works, brought together by collector and gallery owner Beniamino Levi, reveal the rich universe of the master of surrealism. Sculptures, engravings, oil paintings, drawings, and watercolors testify to the richness of his inspirations, from science to alchemy, through Antiquity, the Renaissance, and religion. [Read more]
I dreamt of you in colours: Otobong Nkanga's exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris
The Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris honors Otobong Nkanga with his first monographic exhibition in the capital, "I dreamt of you in colours", combining installations, drawings and unpublished works, from October 10, 2025 to February 22, 2026. [Read more]
George Condo: the retrospective exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne, Paris
The Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris is organizing a major retrospective of the American painter and sculptor George Condo, on view from October 10, 2025 to February 8, 2026. [Read more]
Voir la mer: a free contemporary exhibition at the Maif Social Club - photos
Contemporary artists draw inspiration from the oceans to create original works, sometimes amusing, sometimes disturbing... Come and discover the Voir la mer exhibition, presented at the Maif Social Club from October 11, 2025 to July 25, 2026. [Read more]
La Licorne, l'Étoile et la Lune: the Lamarche-Ovize exhibition at the Musée de la Chasse
The Florentine and Alexandre Lamarche-Ovize duo take over the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature with "La Licorne, l'Étoile et la Lune", an immersive exhibition combining art, dream habitat and dream landscapes, on view from October 14, 2025 to March 8, 2026. [Read more]
Benin, back and forth: the exhibition at the Musée Albert-Kahn
The Musée départemental Albert-Kahn, Boulogne-Billancourt, invites you to discover the exhibition "Bénin, aller-retour", from October 14, 2025 to June 14, 2026. An immersive dive into the heart of historic Dahomey, featuring rare photographs, ethnographic films and the work of contemporary artists. [Read more]
Underground: Raymond Pettibon's ironic exhibition at the Musée Picasso - our photos
The Musée Picasso Paris presents Underground, an exhibition devoted to Raymond Pettibon, from October 14, 2025 to March 1, 2026. Seventy drawings and fanzines reveal his ironic, subversive universe. [Read more]
Roadmap 2: street art and contemporary art exhibition in a 1950s house in Seine-Saint-Denis
How about an immersive street art exhibition in an old house in Neuilly-sur-Marne? Roadmap 2 takes over an abandoned building from the 1950s, with 14 artists working on the theme of "Memory". Join us on weekends and during school vacations from this Saturday, October 18, 2025, for this wonderful discovery in Seine-Saint-Denis. [Read more]
Palais de Tokyo: ECHO DELAY REVERB, an exhibition celebrating contemporary American art
The Palais de Tokyo presents ECHO DELAY REVERB, a major group exhibition from October 22, 2025, to February 15, 2026, which explores the links between contemporary American art and Francophone thought, curated by Naomi Beckwith. [Read more]
Sole Crushing by Meriem Bennani: our photos of the immersive installation at Lafayette Anticipations
Meriem Bennani's exhibition "Sole Crushing" will be on display at Lafayette Anticipations in Paris from October 22, 2025, to February 8, 2026. This monumental installation combines contemporary art, performance, and music through an immersive sound work animated by percussive flip-flops. [Read more]
Clear skies / troubled waters: our photos of Steffani Jemison's exhibition at Lafayette Anticipations
American artist Steffani Jemison presents "Clear Skies / Troubled Waters" at Lafayette Anticipations in Paris, from October 22, 2025, to February 8, 2026. This immersive exhibition combines sculpture, video, and sensory experimentation to explore movement, gravity, and the perception of the body in space. [Read more]
Melvin Edwards at the Palais de Tokyo: our photos of his carte blanche for the American Season
