It's one of the capital's best-loved historic districts, a place of rich, lively culture and a party zone also known as the gay district of Paris. Spread over the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris, the Marais is home to some of the capital's best-known museums and art venues.
Musée Carnavalet, Musée Cognacq-Jay, Maison de Victor Hugo, Musée national Picasso, Musée de la magie, Mémorial de la Shoah, Maison européenne de la photographie, Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson... It's hard to find a place with a livelier artistic life!
The Marais district is ideal for fun, strolling and culture, whatever the time of year. Still not sure what to do when you find yourself in this part of Paris? Here's a small selection ofexhibitions to see in the Marais right now.
This guide is updated regularly, according to the programming of local museums and art venues. Check back here for new exhibitions.
Fun games and playful challenges for the whole family this summer on the forecourt of the Museum of Arts and Crafts.
Summer is meant for play! That’s the view of the Musée des Arts et Métiers, which invites you to join them from July 7 to August 2, 2026 for enjoyable, playful moments for families and friends. [Read more]
Two fashion photographers take the spotlight in a chic, free exhibition at Galerie Rouge.
La Galerie Rouge invites us to discover the work of two American fashion photographers, in a free exhibition running from May 29 to September 19, 2026. [Read more]
Javier Calleja's big-eyed characters come to Paris for a free exhibition.
Big-eyed characters, punchy phrases, and a cabinet-of-curiosities kind of hang: Javier Calleja unveils CURIOUSLY, his new free exhibition at the Almine Rech gallery in Paris, running May 30 through July 25, 2026. [Read more]
Chuck Sperry unveils his Archetypes in a free exhibition at the Art Generation gallery — our photos
His screen prints and concert posters have toured the world: discover Chuck Sperry’s work through the Archetypes exhibition, on view free of charge at the Art Generation gallery from June 13 to August 1, 2026. [Read more]
Hugo and Architecture: From Stone to Quill, a Drawing Exhibition at the House of Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo's House is hosting a thematic exhibition on architecture in Hugo's work, with a particular focus on his drawings. On view from June 11 to November 22, 2026. [Read more]
The Enki Bilal Foundation opens in Paris: a new art space in the Marais — our photos
The Enki Bilal Foundation opens its doors in the Marais district of Paris on June 11, 2026. From exhibitions and contemporary creation to conversations with artists, this new art venue invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the illustrator and writer, right in the heart of one of the capital’s most cultural neighborhoods. [Read more]
Photography in full letters: an artistic alphabet on display at the MEP
The European House of Photography celebrates the rich history and breadth of photography with a playful, original exhibition running from June 10 to September 13, 2026. [Read more]
Exhibition: Camille Vivier in a retrospective at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie
The European House of Photography is devoting a major retrospective to French artist Camille Vivier, a figure in contemporary photography as arresting as she is powerful. The exhibition runs from June 10 to September 13, 2026. [Read more]
Galerie Kiff & Marais: A showroom and exhibition space
Sponsored - Join us at the Kiff & Marais Gallery, a space for exhibitions, events, workshops, and live music. A gallery at the heart of the Marais, hosting a range of events and group exhibitions in the 3rd arrondissement. Every Thursday evening, come and attend openings at the Kiff & Marais Gallery. [Read more]
The Cave Sketches: JR's free exhibition at Perrotin Gallery — Our Photos
At the Perrotin gallery, JR reveals the making of La Caverne du Pont Neuf through Les Esquisses de la Caverne, a free exhibition running from June 5 to July 25, 2026. Drawings, collages and preparatory studies extend the experience of this monumental installation conceived for Paris’s oldest bridge. [Read more]
Marilyn Monroe at the Galerie de l’Instant, a photography exhibition centered on Sam Shaw’s portraits
The Galerie de l’Instant in Paris presents "Marilyn, Portrait of a Radiant Child," an exhibition devoted to the photographs of Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw, from June 1 to September 15, 2026. A journey through the star’s image, spanning cinema, portraiture, and more intimate moments. [Read more]
Noa Eshkol at the mahJ: contemporary dance and textile compositions in the Marais
Sponsored - Le mahJ dedicates an exhibition to Noa Eshkol, a pioneer of contemporary dance and a textile artist, from April 16 to August 30, 2026 in Paris. Join us at the Musée d'art et d'histoire du Judaïsme in Paris's 3rd arrondissement. [Read more]
