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 devoted to their lives and careers.
These individuals - artists, politicians, geniuses - are honored by museums and art galleries, through an unprecedented retrospective. These exhibitions enable us to get to know these great figures who have had such a major impact on our lives or 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 appeals to you most, from our selection below. We've compiled a list of 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!
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]
Van Gogh, the last journeys: the exhibition at Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise - photos
Auvers-sur-Oise, the birthplace of Impressionism in the Île-de-France region, was home to the painter Vincent Van Gogh during the last years of his life. The château is extending its event exhibition, focusing on his last journeys, until November 2025. [Read more]
Gilbert Peyre's Electromechanomaniac exhibition at Halle Saint Pierre - our photos
From September 15 to December 15, 2024, La Halle Saint Pierre, next to the Sacré-Cœur, is devoting an exhibition to artist Gilbert Peyre, entitled "L'Electromécanomaniaque". An artist who reinvents art brut through poetic and intriguing machine-sculptures, combining recycled objects and high technology. [Read more]
Brazil-France 2025 season: Le Cri pour la Planète exhibition at Espace Frans Krajcberg
The exhibition "Le Cri pour la Planète", a vibrant tribute to Frans Krajcberg, is on show at the Espace Frans Krajcberg from March 13 to August 2, 2025, as part of the Saison Brésil-France 2025. A two-part event exploring the four elements through the committed eyes of a pioneer of ecological art. [Read more]
Wes Anderson: our photos from the event exhibition at the Cinémathèque
He's one of the most popular directors of recent years... Wes Anderson, the filmmaker behind The Grand Budapest Hotel, The French Dispatch and Moonrise Kingdom, has been given a retrospective at the Cinémathèque française, running from March 19 to July 27, 2025. We were at the press preview, and tell you all about it! [Read more]
Artemisia, heroine of art: our photos of the "Caravaggesque" exhibition at the Musée Jacquemart-André
A plunge into the work of one of the most internationally renowned women painters of her time... The Musée Jacquemart-André invites us to (re)discover the works of the celebrated painter Artemisia Gentileschi, through a retrospective exhibition presented from March 19 to August 3, 2025. From her beginnings with her father to her Caravaggesque inspirations, a look back at the life of a painter of unrivalled originality, both in terms of her career and her identity. [Read more]
Maximilien Luce: our photos from the landscape exhibition at the Musée de Montmartre
A fine production between pointillism and neo-impressionism... The Musée de Montmartre invites you to discover an exhibition of works by the artist Maximilien Luce, entitled "Maximilien Luce, l'instinct du paysage", from March 21 to September 14, 2025. This retrospective, the first in Paris since 1983, showcases the landscape works of this neo-impressionist painter, ranging from urban scenes to luminous countryside. [Read more]
Christian Krohg: the Musée d'Orsay dedicates an exhibition to the Norwegian painter, our photos
The Musée d'Orsay in Paris honors the works of Christian Krohg. From March 25 to July 27, 2025, the famous Parisian museum is devoting a retrospective to this Norwegian painter, virtually unknown in France, with the exhibition "Christian Krohg. The People of the North". An opportunity to learn more about this Scandinavian artist, particularly gifted at capturing everyday life with realism. [Read more]
Philippe Perrot, staging intimacy: a singular exhibition at MAM Paris
The Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris is devoting a poignant exhibition to Philippe Perrot, an atypical figure in French contemporary painting, from April 4 to November 2, 2025. A not-to-be-missed event for lovers of intimate narratives, narrative art and dreamlike visions. [Read more]
Gabriele Münter, painting without detours: our photos from the exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris
From April 4 to August 24, 2025, the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris is devoting an exhibition to the German artist Gabriele Münter. Entitled "Gabriele Münter, peindre dans détours" ("Gabriele Münter, painting in detours"), the exhibition invites fans of German Expressionist art to discover some 170 works spanning six decades of creation, including painting, printmaking, photography and embroidery. [Read more]
David Hockney: the artist's largest retrospective exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton
The Fondation Louis Vuitton presents "David Hockney, 25 - Do remember they can't cancel the Spring", the largest retrospective ever dedicated to the contemporary artist, from April 9 to September 1, 2025. More than 400 works - oil paintings, ink drawings, video installations and digital works - offer an immersion into the abundant universe of Hockney, whose palette is as radiant as spring! [Read more]
Agnès Varda's Paris: our photos from the exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet
Agnès Varda cinéaste... everyone knows, but Agnès Varda photographe? The Musée Carnavalet is devoting an exhibition to THE filmmaker of the Nouvelle Vague, entitled "Le Paris d'Agnès Varda, de-ci, de-là", from April 9 to August 24, 2025. A tribute to her work, highlighting her close ties with Paris and the courtyard-atelier on rue Daguerre, through photographs, films and previously unseen archives. [Read more]
Eugène Boudin, the father of Impressionism: exhibition unveiled at Musée Marmottan Monet
The Musée Marmottan Monet hosts the exhibition "Eugène Boudin - Le père de l'impressionnisme : une collection particulière" from April 9 to August 31, 2025. An immersion in the work of the French artist, through 80 pieces from prestigious collections. [Read more]
Georges Mathieu: our photos from the exhibition at La Monnaie de Paris
The father of Lyrical Abstraction is exhibited at La Monnaie de Paris! The cultural institution hosts a retrospective dedicated to Georges Mathieu, in partnership with the Centre Pompidou, from April 11 to September 7, 2025. A formal and structured exhibition to rediscover the work of this emblematic artist of lyrical abstraction. [Read more]
Robert Doisneau - Instants donnés: the photo exhibition unveiled at the Musée Maillol
The Musée Maillol pays tribute to the famous photographer Robert Doisneau with a retrospective photo exhibition, on show from April 17 to October 12, 2025. [Read more]
Worth, the birth of Haute Couture: a new fashion exhibition on the couturier at the Petit Palais
Charles Frederick Worth, the "father of haute couture", takes up residence at the Petit Palais! From May 7 to September 7, 2025, the museum pays tribute to the man who metamorphosed the art of fashion with a never-before-seen retrospective exhibition. A wonderful opportunity to (re)discover the timeless legacy of this visionary couturier who made Parisian elegance shine on a global scale. [Read more]
Jean Gaumy and the Sea: our photos of the intimate maritime exhibition at the Musée de la Marine
Discover the sea through the prism of journalistic and documentary photography... The Musée national de la Marine invites you to discover the maritime world of photographer Jean Gaumy, through the exhibition "Jean Gaumy et la mer", from May 14, 2025 to August 17, 2025. In all, over 140 prints await photo and ocean lovers, for an unparalleled immersion in the world of the sea! [Read more]
Painting memory: the retrospective exhibition around Boris Zaborov at the Maison Caillebotte
Maison Caillebotte honors painter Boris Zaborov with the exhibition Painting Memory, on view from May 17 to September 21, 2025. [Read more]
Intimate Henner, the man behind the artist: the exhibition at the Musée Jean-Jacques Henner
The Musée Jean-Jacques Henner reveals "the man behind the artist" in a new exhibition on view from May 17 to October 13, 2025. [Read more]
Jeju, the Korean island of a thousand secrets at the Korean Cultural Center
Sponsored - When it comes to South Korea, you're bound to know Seoul. From May 22 to September 6, 2025, thanks to the Korean Cultural Center's major exhibition, you can also discover Jeju Island and its famous haenyeo divers, emblematic figures of a maritime culture listed as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Jeju, an island of memories, legends, resistance and raw beauty. Free admission. [Read more]
Marie-Laure de Decker: the photojournalist reveals herself in a retrospective at the MEP - our photos
The Maison Européenne de la Photographie is devoting a major exhibition to Marie-Laure de Decker, the great photojournalist of the 20th century. The retrospective runs from June 4 to September 28, 2025. [Read more]
Haïkus d'argent, the Michael Kenna exhibition that takes us to Asia at the Musée Guimet
Haïkus d'argent, l'Asie photographiée par Michael Kenna, is the new exhibition to be discovered at the Musée Guimet in Paris, until September 29, 2025. The exhibition plunges us into the pure, contemplative work of the British photographer through his black-and-white images of Asia. [Read more]
Carte blanche à Wolfgang Tillmans, the last exhibition at the BPI of the Centre Pompidou before closing
The Centre Pompidou is giving German artist Wolfgang Tillmans carte blanche from June 13 to September 22, 2025. The artist will take over the 6,000 m² of the Bibliothèque publique d'information (Bpi) for a final exhibition before the emblematic building closes for five years of renovation. Expect an unprecedented artistic experience in which the architecture and functions of the library become the terrain for exploration by a committed artist. [Read more]
Disco at the Palais de Tokyo: our photos of Vivian Suter's exhibition
An intimate dive into 25 years of artistic creation... The Palais de Tokyo invites you to discover Disco, a monumental exhibition by Vivian Suter in the Grande Verrière, from June 13 to September 8, 2025. A gestural and colorful painting to discover! [Read more]
Exhibition by Thảo Nguyên Phan at the Palais de Tokyo - our photos
A first monograph for a renowned Vietnamese artist! The Palais de Tokyo is devoting an exhibition to Thảo Nguyên Phan, entitled "Le soleil tombe sans un bruit", from June 13 to September 7, 2025. A veritable polyphony of views on the history of Vietnam and the memories that run through it... [Read more]
Octogone: Chalisée Naamani's "clothing-images" exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo - our photos
