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!
Pop Art Car: Renault®’s New Free Exhibition on the Champs-Élysées
Sponsored - From March 4 to June 9, 2026, the Renault® display on the Champs-Élysées will host Pop Art Car, a free exhibition blending Pop Art, Street Art, and automobiles. Expect stunning show-cars, exclusive artworks, and live performances right in the heart of Paris. As part of this major cultural and artistic event, the car transforms into a pop motif, an object of interpretation, and a source of inspiration. [Read more]
Henri Rousseau: The Artist's Ambition — A Photo Exhibition of the Douanier at the Orangerie Museum
The Orangerie Museum showcases the works of Henri Rousseau, the renowned naïve painter, with its exhibition "Henri Rousseau, The Ambition of Painting." A must-see for art enthusiasts, the exhibition is on display from March 25 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Matisse 1941-1954: the major retrospective exhibition celebrating the renowned painter at the Grand Palais
The Grand Palais and the Centre Pompidou present a new exhibition exploring the final years of Matisse's life and artistic journey. This must-see retrospective is a must for fans and will be on display at the Grand Palais from March 24 to July 26, 2026. [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 an exclusive exhibition showcasing over a hundred pieces collected by Azzedine Alaïa. This display is part of a larger, extended showcase at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation, running from December 1, 2025, to June 21, 2026. The exhibition creates a dialogue between Dior and Alaïa, highlighting the Tunisian designer’s admiration for the iconic New Look. [Read more]
Nan Goldin at the Grand Palais: A Landmark Exhibition Celebrating Photography and Film
The Grand Palais hosts This Will Not End Well, the first-ever French retrospective dedicated to Nan Goldin, running from March 18 to June 21, 2026. This immersive exhibition showcases her iconic slideshows, blending photography and cinema, in a curated environment designed to resemble a village of images. [Read more]
Adya & Otto van Rees: The Exhibition Showcasing Two Little-Known Artists at the Montmartre Museum
The Montmartre Museum is hosting a comprehensive retrospective dedicated to the duo Adya and Otto van Rees, two influential figures of European avant-garde whose work remains relatively underrecognized. The exhibition runs from March 20 to September 13, 2026. [Read more]
Renoir and Love: A Landmark Retrospective at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris – Reviews and Photos
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]
Sebastião Salgado takes center stage in a free photography exhibition at Paris City Hall
Paris City Hall pays tribute to photographer Sebastião Salgado with a major exhibition, which will be open to the public free of charge from February 21 to May 30, 2026. [Read more]
Robert Capa Exhibition at the Museum of the Liberation of Paris
The Museum of the Liberation of Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Robert Capa, a legendary figure in war photojournalism, in collaboration with Magnum Photos. This immersive journey explores his perspective on 20th-century conflicts and is open from February 18 to December 20, 2026. [Read more]
Leonora Carrington: A Dreamlike Exhibition Showcasing a Surrealist Artist at the Luxembourg Museum, Photos
The Luxembourg Museum highlights the work of Leonora Carrington, a painter and sculptor who challenges conventions in the art world. The exhibition runs from February 18th to July 19th, 2026. [Read more]
Facing the sky, Paul Huet in his era: a poetic exhibition at the Musée de la Vie Romantique, photos
Immer yourself in the skies painted by Paul Huet with the exhibition Facing the Sky, running from February 14 to August 30, 2026. This showcase also marks the grand reopening of the Museum of Romantic Life. [Read more]
American Images at MEP: Dana Lixenberg examines the American Dream through a captivating photo exhibition
Through her striking portraits, photographer Dana Lixenberg challenges the myth of the American Dream. Her exhibition, American Images, is open for visitors at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie from February 11th to May 24th, 2026. [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]
Barbara: The legendary French singer-songwriter honored in a new exhibition at the BnF François-Mitterrand
Attention, Barbara fans! Nearly 30 years after her passing, the François-Mitterrand Library (BnF) is celebrating the legendary singer-songwriter with a brand-new exhibition titled "Dis quand reviendras-tu? Barbara et son public". This unique cultural event is free to the public and runs from January 27 to April 5, 2026, in the Donors' Gallery. [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]