La maison de Victor Hugo à Paris, une immersion artistique dans l'univers du célèbre écrivain français
La Maison de Victor Hugo is hidden in Place des Vosges, in the heart of Paris. This museum dedicated to the most famous of French authors lets visitors step into the apartment where the artist and his family lived, as well as into his artistic universe. [Read more]
The Musée Cognacq-Jay in Paris, a collector's museum in the heart of the Marais district
The Musée Cognacq-Jay, located in the Marais district of Paris, boasts a fine collection of 18th-century works evocative of the Age of Enlightenment, acquired between 1900 and 1927 by Ernest Cognacq. It's a free historical plunge! [Read more]
Annette Messager at the Museum of Hunting and Nature: An Exhibition Exploring the Relationship Between Animals and Humans
The Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris is presenting a groundbreaking exhibition by artist Annette Messager, focused on animal imagery and its artistic reimagining. Running from April 14 to September 20, 2026, the show is titled "A Swallow Doesn't Make Spring." It features a mix of installations, hybrid artworks, and iconic pieces that engage in a compelling dialogue with the museum's existing collections. [Read more]
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]
Exhibition “Funerary Masks and Their Contemporary Echoes” at the Polish Library in Paris
Sponsored - Exhibition « Funeral masks and their contemporary echoes » at the Polish Library in Paris. [Read more]
Musée Picasso in Paris: prices, access, opening hours... All you need to know about the Paris museum
If you're a fan of Picasso's work, head to the Musée Picasso to discover the museum's permanent collections, as well as numerous exhibitions on the artist's world. History, access, opening hours, prices... We tell you everything you need to know about this beautiful Parisian museum! [Read more]
In Paris, the Picasso Museum is dedicating an exhibition to Henry Taylor — our photos
In Paris, the Picasso-Paris Museum is presenting an exhibition devoted to Henry Taylor running from April 8 to September 6, 2026. Through portraits and a number of works, the American artist probes collective memory and brings his painting into dialogue with Picasso’s work. Conceptualized with the artist, the parcours unfolds through the museum’s galleries. [Read more]
Lafayette Anticipations in Paris: our photos from the Diego Marcon and Ladji Diaby exhibitions.
In Paris, Lafayette Anticipations presents from April 1 to July 19, 2026 two contemporary art exhibitions dedicated to Diego Marcon and Ladji Diaby. The foundation brings together two distinct artistic approaches, spanning a cinematic universe, emerging creation, image-making, visual narration, and the expression of emotions. [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]
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]
ABC Dictionary: Exploring the Arctic Through Inuit Art — The Contemporary Exhibition at Art Inuit Gallery
Inuit artists share their lives and culture from the Arctic through an artistic alphabet, available for free at the Art Inuit Gallery from March 26 to August 31, 2026. [Read more]
Open Forms: An Abstract Art Exhibition at the Swedish Institute in Paris
Sponsored - In the heart of the Marais district, the Swedish Institute hosts Open Forms, an exhibition dedicated to geometric abstract art and the works of Olle Bærtling. Running from February 20 to July 19, 2026, in Paris. [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]
Pompidou House: Free exhibitions and events to experience the museum during renovations
The Centre Pompidou is reinventing itself for 2030, but at Beaubourg, art continues to thrive! The Pompidou House welcomes you free of charge to the Piazza, offering a diverse lineup of events that blend behind-the-scenes insights, exhibitions, discussions, and workshops. It’s a chance to explore the museum’s history, its creative process, and upcoming projects from a fresh perspective. [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]
Open Shapes: Free Exhibition Showcasing Geometric Abstract Art at the Swedish Institute
Geometric abstract art takes center stage at the Swedish Institute from February 20 to July 19, 2026. Over five months, visitors are invited to explore free of charge "Formes ouvertes", an installation that bridges the works of Olle Bærtling—an essential figure in abstract art—with those of seven talented international artists. [Read more]
ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Olympics, on display for free at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
Zeus, the mechanical horse from the Olympic Games that captured everyone's hearts, has now arrived at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The towering steel colossus is open to the public free of charge from December 17, 2025, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
Paris: On the Île Saint-Louis, this library hides three museums, one of which is dedicated to Chopin.
