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!
Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI Exhibition at Fontainebleau: Photos and Video
The major exhibition Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI brings court life back to the Château de Fontainebleau (77), 240 years after the royal couple’s last stay there. See it in photos and video, on view until January 25, 2027. [Read more]
The soul of French perfumery: an exhibition at the Espace Richaud exploring history, science and art
The Osmothèque de Versailles and the Espace Richaud invite us into a world of craftsmanship and refinement with the exhibition The Soul of French Perfumery, on view (and to smell) from November 4, 2026, to February 7, 2027. [Read more]
Prisoners: the free exhibition on Saint-Lazare Prison in Paris
At the Françoise Sagan media library and in Alban Satragne Square, Women Prisoners traces the final years of Saint-Lazare prison. Photographs, archives and testimonies shed light on the history of the women held there from 1919 to 1932. [Read more]
Resistance fighters from abroad: Manouchian and the foreigners in an exhibition in Champigny
The Musée de la Résistance nationale in Champigny-sur-Marne presents Résistants d’ailleurs… et pourtant oubliés. Archives, letters and works of art shed light on the involvement of foreigners in the Resistance and the transmission of their memory. [Read more]
Susan Meiselas and Martine Franck: Two Photography Exhibitions at the Fondation Cartier-Bresson
Photographs of Nicaragua, press archives and feminist mobilizations: the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson brings together two exhibitions to explore how images tell the story of an era and continue to circulate. [Read more]
To Your Health! A Free Exhibition on a Century of Campaigns at the National Archives
Posters, commercials and educational games: the National Archives trace a century of health awareness with À votre santé ! An exhibition in Pierrefitte-sur-Seine revisits images and slogans that have entered the collective memory. [Read more]
Cassini Map: The Free Exhibition at the National Archives in the Marais District
At the National Archives, the exhibition Cassini’s Map of France looks back at how this map of the country was made in the 18th century. Original documents, instruments and precious editions reveal this scientific adventure at the Hôtel de Soubise. [Read more]
Letizia Bonaparte: Napoleon’s mother at the heart of an exhibition at Bois-Préau
At the Château de Bois-Préau in Rueil-Malmaison, an exhibition explores Letizia Bonaparte’s life and place in the imperial family. More than a hundred works bring together portraits, furniture and everyday objects belonging to Madame Mère. [Read more]
Brussels 1900 Exhibition at the Petit Palais: Belgian art in the spotlight in Paris
The Brussels 1900 exhibition at the Petit Palais invites us to step into the vibrant artistic scene of Belgium’s capital at the turn of the 20th century, through painting, architecture, jewellery and fashion. On view at the Petit Palais from 10 November 2026 to 25 April 2027. [Read more]
99 Cameras Museum: a free museum dedicated to legendary cameras, at Studio Harcourt
At the heart of Studio Harcourt, the 99 Cameras Museum brings together 99 iconic cameras from a family collection. This free museum in Paris’s 16th arrondissement traces a century of film photography history. [Read more]
Triumph, at night: the Arc de Triomphe revealed in a new light in this exhibition
The Arc de Triomphe is presenting a new exhibition that offers a fresh perspective on the monument. From October 28, 2026, to March 26, 2027, discover the exhibition Triomphe, la nuit. [Read more]
Donkey Skin and the Fairy Tales on Display at the Postal Museum
The Postal Museum in Paris announces an exhibition on fairy tales from November 18, 2026 to April 19, 2027. On the program: postal history, a family-friendly trail, and a gown inspired by Donkey Skin. [Read more]
Circus, a breeding ground for modern art: a vibrant exhibition at the Montmartre Museum
The circus has long captivated and inspired many artists. The Montmartre Museum presents a selection of 20th‑century works tied to this vibrant world, in the exhibition "The Circus, a Factory of Modern Art," on view from October 16, 2026 to February 14, 2027. [Read more]
KHADI : a CANVAS, the free exhibition on Indian art and craftsmanship
Sponsored - KHADI : a CANVAS is an exhibition that probes the ongoing dialogue between khadi, art, and India's cultural heritage, weaving in the legacies of Mahatma Gandhi and Raja Ravi Varma. Don’t miss it—it's right in the heart of Paris, in the 7th arrondissement. Best of all, admission is free. [Read more]
The Call of the Deep: embark on an exploration with the National Maritime Museum's exhibition
Beliefs, fantastical tales, or scientific inquiries—the abyss has spoken of itself for centuries. From October 14, 2026 to April 4, 2027, the National Maritime Museum invites us on a brief journey into the heart of these depths that fascinate humanity... [Read more]
