What if you could travel back in time without leaving the capital? You don't need a DeLorean or any other time machine straight out of an H.G. Wells novel to do this: the museums of Paris and its suburbs do the job very well, and many of them have great historical exhibitions to tell you all about the various eras of the past.
Whether it's thehistory of France or of other countries around the world, there's something for every taste and desire... And for all ages! Take a trip to the Musée de l'Armée, for example, to learn all about the history of wars in France and around the world. Or head to the Musée Guimet or the Musée Cernuschi, to immerse yourself in Asian history and culture. You could also opt for the Musée de la Libération de Paris, or the Musée de la Grande Guerre de Meaux, to learn more about the history of the First and Second World Wars... In short, it's the perfect place to learn all about history!
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 historical exhibitions to come in Paris and the Île-de-France region! Mark your calendars!
Madame de Sévigné, Parisian Letters: History Reimagined with the Carnavalet Museum Exhibition
The Carnavalet Museum pays tribute to Madame de Sévigné with a richly historical exhibition, on view from April 15 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
Explorations: A State Affair? The historical exhibition unfolds at the Army Museum
The Army Museum traces three centuries of history and discovery, with the exhibition Explorations: a State affair?, on view from April 15 to August 16, 2026. [Read more]
From every angle: the Postal Museum delves into workwear in a stunning exhibition
The Postal Museum (formerly the Post Museum) delves into the world of workwear in the postal service... But that’s not all. Discover the exhibition Sous toutes les coutures, on show from April 8 to September 22, 2026. [Read more]
Martin Schongauer: The Beau Martin painting exhibition at the Louvre Museum, photos
Discover Martin Schongauer, a German painter from the Middle Ages whose talent has endured through the centuries. The Louvre Museum is staging a retrospective devoted to this "Bel immortel," from April 8 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Dinosaurs: an immersive return experience for the holidays at the Atelier des Lumières
L'exposition-documentaire "Planète préhistorique : Dinosaures" returns to Atelier des Lumières from April 19, 2026, for the school holidays. Step into the age of the dinosaurs with this immersive, offbeat and family-friendly experience. [Read more]
Lafayette, bridging France and America: free exhibit on the Marquis at the National Archives
From April 1 to July 14, 2026, the National Archives will host a free exhibition dedicated to Marquis de Lafayette. Featuring rare documents, caricatures, and related artifacts, this exhibition traces the life of the "hero of two worlds" — a figure equally celebrated in the United States and debated within France, against the backdrop of revolutionary upheavals. [Read more]
Exhibition 1913-1923: The Spirit of the Age — A Meeting of Cultures at the Quai Branly Museum, photographs
At the start of the 20th century, European artists began to explore the arts of Africa and Oceania. The Quai Branly Museum chronicles this cultural encounter through a unique exhibition running from March 17 to September 20, 2026. [Read more]
The splendors of Baroque: The Jacquemart-André Museum's Spring Exhibition
The Jacquemart-André Museum is taking visitors on a journey through Hispanic Baroque art, from March 26 to August 2, 2026. Don't miss the exhibition "Splendors of the Baroque." [Read more]
Revealing femininity, fashion, and appearance in the 18th century: the exhibition on self-image at the Cognacq-Jay Museum
The Cognacq-Jay Museum delves into the myriad portrayals of women in the 18th century with a captivating exhibition: "Women in the Mirror, Appearances and Imaginaries". The show runs from March 25 to September 20, 2026. [Read more]
Byblos, a millennia-old Lebanese city: the historical exhibition opens at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute takes us on a journey to discover the world's first international maritime port, dating back nearly 9,000 years. The exhibition, "Byblos, a Millennium-Old City of Lebanon," is open from March 24 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
Imaginary Maps: A Playful Exhibition to Explore New Worlds at the François-Mitterrand Library
From March 24 to July 19, 2026, the BnF François-Mitterrand is offering a rare immersion into cartography and its imaginary territories, through more than 200 works, for a journey to the frontiers of reality and fiction. [Read more]
The Belle Époque under Prefect Lépine? : Free Exhibition at the Police Prefecture Museum
