They led exceptional lives, revolutionized their fields, changed history or produced masterpieces admired by generations of visitors... They deserve to be in the spotlight, at the heart of an exhibition dedicated to their lives and careers.
These individuals - artists, politicians, geniuses - are honored by museums and art galleries, through a never-before-seen retrospective. These exhibitions enable us to learn more about the great figures who have had such a major impact on our lives and on art.
So it's decided, we're off to discover one of these beautiful retrospective exhibitions! Yes, but which one? To find out, all you have to do is choose the one that most appeals to you, from our selection below. We've rounded up the top retrospective exhibitions to see right now and in the weeks to come in Paris and the Paris region.
This guide is updated regularly, according to the programs of museums and art venues in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Don't hesitate to come back to this page often to find out what's new!
"Rêveries de pierres" at the École des Arts Joailliers: an exhibition of a precious collection of stones
Sponsored - Are you in search of a truly original, poetic, and deeply mesmerizing exhibition? From November 6, 2025, to March 29, 2026, the École des Arts Joailliers, in partnership with the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle, invites you to explore "Dreams of Stones: Poetry and Minerals of Roger Caillois," right in the heart of Paris’s 9th arrondissement. This event offers a rare opportunity to marvel at 200 extraordinary minerals, accompanied by never-before-seen texts from one of the most distinctive thinkers of the 20th century. Additionally, entry is free with prior reservation (link below). [Read more]
LV Dream by Louis Vuitton: free exhibition, boutique, café and chocolate shop
The famous Maison Louis Vuitton opens LV DREAM, a free exhibition and gift store that also features a café and a chocolate shop in collaboration with Chef Pâtissier Maxime Frédéric of Cheval Blanc Paris. While the exhibition is by reservation only, the boutique and café are open to the public. [Read more]
Paul Poiret, la mode est une fête: the fascinating exhibition on the couturier and perfumer at MAD
A figure of 20th-century haute couture, a liberator of women's bodies: come and meet Paul Poiret, the great couturier and designer. From June 25, 2025 to January 11, 2026, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs presents the exhibition "Paul Poiret, la mode est une fête." [Read more]
Rick Owens: the fashion exhibition dedicated to the designer invades the Palais Galliera
Rick Owens takes over the Palais Galliera from June 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026 with a shock retrospective exhibition that extends beyond the museum walls. Over 100 silhouettes, never-before-seen archives and works of art reveal the raw, iconoclastic universe of the master of the underground and fallen elegance. Join us this summer for an immersive dive into fashion as rebellion! [Read more]
Lygia Pape, Weaving space: a delicate exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce - our photos
The Bourse de Commerce presents "Weaving Space", the first French retrospective of Lygia Pape, a major figure of the Brazilian avant-garde, with an immersive light installation and emblematic works. On view from September 10, 2025 to January 26, 2026. The exhibition is part of the Brazil-France 2025 Season. [Read more]
Childhood in the spotlight: Greuze, the forgotten artist, reveals himself in an exhibition at the Petit Palais
The artist Jean-Baptiste Greuze was born 300 years ago: to celebrate this anniversary, and bring this unjustly forgotten painter back into the limelight, the Petit Palais is organizing a brand-new exhibition from September 16, 2025 to January 25, 2026. [Read more]
John Singer Sargent exhibition dazzles Paris at the Musée d'Orsay
From September 23, 2025 to January 26, 2026, the Musée d'Orsay is devoting an unprecedented exhibition to the American painter John Singer Sargent. This retrospective highlights his Parisian years through 90 works, including 66 paintings. [Read more]
Paul Troubetzkoy, a brilliant sculptor honored in an exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay - photos
Discover Paul Troubetzkoy, an artist with an exceptional life, through a new exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay. Join us from September 30, 2025 to January 11, 2026 to admire the exhibition dedicated to this extraordinary sculptor. [Read more]
Gaston Paris - L'équilibre du carré: the free photo exhibition at Roger-Viollet Gallery
Galerie Roger-Viollet is organizing an exhibition on the famous photographer Gaston Paris, free to visit from October 2, 2025 to January 17, 2026. [Read more]
My name is Orson Welles: the major exhibition on the cinematic genius unveiled at the Cinémathèque
The Cinémathèque française is organizing a major exhibition to pay tribute to Orson Welles, a key actor, director and producer of 20th-century cinema. Discover "My name is Orson Welles" from October 8, 2025 to January 11, 2026. [Read more]
Berthe Weill, galerie d'avant-garde: the retrospective exhibition at the Musée de l'Orangerie - photos
The Musée de l'Orangerie pays tribute to Berthe Weill, the famous avant-garde Parisian art dealer, in a new exhibition on view from October 8, 2025 to January 26, 2026. [Read more]
Les gens de Paris, 1926-1936: the historical exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet is unveiled
What if you could find your great-grandparents in the streets of Paris? The exhibition Les Gens de Paris 1926-1936 at the Musée Carnavalet delves into unpublished census records to reveal the Parisians of the interwar period. From October 8, 2025 to February 8, 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]