Nicolas Flamel, the Paper Alchemist: the figure comes to light in the Cluny Museum's exhibition
Embark on a journey to meet a fascinating figure from history, where legend and reality meet... The Musée de Cluny invites you to discover Nicolas Flamel in an exhibition that sets the record straight, from October 13, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]
Jean Marquis, chronicler of everyday life: the free exhibition unfolds at the Roger Viollet Gallery
French photographer Jean Marquis is featured at the Roger-Viollet Gallery, from October 8, 2026 to January 23, 2027: come discover the poetic and moving body of work of a true lover of everyday life. [Read more]
Jeanne du Barry, the making of a royal mistress: the exhibition at the Royal Domain of Marly Museum
From an illegitimate daughter to the king's favorite, discover the sensational story of Jeanne du Barry. The Royal Domain Museum at Marly invites us to meet her through an exhibition running from October 16, 2026 to February 28, 2027. [Read more]
Voir Tahiti: an exhibition revealing the earliest photographs from the 19th century at the Quai Branly Museum
The Quai Branly Museum unveils the first photographs of Tahiti, taken in the 19th century, in a historic exhibition on view from September 29, 2026 to January 31, 2027. [Read more]
From finery to rags, Costume at Versailles: an exhibition between court gowns and everyday attire
Forget for a moment the Court’s opulence: in Versailles, everyone had their own wardrobe. From October 14, 2026 to February 14, 2027, the Lambinet Museum explores the appearances of an entire city, from the working classes to the elites, in the exhibition The Costume in Versailles in the 18th Century. From finery to tatters. [Read more]
Artists at the Museum: the National Museum of Natural History marks its 400th anniversary with an exhibition
The National Museum of Natural History in Paris marks its 400th anniversary with a major exhibition blending art, history and science, running from September 23, 2026 to March 7, 2027. Meet the Museum's Artists through the centuries. [Read more]
Crowning the Sky: An exhibition exploring a little-known Renaissance art at the Château d'Écouen
The Château d'Écouen turns its attention to the art of roof decoration, with the exhibition Couronner le ciel on view from 18 September 2026 to 11 January 2027. [Read more]
The aviators of Free France: a historical exhibition at the Museum of the Order of Liberation
The Museum of the Order of the Liberation, housed at Les Invalides, honors the pilots of Free France in an exhibition running from October 15, 2026 to February 14, 2027. [Read more]
Auguste Bartholdi, Liberty Enlightening the World: the secrets of the statue revealed at the Musée d'Orsay
From September 15, 2026 to January 31, 2027, the Musée d’Orsay will spotlight the Statue of Liberty, a true icon, and its creator, Auguste Bartholdi, a renowned 19th-century sculptor who collaborated with Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Gustave Eiffel. [Read more]
Knowledge in trompe-l'œil: the historical exhibition on Korean art at the Guimet Museum
Embark on a journey into the art of trompe-l'œil in 18th‑century Korea, with the exhibition "Le savoir en trompe-l'œil," on view at the Guimet Museum from September 16, 2026, to January 4, 2027. [Read more]
Rebel Princess: The Duchess of Berry Takes Center Stage in a Historical Exhibition at the Domaine de Sceaux
The Domaine de Sceaux invites visitors to rediscover Marie-Caroline, the indomitable Duchess of Berry, in a historical exhibition running from September 13, 2026 to February 14, 2027 in the former stables. [Read more]
10,000 years of culinary travel: the free exhibition at the Chinese Cultural Centre
From September 11 to November 10, 2026, the Chinese Cultural Centre is hosting the free exhibition "10,000 Years of Culinary Journey." Through an interactive tour that blends historical artifacts and technology, discover the millennia-old story and rituals of Chinese cuisine in the 7th arrondissement. [Read more]
The Eye of Paris: Photographer Brassaï Honored in Exhibition at Hangar Y
Discover the poetic works of Brassaï, the quintessential French photographer of the 20th century, with the exhibition “The Eye of Paris,” on view at Hangar Y from October 17, 2026 to February 21, 2027. [Read more]
Offbeat Versailles — the little-known tales: a remarkable exhibition at the Ancienne Poste
The Old Post Office of Versailles invites us to uncover the city’s little-known stories, through a quirky exhibition running from September 9 to November 15, 2026. [Read more]
The Panache of the Enlightenment: Henri IV Exhibition at Fontainebleau Castle
The Château de Fontainebleau is dedicating a new exhibition, “The Panache of the Enlightenment,” to the figure of Henry IV revived under Louis XVI, to be on view from 19 September 2026 to 25 January 2027 in Seine-et-Marne. Here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]
The Catacombs host a photo exhibition on Paris, from the depths to the skies.