Until July 6, 2026, the Police Headquarters Museum is shedding light on Louis Lépine, an essential figure in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. Featuring an exclusive collection of 150 vintage postcards, this free exhibition delves into the media portrayal of the ever-present prefect—ranging from heroic scenes to satirical caricatures. [Read more]
Fashion in the 18th century, a romanticized legacy: an exhibition from the Enlightenment era at the Palais Galliera
The Palais Galliera celebrates the elegance of women's fashion in the Age of Enlightenment with the exhibition "Fashion in the 18th Century: A Fantasized Legacy," from March 14 to July 12, 2026, taking visitors on a journey through time to the heart of yesterday's and today's creations. [Read more]
Unicorns! : The Cluny Museum in Paris showcases an exhibition delving into the myth of the legendary creature
In Paris, the Musée de Cluny – National Museum of the Middle Ages – is showcasing the exhibition Unicorn!, dedicated to the legendary creature that has captivated the medieval imagination and lore. Running from March 10 to July 12, 2026, this major exhibition brings together nearly a hundred pieces from around the world to explore the symbolism, legends, and centuries-old fascination with the unicorn—spanning medieval art, mythology, and spirituality. [Read more]
Courage and Honor: A Historic Exhibition at the Legion of Honor Museum in Paris
The Legion of Honor Museum showcases the various badges of bravery awarded to deserving soldiers in a free exhibit running from April 22 to July 26, 2026. [Read more]
Napoleon I’s Last Will: A Special Free Exhibition at the National Archives
This is one of the most legendary documents in French history. Safeguarded under tight security at the National Archives, Napoleon I’s will is being temporarily displayed to the public from March 4th to June 29th, 2026, in Paris. [Read more]
A Day in the 18th Century: An Immersive Exhibition in a Parisian Townhouse at MAD
The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris transports visitors back to the 18th century, offering an immersive experience through the exhibition "A Day in the 18th Century." Explore a French private mansion and step into the past from February 18th to July 5th, 2026. [Read more]
Simone Veil. My Sisters and I: An Intimate, Free Exhibition at the Memorial to the Holocaust — Our Photos
The Shoah Memorial highlights the special bond between Simone Veil and her sisters with an emotionally compelling exhibition running from February 10 to October 15, 2026. [Read more]
Red: An archaeological journey through a color — from prehistory to today at the ARCHEA Museum (95)
From March 14 to November 15, 2026, the ARCHEA Museum will delve into the mysteries of the color red with a groundbreaking archaeological exhibition. Spanning prehistoric pigments to medieval adornments, this exhibit showcases the significance and influence of this symbolic hue throughout thousands of years. [Read more]
Van Gogh as Influencer: An Exhibition Celebrating the Artist’s Legacy at Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise
From April 18, 2026, to January 3, 2027, the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise will host an exhibition dedicated to delving into the sources of inspiration and the lasting legacy of Vincent van Gogh's work, highlighting his enduring influence. [Read more]
Saint-Cloud in the clouds: Free exhibition and flight simulator at the Avelines Museum
From February 12 to July 5, 2026, the Avelines Museum will take us soaring into the skies with a free exhibition exploring Saint-Cloud's pivotal role in aviation history — featuring historic archives alongside a flight simulator! [Read more]
The language of the walls: China's stamped artworks displayed at the Museum of Decorative Arts
The Museum of Decorative Arts presents "The Language of Walls" from March 18 to June 28, 2026, an exhibition focused on the art of stamping. It brings together 19th-century Chinese pieces with contemporary imprints, all created directly on the stones of Notre-Dame de Paris during its restoration. [Read more]
Captives: Mediterranean Slavery Uncovered at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the history of slavery between Christians and Muslims across the Mediterranean from the 17th century to 1830. Titled "Captives: Arts and Slavery in the Modern Mediterranean", the exhibit runs from March 31, 2026, to July 19, 2026. Through artworks, rare artifacts, and unpublished documents, it offers a historical perspective on those enslaved and forced into labor in the ports of Europe and North Africa. [Read more]
The Masters of Fire: The National Museum of Archaeology’s Extended Historical Exhibit