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]
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]
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]
Martin Schongauer, the timeless master: an exhibition showcasing the astonishing work of a remarkable painter at the Louvre Museum
Discover Martin Schongauer, a remarkable German painter from the Middle Ages. The Louvre Museum is hosting a retrospective exhibition dedicated to this "Beautiful Immortal," running from April 8 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Marilyn Monroe turns 100! Celebrating the Hollywood legend's centennial with a special exhibition at the Cinémathèque
The Cinémathèque is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth with a special exhibition honoring the legendary film icon. Open from April 8 to July 26, 2026, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of Hollywood’s most enduring star. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Hungarian Modernity: A Retrospective Exhibition Celebrating a Hidden Gem of Painting at the Petit Palais
The Petit Palais highlights an artist still little known in France, yet a major figure in his own country. Discover Károly Ferenczy and his Hungarian modernity from April 14 to September 6, 2026. [Read more]
Calder. Dreaming in Equilibrium: The Retrospective Exhibition of the Sculptor at the Fondation Louis Vuitton
For its upcoming exhibition, the Fondation Louis Vuitton will celebrate Alexander Calder with "Calder. Dreaming in Equilibrium" 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]
Exhibition of Giovanni Segantini at the Marmottan Monet Museum in Paris: Symbolism and Alpine Landscapes
In Paris, the Marmottan Monet Museum is hosting a major exhibition dedicated to Giovanni Segantini, a painter associated with Symbolism and Divisionism. The show features over 60 works inspired by the Alpine landscapes and runs from April 29 to August 16, 2026. [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]
Fashion in all its grandeur: Haute couture and tradition at the Thai court — an exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
Looking ahead, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is gearing up for a grand exhibition on royal fashion: “Majestic Fashion: Haute Couture and Tradition at the Thai Court,” set to run from May 13 to November 1, 2026. Over a hundred garments and accessories—designed by Queen Sirikit in collaboration with Thai historians and designers—offer a captivating glimpse into the evolution of royal elegance. This sartorial dialogue began with the legendary designer Pierre Balmain and continues today through the Balmain and Lesage houses. [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]
Exhibition "Cézanne and Us" at the Grand Palais: Dive into the Legacy of the Father of Modern Art
The Grand Palais is hosting a major exhibition dedicated to Paul Cézanne, titled Cézanne and Us, running from September 23, 2026, to January 17, 2027. This outside-the-venue exhibit has been developed in partnership with the Musée d'Orsay. [Read more]
Rafael Pavarotti Photographer: A Fashion Photography Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
Fashion photography takes over the Museum of Decorative Arts with an exhibition dedicated to Rafael Pavarotti. From September 23, 2026, to February 7, 2027, over 200 vibrant prints will showcase, for the first time in France, the career of the Brazilian photographer and engage in a dialogue with the museum's photographic collections. [Read more]
Look, 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum: A Retrospective Couture Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
At the Museum of Decorative Arts, the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Fashion is celebrated with "Look: 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum," a must-see fashion exhibition. Forty iconic ensembles take the runway in the nave's central space, surrounded by sketches, patterns, and embroidery, showcasing four decades of style and craftsmanship. [Read more]
Monet and Time at the Orangerie Museum: An Exhibition Exploring the Moment, the Duration, and the Water Lilies
At the Orangerie Museum, the exhibition "Monet and Time" delves into how Claude Monet captured moments, the passage of time, and the evolving landscape through his series and the Water Lilies cycle, running from September 30, 2026, to March 29, 2027. [Read more]
Mary Cassatt: Embracing Independence — The Major Impressionist Exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay
Bold and contemporary, Mary Cassatt asserts her distinctive style and her freedom within Impressionism. From October 6, 2026, to January 31, 2027, the Musée d’Orsay celebrates her hundredth birthday with the exhibition "Mary Cassatt: The Choice of Independence," showcasing nearly 80 rare works. [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!