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]
Luc Delahaye exhibition at the Jeu de Paume: a major retrospective not to be missed - our photos
From October 10, 2025 to January 25, 2026, the Jeu de Paume presents an exceptional retrospective devoted to photographer and former reporter Luc Delahaye. Some forty monumental works reveal over twenty years of contemporary history, between art, news and documentary photography. [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]
Jacques-Louis David at the Louvre: the must-see exhibition on the neoclassical painter
To mark the 200th anniversary of Jacques-Louis David's death, the Musée du Louvre is staging an exceptional exhibition, Jacques-Louis David, from October 15, 2025 to January 26, 2026. A plunge into the world of the great neoclassical painter, between art, politics and modernity. [Read more]
Edward Weston, Modernity Revealed: the retrospective exhibition at the MEP
The Maison Européenne de la Photographie is dedicating an exhibition to Edward Weston, one of the greatest photographic artists of the 20th century. His work is revealed in the exhibition Modernité Révélée, on view from October 15, 2025 to January 25, 2026. [Read more]
Isao Takahata: an exhibition dedicated to the master of animation at Japan's House of Culture, our photos
Considered one of the greatest masters of Japanese animation, Isao Takahata is honored in a groundbreaking exhibition at the Maison de la culture du Japon in Paris from October 15, 2025 to January 24, 2026. Through storyboards, sketches, celluloid and film and video extracts, discover the rich career of this famous Japanese director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli. [Read more]
Wish This Was Real: American artist Tyler Mitchell exhibits at MEP
For the first time, photographer Tyler Mitchell is honored in a solo exhibition at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie. Discover his work from October 15, 2025 to January 25, 2026. [Read more]
Chez Worth, the origins of haute couture: the fashion and archive exhibition at the MUS in Suresnes
Charles Frederick Worth, the father of haute couture, is invited to the MUS de Suresnes from October 15, 2025 to June 21, 2026 for a tailor-made exhibition. Over one hundred works, ball gowns, sumptuous costumes and never-before-seen accessories from 15 institutions and private collections, immerse visitors in the elegance of the Second Empire. Rare documents, personal objects and family mementos also reveal the man behind the couturier, for a complete immersion in his world. [Read more]
Gerhard Richter: the retrospective exhibition of the German painter at the Louis Vuitton Foundation—our photos
At the Fondation Louis Vuitton, from October 17, 2025 to March 2, 2026, Gerhard Richter makes history with an XXL retrospective exhibition spanning over 60 years of creation. From photographic blur to scraped abstractions, from vibrant oils to sculptures in glass and steel, 270 works unravel the thread of a gesture as rigorous as it is moving. [Read more]
Matisse - Soulages, new virtual reality experiences at Hangar Y
Hangar Y plunges us into the artistic universe of two great masters of modern and contemporary art: Matisse and Soulages reveal themselves in two brand-new virtual reality experiences from October 18, 2025 to March 8, 2026. [Read more]
Corbeau's Eye at the Pathé Foundation: An Exhibition Celebrating Cinema Photographer Roger Corbeau
The Seydoux-Pathé Foundation pays tribute to Roger Corbeau, a renowned photographer of 20th-century cinema, with the photographic exhibition "Corbeau's Eye," open from October 23, 2025, to February 21, 2026. [Read more]
"A Century of Conservation—From the Forbidden City to the Palace Museum": Photo Exhibition in Paris
Sponsored - Immerse yourself in Chinese culture with an exceptional exhibition at the China Cultural Center in Paris, from November 12, 2025, to January 20, 2026, except Sundays, public holidays, and Saturdays during school holidays. This cultural event is open to all, with free admission and no reservation required. This exhibition is an invitation to discover, understand, and experience the deep roots of Chinese civilization. [Read more]
Geluck exhibits Le Chat: the retrospective exhibition combining art and humor is unveiled at the Maillol Museum.
Rediscover an iconic comic book character and his equally famous creator with the exhibition Geluck exhibits Le Chat, on display at the Maillol Museum from November 14, 2025. [Read more]
MC. Escher: a fun retrospective exhibition of optical illusions at the Monnaie de Paris
From November 15, 2025, to March 1, 2026, the master of optical illusions arrives at the Monnaie de Paris. This first retrospective invites you to rediscover the work of M.C. Escher and his upside-down universe. [Read more]
A double fashion showcase at the Dior Gallery and the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation in Paris – our photos
The Dior Gallery will open its doors from November 20, 2025, to May 3, 2026, for a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing over a hundred pieces collected by Azzedine Alaïa. This display is part of a dual exhibition, extended at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation from December 1, 2025, to May 24, 2026, highlighting the dialogue between Dior and Alaïa and revealing the Tunisian designer’s admiration for the New Look. [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]
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]
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]
Thierry Lefort's California - 20 years of painting: Free retrospective exhibition
Sponsored - How about taking a trip to California without leaving Paris? From December 23, 2025, to January 7, 2026, the Beffroi de Montrouge is hosting "La Californie de Thierry Lefort," a museum-scale exhibition curated by Yoyo Maeght.