The National Archaeological Museum takes us back to the Bronze Age to explore the "Masters of Fire" in an engaging educational exhibition running from June 13, 2025, to June 15, 2026. [Read more]
Sèvres, a Rothschild Passion: An Immersive Porcelain Exhibition at the National Furniture Museum
From April 17 to July 26, 2026, the Mobilier National and the Sèvres Manufacture will unveil the Rothschild family’s passionate collection of 18th-century porcelain. The exhibition promises an immersive experience, blending masterpieces with detailed reconstructions. [Read more]
Clovis’s World: The Interactive Exhibition Where You’re the Hero at the Val d’Oise Archaeological Museum
The Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum invites you to step into a historic journey — an interactive adventure where you become the hero, tracing the footsteps of King Clovis. Running from February 14 to November 1, 2026, this immersive and highly engaging exhibition promises an unforgettable experience. [Read more]
Machine arrière #2, the typewriter: the retro exhibition at the Cité des Sciences - our photos
From November 25, 2025, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie will be showcasing the typewriter in its "Machine arrière" series. A historical and audio immersion between technical innovations and social struggles. [Read more]
Mummies: an unusual and disturbing exhibition to discover at the Musée de l'Homme
The Musée de l'Homme takes us on a journey through the fascinating history of mummies, with an exhibition-event combining science and culture, open from November 19, 2025, to May 25, 2026. [Read more]
Victor Hugo, decorator: the exhibition on a little-known facet of the poet at Maison Victor Hugo
What if Victor Hugo had followed his first calling? From November 13, 2025 to April 26, 2026, a new exhibition reveals a little-known aspect of the writer's life: his passion for decorating, which we trace through his many creations, from Paris to Guernsey. [Read more]
A hundred years of Art Deco at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, anniversary exhibition from 1925 to 2025 in pictures
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris is celebrating the centenary of Art Deco with an exceptional exhibition from October 22, 2025, to April 26, 2026: '1925-2025. One Hundred Years of Art Deco'. Nearly 1,000 works showcasing the timeless elegance of this style, accompanied by a spectacular reconstruction of the Orient Express, await you. Let us take you on a journey of discovery. [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]
Dans la Seine: the exhibition at the Crypte archéologique reveals the objects found in the Seine
The Crypte Archéologique presents an exhibition that's as curious as it is amusing, revealing objects found in the Seine, from prehistory to the present day. Visit this unique exhibition from January 31, 2024, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
Amerindian allies at the court of Louis XV: the historical exhibition at the Château de Versailles
Immerse yourself in the Mississippi Valley from November 25, 2025 with the Château de Versailles exhibition on the native nations who allied themselves with the French when they settled in Louisiana during the reign of the young Louis XV. [Read more]
La Cité de l'Histoire, our test of the immersive French History experience at La Défense
Ready to plunge into the great History of France? The first Cité de l'Histoire is opening its doors in La Défense's Grande Arche, with a fun, immersive tour of our shared past. [Read more]
The new History Gallery at the Château de Versailles to celebrate 400 years - photos
The History Gallery at the Château de Versailles reopens its doors to celebrate the 400th anniversary of this emblematic monument. Free of charge from September 15 to 17, 2023 for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), then from September 21 with a ticket, discover a completely redesigned and refurbished gallery, retracing the history of the Château from its construction in 1623 by Louis XIII to the present day. More than 120 works from the Versailles collections, accompanied by a digital device, enable us to understand the creations, transformations and upheavals that have marked the Château. [Read more]
Treasures of the Al Thani Collection, the exhibition at Hôtel de la Marine
The Centre des Monuments nationaux and the Al Thani Collection Foundation unveil the new galleries dedicated to the exhibition of Prince Qatar's works. As of November 18, 2021, come and discover the first temporary exhibition entitled "Treasures from the Al Thani Collection". [Read more]
Jardin des Lumières: An Exhibition Celebrating Garden Art at the Grand Trianon, Versailles