The Palais de Tokyo is honoring Melvin Edwards, an iconic American sculptor, with a retrospective exhibition never before seen in France, from October 22, 2025, to February 15, 2026. This carte blanche explores the links between contemporary art, history, memory, and Francophone thought. [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]
General Exhibition: the Fondation Cartier recounts 40 years of exhibitions for its reopening
The Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain is reopening its doors in a new location in the heart of Paris with a new exhibition: from October 25, 2025, to August 23, 2026, discover the General Exhibition. [Read more]
Shadow is light, memory of places: a contemporary art exhibition in the heart of the Pantheon
The Pantheon welcomes Nicolas Daubanes and his creations for a meditative exhibition running from November 19, 2025, to March 8, 2026. [Read more]
Eva Jospin and Claire Tabouret at the Grand Palais: a double exhibition that's causing a buzz – our photos
Two renowned figures in contemporary art receive top honors in Paris. From December 10, 2025, to March 15, 2026, the Grand Palais hosts a unique double exhibition showcasing the stunning works of two French artists, Claire Tabouret and Eva Jospin. While one exhibit features "D’un seul souffle," the other is dedicated to "Grottesco." [Read more]
All About Love: Mickalene Thomas's Bold and Vibrant Exhibition at the Grand Palais - Photos
The Grand Palais is showcasing the work of African American artist Mickalene Thomas from December 17, 2025, to April 5, 2026. Experience a bold, contemporary voice with the exhibition All About Love. [Read more]
Kathia St. Hilaire: A Powerful Exhibition at the Perrotin Gallery
The Haitian-American artist Kathia St. Hilaire is showcasing a series of engravings and collages in Paris that delve into themes of spiraling, migration, and exile stories. On view at the Perrotin Gallery from January 10 to March 7, 2026, the exhibition offers a contemplative exploration of diasporic journeys, blending artistic expression with political insight. [Read more]
Various and assorted objects: the free and immersive exhibition by Song Dong at Le Bon Marché — our photos
For its 11th edition, the January art showcase at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche pays tribute to Song Dong, the renowned Chinese artist renowned for transforming everyday objects into living memory. From January 10 to February 22, 2026, his free exhibition, "Various and Diverse Objects – 百货 (baihuò)", takes over the store's showcases, features two large-scale installations beneath the glass roof, and immerses visitors in an interactive experience on the second floor. [Read more]
Erwin Wurm. Tomorrow Yes: Free Exhibition at Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery in Pantin (93) — Photos
Art takes wild shapes in Pantin! From January 17 to April 11, 2026, Erwin Wurm's "Tomorrow: Yes" transforms the Thaddaeus Ropac gallery into a space where new works and intriguing installations challenge visitors’ perceptions. Playing with form, space, and the human body, the exhibition offers a captivating journey into the artist's imaginative universe. [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]
The Fire This Time: Titus Kaphar’s Exhibition Unveils Society’s Forgotten Figures at Gagosian
Titus Kaphar debuts his first solo exhibition in Paris at the Gagosian Gallery with The Fire This Time, running from January 29 to March 7, 2026. Through a striking mix of paintings and wooden sculptures, the American artist explores forgotten shadows of history, bringing to light memories that have long been sidelined or overlooked. [Read more]
In these halls: contemporary photographer Jo Ractliffe showcases her work at the Jeu de Paume, revealing powerful images.
The Jeu de Paume is hosting an exhibition showcasing the work of photographer Jo Ractliffe. Discover the striking images of "En ces lieux" from January 30 to May 24, 2026. [Read more]
Blurred Boundaries: The Immersive Exhibit at the Frigos in Paris
Sponsored - The exhibition Zone de flou offers an immersive artistic experience at the Frigos in Paris, exploring the spectrum from the visible to the invisible, from reality to fiction. [Read more]
The Perrotin gallery hosts an exhibition dedicated to art inspired by the game of chess.