On Île Saint-Louis, the Polish Library of Paris not only holds a remarkable collection of literary works but also features three intimate museums dedicated to Chopin, Mickiewicz, and Bolesław Biegas—perfect for those eager to explore France's rich cultural ties with Poland. [Read more]
The Musée des Arts et Métiers: a historical journey through the greatest inventions
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is the kind of fun, family-friendly museum we love. Come and discover the world's greatest technical and technological inventions, housed in a historic monument. [Read more]
Voir la mer: a free contemporary exhibition at the Maif Social Club - photos
Contemporary artists draw inspiration from the oceans to create original works, sometimes amusing, sometimes disturbing... Come and discover the Voir la mer exhibition, presented at the Maif Social Club from October 11, 2025 to July 25, 2026. [Read more]
Visit the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris: reopening with a new itinerary
The towers of Notre-Dame de Paris reopen to the public on September 20, 2025, to coincide with the Journées du Patrimoine. Climb to a height of 69 meters to rediscover one of the capital's most emblematic monuments, thanks to a new, enriched tour. A unique experience at the heart of Parisian heritage. [Read more]
The Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris: an exploration of the human-animal relationship
Nestled in the Marais district of Paris, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature offers a unique insight into hunting, nature and the complex relationship between man and animal. This unusual museum invites visitors to discover an exceptional collection, while encouraging reflection on our relationship with flora and fauna. [Read more]
Center Wallonie Bruxelles: programme, exhibitions... all you need to know about the cultural center in Paris
Attention contemporary art lovers! The Centre Wallonie-Bruxelles, located in the 4ᵉ arrondissement of Paris, opposite the Centre Pompidou, awaits you to fill up on knowledge. This cultural institution, inaugurated in 1979, highlights the artistic scene of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation through a varied program: visual arts, live performances, cinema and literature. Want to plan a visit? We'll tell you all about it! [Read more]
The Musée de la Magie, a mysterious and fun place in the heart of Paris
Let yourself be surprised by the Musée de la Magie, an unusual cultural and family venue in the Marais district of Paris. [Read more]
Visit an immersive work by Jean Dubuffet in the Centre Pompidou's permanent collections
Among the permanent collections at the Centre Georges Pompidou, there are many works that question our perceptions, taking us into another universe. Such is the case with Jardin d'Hiver, by artist Jean Dubuffet. [Read more]
The Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation, an artistic venue celebrating photography in Paris
The Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris's 3rd arrondissement is a must-see for photography enthusiasts. Tours, exhibitions, find out what's new at this cultural institution. [Read more]
The Maif Social Club, an inspiring cultural venue on rue de Turenne
On the rue de Turenne in Paris, a hybrid venue awaits cultural visitors and the curious: the Maif Social Club. It's an exhibition space, a library and a place for meetings and conferences. Here, new ideas for a better future are fished out, and children are welcome. [Read more]
The Musée du fromage in Paris is open, and we want to tell you all about it!
The first Musée du fromage has opened its doors in Paris, in the 4ᵉ arrondissement, since this June 13, 2024. A living museum that lets us discover the great French know-how, the making of different cheeses, the history and the many varieties to be discovered all over France. Did you know that there are almost 300 "origine contrôlée" cheeses? You'll have to stay in this world a little longer - and taste it, of course! [Read more]
The Swedish Institute in Paris: Sweden's only cultural center abroad
For a trip to Scandinavia without even leaving the capital, head for the Swedish Institute! Housed in the sublime Hôtel de Marle since 1971, the Nordic cultural center offers a rich and varied program of events all year round, showcasing art, music, design and cinema straight from Sweden. [Read more]
La Maison Européenne de la Photographie, the museum of contemporary photography in Paris
Just a stone's throw from the Saint-Paul metro station in the Marais district, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie showcases those who have turned photography into an art form, a political medium and a means of rebelling, documenting and paying homage... We'll take you with us to the heart of the cultural venue dedicated to photography in Paris! [Read more]
Lafayette Anticipations: opening hours, prices... everything you need to know about the contemporary art foundation
For art lovers, the Lafayette Anticipations Foundation awaits you every day of the week to show you its exhibitions and space. Opening times, prices, practical information... we've got it all! [Read more]
Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
The Musée Carnavalet invites you to discover the history of the capital. Discover what awaits you in Paris' oldest museum, which has the advantage of being free... [Read more]
The Shoah Memorial: a place of remembrance in Paris
The Shoah Memorial in Paris opens its doors to us free of charge, inviting us to remember and understand the history of the Jews of France, especially during the Second World War. [Read more]
The Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris is evolving
The Musée de la Chasse closed its doors in 2019 to carry out expansion work. It also took the opportunity to enrich its collections and review its scenography, in order to question the relationship of Man to living things. Reopening planned for spring 2021. [Read more]
AKAA – Also known as Africa: dates for this new edition of the contemporary art fair at the Carreau du Temple
Mark these dates: October 23–25, 2026, AKAA, the African contemporary art fair, is back at Le Carreau du Temple. Discover the program! [Read more]
Street art exhibition at the Musée Carnavalet: Villeglé and Paris, ripped from the wall
Jacques Villeglé's shredded posters come to the Musée Carnavalet in the Marais for an immersive street-art exhibition dedicated to Parisian urban art, running from October 14, 2026 to February 14, 2027. [Read more]
Quirky: build a giant, collaborative hut for the Maif Social Club’s 10th anniversary.
Want to build a hut? Le Maif Social Club invites you from September 4 to 6, 2026 to take part in a collective and artistic experience to celebrate its 10th anniversary. For three days, a vast ephemeral house will take shape with your help in the heart of the Marais. [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]
Expo4Art: Dates for the May Edition of the Free Art Fair at the Halle des Blancs Manteaux
The Expo4Art fair is making a comeback with four editions, starting in 2026 at the Halle des Blancs Manteaux. It’s the perfect event to discover emerging talents in the art world. Here are the dates for the May edition in Paris. Don’t hesitate—entry is free! [Read more]
There's no doubt about it: the Marais is the liveliest district in the capital! So, shall we go there, my friends?