This exceptional retrospective traces twenty years of painting between Paris and Los Angeles. An artistic journey not to be missed. Admission is free upon reservation, with a gift for each visitor (links below). [Read more]
Grand Palais: Free Exhibition Celebrates 200 Years of Le Figaro, Offering an Immersive Journey Through the Newspaper’s History
Under the nave of the Grand Palais, a three-day celebration unfolds with an XXL festival marking "1826-2026: 200 Years of Freedom." This free exhibition offers a journey through two centuries of images, archives, and discussions—an immersive experience to rediscover 200 years of rich and inspiring history. [Read more]
Barbara: the BnF François-Mitterrand celebrates the icon of French song in an exhibition
Calling all Barbara fans! Nearly 30 years after her death, the BnF François-Mitterrand is honoring the career of this true icon of French music in a unique exhibition entitled "Dis quand reviendras-tu ? Barbara et son public" (When will you come back? Barbara and her audience). This cultural event can be discovered from January 27 to April 5, 2026, in the Donors' Gallery. [Read more]
In this setting: contemporary photographer Jo Ractliffe is exhibiting at the Jeu de Paume.
The Jeu de Paume is hosting an exhibition exploring the work of photographer Jo Ractliffe. Visitors can discover her striking images in En ces lieux from January 30 to May 24, 2026. [Read more]
American Images: Dana Lixenberg explores the American Dream in a photography exhibition at the MEP
Through her striking portraits, photographer Dana Lixenberg challenges the myth of the American Dream. Her exhibition, American Images, is on view at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie from February 11th to May 24th, 2026. [Read more]
Facing the sky, Paul Huet in his time: the reopening exhibition of the Musée de la Vie Romantique
Immerse yourself in the skies of painter Paul Huet with the exhibition Face au ciel (Facing the Sky), on display from February 14 to August 31, 2026. This exhibition is organized to mark the reopening of the Musée de la Vie Romantique. [Read more]
Robert Capa: the must-see exhibition dedicated to the photographer at the Musée de la Libération de Paris
Discover the exhibition dedicated to Robert Capa at the Musée de la Libération de Paris, an immersive journey designed with Magnum Photos to understand the art of war photojournalism. A visual exploration of history to be experienced from February 18 to December 20, 2026. [Read more]
Leonora Carrington, retrospective exhibition of a surrealist artist at the Musée du Luxembourg
The Musée du Luxembourg is honoring the artist Leonora Carrington, a painter and sculptor who defied convention. The exhibition is open from February 18 to July 19, 2026. [Read more]
Renoir and love: the retrospective exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay, Paris
When love becomes light, Renoir turns it into art. With the exhibition "Renoir et l'amour" (March 17 - July 19, 2026), the Musée d'Orsay brings together his major masterpieces for a retrospective as modern as it is tender, in collaboration with the National Gallery in London and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. [Read more]
Matisse, 1941-1954: the exhibition on the painter's last years at the Grand Palais
The Grand Palais and the Centre Pompidou are showcasing a new exhibition exploring Matisse’s final years of life and artistic innovation. This compelling showcase is open at the Grand Palais from March 24 to July 26, 2026. [Read more]
Henri Rousseau, the ambition of painting: an exhibition on the Douanier at the Musée de l'Orangerie
The Musée de l'Orangerie is honoring Henri Rousseau, the famous naïve painter, with the exhibition "Henri Rousseau, l'ambition de la peinture" (Henri Rousseau, the ambition of painting), which can be seen from March 25 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Calder. Dreaming in Balance: The Retrospective Exhibition of the Sculptor at the Louis Vuitton Foundation
For its upcoming exhibition, the Louis Vuitton Foundation will celebrate Alexander Calder with "Calder. Dreaming in Balance," a remarkable retrospective running from April 15 to August 16, 2026. The show will feature nearly 300 works, including mobiles, stabile sculptures, and jewelry brought to life. In the striking architectural spaces designed by Frank Gehry, art will no longer be static... it will pulsate, sway, and dream gracefully in perfect balance. [Read more]
Giovanni Segantini at the Musée Marmottan Monet: an exhibition between symbolism and alpine landscapes
The Musée Marmottan Monet is dedicating a unique exhibition to Giovanni Segantini, a major figure in Symbolism and Divisionism, through more than 60 works revealing the spiritual power of Alpine landscapes, from April 29 to August 16, 2026. [Read more]
Leonardo Cremonini exhibition at the Espace Richaud and the Musée Lambinet in Versailles
The Espace Richaud and the Musée Lambinet in Versailles are hosting an immersive exhibition dedicated to Leonardo Cremonini, master of poetic realism, narrative silence, and pictorial tension, from May 27 to October 5, 2026. [Read more]
The Warhol Line: An Exhibition Showcasing Andy Warhol’s Forgotten Works at the Luxembourg Museum
The Luxembourg Museum delves into Andy Warhol's sketches in a groundbreaking exhibition running from September 16, 2026, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
Painters, sculptors, musicians, actors, great figures from French history... There are so many individuals to celebrate! Choose the one that interests you, and come and discover theexhibition dedicated to him or her. Enjoy your visit!