An immersion in the history of artist Chalisée Naamani, within an octagon, between fashion and sport... From June 13 to September 7, 2025, the Franco-Iranian artist presents an in situ installation at the Palais de Tokyo, entitled Octogone, focusing on representations of the body. On the program: "clothing-images", photographs, digital collages and composite sculptures! [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]
Van Gogh, la nuit étoilée: the immersive exhibition to be (re)seen this summer at the Atelier des Lumières
Presented for the first time in 2019, l'Atelier des Lumières takes us once again into the world of Van Gogh, for an immersive exhibition to be seen from July 7 to August 30, 2025. Take a stroll through Van Gogh's most beautiful paintings, rediscovering the misunderstood genius of his time. [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]
Lygia Pape exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce: "Weaving space" for the Brazil-France 2025 Season
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, from September 10, 2025 to February 23, 2026. The exhibition is part of the Brazil-France 2025 Season. [Read more]
Georges de la Tour: French painter honored in exhibition at Musée Jacquemart-André
Discover the painter Georges de la Tour, French heir to Caravaggio, in a retrospective exhibition at the Musée Jacquemart-André from September 11, 2025 to January 25, 2026. [Read more]
L'enfance en lumière: the Petit Palais puts the spotlight on a forgotten artist with a new exhibition
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 an exhibition from September 16, 2025 to January 25, 2026. [Read more]
Exhibition "Sargent, the Parisian years (1874-1884)" at the Musée d'Orsay
From September 23, 2025 to January 11, 2026, the Musée d'Orsay offers a unique insight into the early Parisian years of John Singer Sargent, one of the most talented American painters of his time. Featuring more than 90 works, some never before shown in France, the exhibition explores the meteoric rise of this major artist. [Read more]
Le prince sculpteur: the retrospective exhibition on an artist with an astonishing destiny at the Musée d'Orsay
Discover Paul Troubetzkoy, an artist with an exceptional life, through a new exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay. From September 30, 2025 to January 11, 2026, the exhibition Le prince sculpteur. [Read more]
Virgil Abloh: The Codes: the designer's retrospective exhibition at the Grand Palais in September
Virgil Abloh takes over the Grand Palais with The Codes, an exhibition decoding his extraordinary creations and multi-faceted style. Street, art, design... this journey, signed Virgil Abloh Archive and supported by the sportswear giant, reveals the full power of his heritage. It's now or never to (re)discover Virgil in large format: see you from September 30 to October 10, 2025! [Read more]
My name is Orson Welles: the Cinémathèque's major exhibition in tribute to the cinema giant
The Cinémathèque française is organizing an exhibition to pay tribute to Orson Welles, Hollywood's leading actor, director and producer. Discover "My name is Orson Welles" from October 8, 2025 to January 11, 2026. [Read more]
Berthe Weill, avant-garde gallerist: the retrospective exhibition at the Musée de l'Orangerie
The Musée de l'Orangerie pays tribute to Berthe Weill, the famous Parisian art dealer, in a new exhibition on view from October 8, 2025 to January 26, 2026. [Read more]
Luc Delahaye: the new retrospective at the Jeu de Paume
From October 10, 2025 to January 25, 2026, the Jeu de Paume is devoting an exhibition to Luc Delahaye, photographer and former international reporter. Discover some forty monumental works, mixing documentary and art, retracing more than twenty years of chaos and world news. [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]
Isao Takahata: an exhibition dedicated to the master of animation at Japan's House of Culture
Considered one of the greatest masters of Japanese animation, Isao Takahata is honored in a groundbreaking exhibition at the Maison de la culture et du Japon in Paris from October 15, 2025 to January 24, 2026. An opportunity to delve into the career of this celebrated Japanese director and co-founder of Studio Ghibli. [Read more]
Jacques-Louis David: a major exhibition at the Musée du Louvre
The Musée du Louvre celebrates the 200th anniversary of Jacques-Louis David's death with an exceptional exhibition, soberly entitled Jacques-Louis David, on view from October 15, 2025 to January 26, 2026. A plunge into the work of a committed painter, between Revolution, Empire and artistic 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]
Gerhard Richter: retrospective exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in October
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]
L'œil de Corbeau: the film photographer honored in an exhibition at the Pathé Foundation
The Fondation Seydoux-Pathé pays tribute to Roger Corbeau, the great 20th-century film photographer, with the exhibition L'œil de Corbeau, on view from October 23, 2025 to January 31, 2026. [Read more]
Painters, sculptors, musicians, actors, major figures in French history... There are many individuals to celebrate! Choose the one that interests you, and come and discover theexhibition dedicated to him or her. Enjoy your visit!