The Perrotin Gallery in Paris is hosting a group exhibition titled A Century of Chess, exploring the impact of the game on modern and contemporary art. Running from January 31 to February 28, 2026, and curated by R. Jonathan Lambert, the show features works by Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray, Martin Parr, and William Wegman. Through paintings, sculptures, and photographs, it delves into the diverse artistic interpretations inspired by this deeply strategic game. [Read more]
The Hangar Y's contemporary open-air exhibition is back! An artistic stroll in the green
The Hangar Y, which conceals a 10-hectare natural area planted with trees, offers a year-round open-air art walk, free on weekdays and €3 with access to the Hangar on weekends. Since April 28, 2025, new works have been added to the circuit. From Erwin Wurm and Lionel Sabatte to Pauline Tralongo and Odile Decq, it's time for an unusual, unplugged stroll through the heart of the Hauts-de-Seine. [Read more]
All Parts of Us: Susanna Inglada Delves Into Global Tensions with an Exhibition at Drawing Lab
Drawing Lab in Paris is showcasing All Parts Of Us, Susanna Inglada’s exhibition — the winner of the 2025 Drawing Now Award — running from February 13 to May 10, 2026. Through a captivating mix of drawings, installations, and videos, the artist offers an immersive journey that explores perception, community, and power dynamics in today’s world. [Read more]
Le rêve cette autre part: the dreamlike exhibition at the Pernod Ricard Foundation
At the Fondation Pernod Ricard, the exhibition "Le rêve, cette autre part" explores dreams as a space for creation, thought and relationships, with artists Amie Barouh, Chloé Quenum and philosopher Mohamed Amer Meziane. On view from February 17 to April 18, 2026. [Read more]
I Love the Beatles: Free design exhibition at the Ateliers de Paris gallery
Artist Michel Bouvet brings the Beatles' songs to life through striking visuals in a free exhibition running from February 18 to 22, 2026, at the Ateliers de Paris gallery. [Read more]
Open Shapes: Free Exhibition Showcasing Geometric Abstract Art at the Swedish Institute
Geometric abstract art takes center stage at the Swedish Institute from February 20 to July 19, 2026. Over five months, visitors are invited to explore free of charge "Formes ouvertes", an installation that bridges the works of Olle Bærtling—an essential figure in abstract art—with those of seven talented international artists. [Read more]
Clair-obscur: an exhibition of light and shade at the Bourse de Commerce
From March 4 to August 31, 2026, the Bourse de Commerce will be transformed into a luminous, twilight landscape for a new exhibition entitled "Clair-obscur". [Read more]
FOREVER: The Free Exhibition Curated by Maurizio Cattelan at Galeries Lafayette
FOR ETERNITY, outside the walls of the exhibition Sunday Without End, brings contemporary art from the Centre Pompidou-Metz into the heart of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Conceived by Maurizio Cattelan and Chiara Parisi, this innovative route features sculptures, photographs, and sound installations spread across the dome, the staircases, and the terrace, turning the flagship department store into a vibrant, living gallery. From March 10 to April 27, 2026, visitors are invited to explore freely a collection of significant works by Gloria Friedmann, Birgit Jürgenssen, Christodoulos Panayiotou, and Lawrence Weiner. [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]
Nan Goldin at the Grand Palais: This Won't End Well — An Exhibition Blurring the Lines Between Photography and Film
The Grand Palais hosts This Will Not End Well, the first French retrospective of Nan Goldin, from March 18 to June 21, 2026. The exhibition presents her cinematic slideshows within an immersive installation designed to resemble a village of images. [Read more]
Contemporary art exhibitions in Paris: Diego Marcon and Ladji Diaby at Lafayette Anticipations
Lafayette Anticipations is hosting two contemporary art exhibitions in Paris from April 1 to July 19, 2026, featuring the cinematic universe of Diego Marcon and the emerging scene embodied by Ladji Diaby. A double rendez-vous focusing on images, narration and artistic emotions. [Read more]
Joseph Grigely at the Palais de Tokyo: An Exhibition Exploring Accessibility in Cultural Spaces
The deaf artist Joseph Grigely takes over a difficult-to-access space at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris with his exhibition "Nous en sommes là – This is where we are". This thought-provoking show explores architectural accessibility within cultural institutions through a combination of visual works and a risograph publication. Running from April 3 to September 13, 2026, it challenges visitors to reconsider how our environments are designed and experienced. [Read more]
Cheryl Marie Wade at the Palais de Tokyo: An immersive experience into crip culture and activist poetry
The Palais de Tokyo is hosting a groundbreaking group exhibition centered on the poetry of Cheryl Marie Wade, a prominent figure in Berkeley’s crip art scene, from April 3 to September 13, 2026. Featuring archival footage, performances, and installations, the show aims to breathe new life into a marginalized artistic voice that bridges poetry, activism, and the remembrance of disability. [Read more]
