Autumn, that curious season when the leaves fall and exhibitions bloom all over Paris. Come uncover this peculiar mystery of nature by visiting the finest exhibitions hosted in the capital and in Île-de-France this autumn 2026. Museums, castles, monuments, galleries and art centers bring this colorful season to life with an exceptional lineup.
Without wishing to spoil things for you, you've got every reason to be excited about this new cultural season! As always, Paris dazzles us with a thousand and one artistic activities that make our days more beautiful.
Whether you’re drawn to celebrated masters or on the hunt for rising talents, whether your taste runs to contemporary art, sculpture, or classical works, and whether you’re planning on a modest outing or a grand art binge—there’s an exhibition for everyone. Here’s a snapshot of the exhibitions taking place this autumn 2026 in Paris. This guide is updated as program announcements roll in, so feel free to check back regularly to stay in the loop on new developments!



Art Basel 2026 : Robert Indiana installs a Love Wall on Place Clémenceau in Paris
On Clémenceau Square in Paris, between the Champs-Élysées and Winston Churchill Avenue, a work by artist Robert Indiana will be showcased from October 20 to 25, 2026 as part of the Art Basel program. [Read more]



Tiny Lives: the Centre Pompidou’s Panthéon exhibition unfolds
The Tiny Lives exhibition takes over the entire nave of the Panthéon, in Paris's 5th arrondissement, from September 24, 2026 to January 31, 2027. About thirty artists from the Centre Pompidou's collections tell the stories of anonymous lives, at the foot of the nation’s great figures. Discover the images from this show that let you rediscover the monument in a different light. [Read more]



Stories of landscapes from Monet to Hockney: an astonishing exhibition at the Marmottan Monet Museum
The Marmottan Monet Museum surveys landscape art from 1890 to today, in a rich, varied itinerary that brings together leading artists. Discover the exhibition Histoires de paysages, running from September 24, 2026 to January 31, 2027. [Read more]



At 19M, this free fashion exhibition unveils the secrets behind Maison Michel’s hats.
Behind a beret, a boater, or a capeline lie hours of work and skills handed down through generations. From September 23 to December 13, 2026, the 19M will host a free exhibition dedicated to Maison Michel, inviting the public to discover the behind-the-scenes of hatmaking. [Read more]



U2: An Irish Story, the exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of Bono's band at the Irish Cultural Centre
This fall, U2 turns 50. To mark the occasion, the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris presents a free exhibition centered on the legendary band fronted by Bono and its unbreakable bond with Dublin and its homeland. Save the date: September 23 to December 18, 2026, to discover this exclusive event. [Read more]



All Saints’ Day holidays 2026: Shape Festival and a family weekend at the Louvre Museum
During these All Saints' Day holidays, families are enjoying the Louvre Museum together! Between the Studio's special programming and the interactive activities or creative workshops, we head out to explore the most must-see museum in Paris with childlike wonder. [Read more]



Rafael Pavarotti Photographer: A Fashion Photography Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
Fashion photography takes over the Musée des Arts Décoratifs with an exhibition devoted to Rafael Pavarotti. From October 2, 2026, to May 2, 2027, more than 200 color prints trace the Brazilian photographer's career for the first time in France and engage with the museum's photography collections. [Read more]



Art Basel Paris 2026: The lineup for the contemporary art fair at the Grand Palais
The Art Basel Paris international contemporary art fair is finally back at the Grand Palais for a new edition. The event awaits you over the weekend of October 23–25, 2026. Discover the program of this major art event. [Read more]



Art Basel 2026: A monumental installation on the Parvis des Droits de l'Homme in Paris
The Forecourt of the Rights of Man, at Trocadéro Square, will host the works of artist Tracey Emin as part of Art Basel’s Off-Site program. Free to view from October 14 to November 1, 2026. [Read more]



Art Basel Paris 2026: a free installation blending art and nature at Square Jean Perrin
In front of the façades of the Grand Palais and the Palais de la Découverte, square Jean Perrin will welcome contemporary art enthusiasts from October 20 to 25, 2026. An installation from the Art Basel fair awaits curious visitors. [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]



Exhibition The Fabric of the Artist at the Bourdelle Museum: what clothes reveal about the great artists — our photos
The Bourdelle Museum in Paris will present The Fabric of the Artist, from September 23, 2026 to January 24, 2027, an exhibition devoted to artists’ clothing and their public image. More than 50 textile pieces, accessories and worn objects reveal how blouses, costumes and flamboyant outfits helped shape their identities, from Rosa Bonheur to Sonia Delaunay. [Read more]



Art Basel Paris 2026: events and encounters in Paris during this art week
The Art Basel Paris fair is a major event gathering hundreds of galleries and artists, from October 23 to 25, 2026. It also unfolds a full slate of activities and happenings to discover throughout Paris and the Île-de-France region. [Read more]



Art Basel Paris 2026: a memory-themed installation at the Chapelle des Petits-Augustins
The Chapelle des Petits-Augustins of Beaux-Arts de Paris is taking part in the new edition of Art Basel Paris, offering a free, off-site installation to be discovered from 20 to 25 October 2026. [Read more]