The photographer Nadar, renowned for his images of Paris, is being celebrated at the Catacombs of Paris. From September 29, 2026 to January 31, 2027, don’t miss the exhibition "Nadar: Inventing Paris, From the Depths to the Sky." [Read more]
Sculpting Color: Spanish Baroque Sculpture Lands at the Louvre
The Louvre presents a selection of 23 Spanish 17th‑century sculptures loaned by Valladolid’s Museo Nacional de Escultura. The exhibition "Sculpting Color" runs in the Hall Napoléon from October 7, 2026 to January 25, 2027. [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]
Marc Bloch, The Spirit of History: An Exhibition Paying Tribute to the Resistance Fighter at the Panthéon
On the occasion of his entry into the Panthéon, historian and Resistance member Marc Bloch is the centerpiece of a new exhibition. On display from June 25, 2026 to January 10, 2027 at the Panthéon in Paris. [Read more]
Amédée Couder, fabric designer: the exhibition behind the scenes of design at the Musée de la Toile de Jouy
The Toile de Jouy Museum pays tribute to 19th-century artist Amédée Couder, a pivotal textile designer. The exhibition runs from June 19, 2026 to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
Primordial Water: the Louvre’s exhibition exploring Mesopotamian myths — our photos
The Louvre Museum in Paris presents The Primordial Water, an exhibition on water in ancient Mesopotamia, running from May 20, 2026 to March 15, 2027. Archaeological artifacts, myths, and irrigation show how this resource shaped the region’s earliest societies. [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]
Medieval Fashion: an exhibition exploring medieval dress at the John the Fearless Tower
At the Tour Jean Sans Peur, medieval life unfolds in the exhibition "La mode au Moyen Âge," on view until March 7, 2027. As the last remaining relic of the Palais parisien des Ducs de Bourgogne, the venue provides a striking setting to explore medieval dress, from silhouettes and accessories to social codes, all enhanced by a rich program of activities and events tied to the exhibition. [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]
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]
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]
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]
A History of Money: Citéco’s exhibition, from gold coins to crypto、】【
At Citéco, A History of Money: From Gold to Crypto explores how money has evolved in the vault room of the Hôtel Gaillard. Objects, an investigation and an audio tour accompany this discovery, which families can enjoy together. [Read more]
Korea, the kingdom of the scholars: a historic and immersive exhibition at the Cernuschi Museum
The Cernuschi Museum invites us to Korea for its upcoming exhibition on the yangban, the kingdom’s literati across the centuries, opening on 20 November 2026, featuring ancient masterpieces, period furniture, and costumes. [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]
Around the World: The 1867 World’s Fair Comes to Life in 3D at the National Archives
The National Archives are presenting Crossing the World, a free exhibition on the 1867 World’s Fair and photography. At the Hôtel de Soubise, original documents and 3D viewers bring this vanished Parisian event back to life. [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]
Screens Under Constraint: Cinema Under the Occupation at the Fondation Pathé
With Screens Under Constraint, the Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé Foundation explores French cinema between 1940 and 1944. Posters, excerpts, photographs and archival materials trace an industry subject to censorship, exclusion and shortages. [Read more]
"The Emerald Routes, a historical exhibition at the School of Jewelry Arts"
The School of Jewelry Arts guides us along emerald routes, presenting an exhibition dedicated to the green gemstone. Free to visit by reservation, from December 4, 2026 to June 13, 2027. [Read more]
Escapes of yesteryear: three centuries of country retreats at the Atelier Grognard
In Rueil-Malmaison, the Atelier Grognard traces the history of leisure homes in the Île-de-France region. Nearly 80 works, from plans for country houses to boating posters, tell how the areas around Paris became places for rest and recreation. [Read more]
History and Legends of the Middle Ages: the exhibition that brings Playmobil to life at the Army Museum
The Army Museum chronicles the Middle Ages through a family-friendly, engaging exhibit, to be explored from December 21, 2026 to January 3, 2027. [Read more]
Albert Camus at the BnF Richelieu: an exhibition centered on the writer’s manuscripts
The BnF Richelieu is preparing Albert Camus: Preventing the World from Falling Apart. Manuscripts, archives and contemporary works will bring visitors closer to the author of The Stranger and The Plague through the making of his works. [Read more]
Enjoy your visit, folks!