Pauline Curnier Jardin at Palais de Tokyo: An Exhibition Exploring Myths and Social Norms
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris is showcasing a comprehensive solo exhibition dedicated to Pauline Curnier Jardin, a French artist known for her immersive works that delve into rituals, gender, and body representations through installations, films, and performances. Running from April 3 to September 13, 2026, this expansive exhibition is conceived as a fragmented, sensory journey. It features both key works and new commissions, created in collaboration with the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid. [Read more]
Benoît Piéron at the Palais de Tokyo: an exhibition exploring themes of care, vulnerability, and imagination
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris is hosting a retrospective dedicated to contemporary artist Benoît Piéron, focusing on sculptures and installations inspired by the hospital environment. Running from April 3 to September 13, 2026, the exhibition delves into themes of care, waiting, and fragility through works that blend medical aesthetics, sensory experiences, and reflections on vulnerability as a universal condition. [Read more]
Cathy de Monchaux at the Palais de Tokyo: a groundbreaking, thought-provoking retrospective in Paris
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris is hosting France’s first retrospective of British artist Cathy de Monchaux, running from April 3 to September 13, 2026. Showcasing nearly fifty works, the exhibition spans four decades of her creative journey, exploring themes of the human body, materials, and emotive storytelling. [Read more]
Jesse Darling at the Palais de Tokyo: an immersive exhibition blending ruins with forgotten stories
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris is hosting an immersive exhibition by British artist Jesse Darling, the winner of the 2023 Turner Prize. The show is open from April 3rd to September 13th, 2026. Through monumental installations crafted from discarded materials and everyday objects, the artist explores the fragile foundations of the structures that shape our lives. [Read more]
Henry Taylor at the Picasso Museum Paris: A Contemporary American Painting Exhibition
The Picasso Museum in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Henry Taylor, the acclaimed American contemporary painter, featuring a collection of portraits and works that explore collective memory and references to Picasso. Running from April 8th to September 6th, 2026, the exhibition is carefully curated in collaboration with the artist himself and is accessible to visitors at the Parisian museum. [Read more]
100% THE 2026 EXPO: Dates and Schedule for the Free Contemporary Exhibition at La Villette
100% EXPO is a free, must-see artistic festival taking over the Grande Halle of La Villette from April 8 to 26, 2026. Showcasing a diverse lineup of emerging young artists just out of school, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the future of art. [Read more]
Brion Gysin, the Last Museum: A Retrospective Exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris
The City of Paris's Museum of Modern Art is hosting the first-ever retrospective exhibition of artist Brion Gysin. Open to the public from April 10 to July 12, 2026. [Read more]
Annette Messager at the Museum of Hunting and Nature: An Exhibition Exploring the Relationship Between Animals and Humans
The Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris is presenting a groundbreaking exhibition by artist Annette Messager, focused on animal imagery and its artistic reimagining. Running from April 14 to September 20, 2026, the show is titled "A Swallow Doesn't Make Spring." It features a mix of installations, hybrid artworks, and iconic pieces that engage in a compelling dialogue with the museum's existing collections. [Read more]
Hilma af Klint at the Grand Palais: a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the pioneer of abstract art
The Grand Palais is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to Hilma af Klint, the visionary Swedish artist, in partnership with the Centre Pompidou, from May 6 to August 30, 2026. This exhibit offers France’s first opportunity to experience her mystical and pioneering works firsthand — pieces that have long remained in the shadows of art history. [Read more]
I saw: Jenny Holzer’s luminous exhibition that makes words come alive at the Orsay Museum this fall
Words Take Over the Orsay Museum, Transforming the Space into a Luminous Stage. From October 20, 2026, to February 21, 2027, the exhibition "I Have Seen" by Jenny Holzer invites visitors to explore a dialogue between letters, political texts, and literary writings alongside the museum's iconic collections. Through projections, LED installations, and engravings, the exhibit immerses visitors in a captivating experience where past and present resonate anew, offering a fresh perspective. [Read more]