At the Palace of Versailles, the Grand Trianon hosts a brand-new exhibition: "Garden of Lights." Visitors can experience this captivating display from May 5 through September 27, 2026. [Read more]
The Navy and the Painters: A Major Exhibition Exploring Art and Authority at the Museum of the Navy
The Museum of the Navy highlights the painters who helped shape the history of the French fleet, with a historical exhibition opening from May 13 to August 2, 2026. [Read more]
Silla: Gold and the Sacred — An Exhibition Showcasing Korea's Treasures at the Guimet Museum
The Guimet Museum unveils ancient treasures from the Silla Kingdom in South Korea with the exhibition "Silla: Gold and the Sacred," open from May 20 to August 31, 2026. [Read more]
Primordial Water at the Louvre: An Exhibition Exploring Water in Ancient Mesopotamia
The Louvre Museum in Paris will host Primordial Water from May 20, 2026, to March 15, 2027. This exhibition explores the vital role of water in ancient Mesopotamian civilizations and will be displayed in the Oriental Antiquities Department galleries. Through archaeological artifacts, mythological stories, and the earliest hydraulic structures, visitors will delve into the development of irrigation systems and discover how Mesopotamian societies organized their landscapes around this crucial resource. [Read more]
An exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix at the Château de Fontainebleau
As part of the Festival of Art History, Fontainebleau Castle is hosting an exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix, inspired by Marie-Antoinette and her legendary sense of style... Open from June 5 to November 2, 2026. [Read more]
Funny Heists: A Caricature and History Exhibition at the Air and Space Museum
Discover the history of airplanes and balloons through vintage cartoons in a fun and engaging exhibition at the Museum of Air and Space. Don’t miss "Hilarious Flights," running from June 27, 2026, to January 3, 2027. [Read more]
Following in the footsteps of dinosaurs: an immersive exhibit at the Great Gallery of Evolution at the Museum
Step into the shoes of paleontologists and embark on a journey to explore the world of dinosaurs. This engaging and immersive educational exhibition will be on display from July 16, 2026, through January 2028. [Read more]
Auguste Bartholdi: Liberty Enlightening the World — A New Exhibition on the Sculptor at the Musée d’Orsay
From September 15, 2026, to January 31, 2027, the Musée d'Orsay will showcase an exhibition dedicated to the Statue of Liberty and its creator, Auguste Bartholdi, a renowned 19th-century sculptor who collaborated with Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Gustave Eiffel. [Read more]
Artists at the Museum: A Special Anniversary Exhibition Celebrates 400 Years of the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History in Paris is celebrating its 400th anniversary with a major exhibition, running from September 23, 2026, to March 7, 2027. Explore the Museum's artists across the centuries and discover the rich artistic heritage intertwined with its scientific legacy. [Read more]
An exhibition dedicated to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at the Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau is hosting the exhibition "Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at Fontainebleau: Splendor and Sweetness of Life" from October 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity for history buffs to immerse themselves in the life of the royal couple. [Read more]
The grand journey of medical discovery: an exhibition at the Arab World Institute
In Paris, the Arab World Institute is delving into the journey of medical knowledge across civilizations, from antiquity to the modern era. Through books, artifacts, and manuscripts, the exhibition "The Great Adventure of Medical Knowledge" will be on display from October 13, 2026, to January 10, 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]
The Hidden Treasures of the Nasrid Alhambra: An Exhibition in the Heart of Granada at the Arab World Institute
From November 24, 2026, to May 16, 2027, the Arab World Institute will take you on a journey to the Alhambra of the Nasrid sultans. Through an immersive experience and the display of extraordinary works of art, the exhibition revives the lost grandeur of Muhammad V's reign. [Read more]
A free, immersive exhibit explores the 1867 Universal Exhibition and the evolution of photography in Paris
Dive into the heart of the 1867 World's Fair through the lens of photography, from November 25, 2026, to February 22, 2027. Experience this engaging and free exhibit at the National Archives, offering an immersive journey into this historic event. [Read more]
Enjoy your visit, folks!