Art Basel Paris 2026: Contemporary artworks transform Winston Churchill Avenue
Winston Churchill Avenue, which separates the Petit Palais from the Grand Palais, becomes an open-air museum from October 20 to 25, 2026, as part of Art Basel Paris's artistic program. Discover the works selected for this year. [Read more]



Art Basel 2026: a quirky menagerie settles into the Petit Palais — discover the free exhibition
The Petit Palais hosts a free and unconventional contemporary art exhibition, from October 20 to 25, 2026, as part of the off-site programming of the Art Basel Paris fair. [Read more]



Art Basel Paris 2026: the artist Kennedy Yanko navigates between strength and fragility at the Cité de l'Architecture
The City of Architecture and Heritage is also taking part in Art Basel Paris 2026, hosting an exhibition by contemporary artist Kennedy Yanko, on view from October 16, 2026, to January 3, 2027. [Read more]



Lady Liberty: the Museum of Arts and Crafts tells the story of the statue's construction in an immersive exhibition
The Museum of Arts and Crafts takes visitors behind the scenes of the construction of the Statue of Liberty, with the immersive, digital exhibition Lady Liberty, on view from September 22, 2026 to August 1, 2027. [Read more]



Cézanne and Us at the Grand Palais: our photos from the blockbuster exhibition
Le Grand Palais hosts Cezanne and Us, a major retrospective conceived with the Centre Pompidou, the Musée d'Orsay and the Orangerie. Bringing together 174 masterpieces and numerous works by key figures of modern art, the show traces the imprint of the Aix-en-Provence artist from September 23, 2026 to January 17, 2027. [Read more]



Ritz Paris: a free exhibition by 18 young photographers for Paris Photo 2026
On the occasion of Paris Photo 2026, the Ritz Paris will host, from November 13 to 16, a free exhibition imagined in collaboration with Gobelins Paris. Eighteen students in Photo-Vidéo deliver an unprecedented view of the palace on Place Vendôme. [Read more]



Hassan Hajjaj: his colorful portraits of "Rock Stars" on display at the Musée de la Musique
Hassan Hajjaj, the renowned contemporary artist whose work draws on his Moroccan heritage and multiculturalism, unveils his vibrant portraits of "Rock Stars" in an unprecedented exhibition at the Cité de la musique. The show runs at the Musée de la Musique from September 22, 2026 to April 25, 2027, inviting visitors to discover the photographer, stylist, and visual artist's quirky, singular world. For the occasion, the group Acid Arab presents a sound piece that dialogues with the hanging. [Read more]



Open studios of the artists in Pré-Saint-Gervais 2026: weekend program
The artist studios of Le Pré Saint-Gervais open their doors to the public for an unmissable 15th edition, themed "The Day Breaks." Come meet around a hundred artists and discover Le Pré Saint-Gervais, its street art, and its exhibitions during the weekend of September 26–27, 2026. [Read more]



Open studios in Ménilmontant: meet the artists of the 20th arrondissement
Les Ateliers de Ménilmontant open their doors to the general public from September 24 to 27, 2026: come meet painters, sculptors, photographers, engravers, ceramicists, illustrators, visual artists, and video artists from Paris’s 20th arrondissement through this arts festival. Discover the program for the 35th edition. [Read more]



Perfumes, paintings, and costumes: Fragonard marks its centennial with an exhibition at the Monnaie de Paris
For its centenary, Fragonard leaves Grasse for Paris and takes over the Monnaie de Paris from November 13, 2026 to January 10, 2027. More than 250 works and objects, from perfumes to costumes, trace the house’s history and its know-how in an exhibition to see... and to smell. [Read more]



This free exhibition reveals the Playmobil archives in Paris.
They have populated castles, pirate ships and police stations for decades. The archives of this famous figurine brand arrive at Hôtel Drouot today for an exhibition and an unprecedented auction running from September 23 to 26, 2026. [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]



National Artists’ Days 2026: meet creators in Paris and Île-de-France
Discover the second edition of the National Artists’ Days, an event that lets us meet creators and tour their studios in Paris and the Île-de-France region. See you on October 2–4, 2026. [Read more]



From vine to glass, wine at Balzac's: the quirky exhibition at the Maison de Balzac
The Maison de Balzac dives into the wine theme, a beverage that appears throughout Balzac’s works. Discover this remarkable exhibition running from November 26, 2026 to April 6, 2027. [Read more]



Monet, painting time at the Orangerie Museum: the must-see exhibition about the instant and the Water Lilies
At the Orangerie Museum, the Monet: Painting Time exhibition probes how the Impressionist master captures time. From the early plein‑air canvases to the monumental Water Lilies, discover how Claude Monet translates the moment, duration, and the changing landscape, on view from September 30, 2026 to January 25, 2027. [Read more]



Art Basel Paris 2026: cinema, dance, sculpture... Alice Diop and Miu Miu take over the Palais d’Iéna
Cinema, photography, sculpture, literature, dance and performance are on display at the Palais d’Iéna for Art Basel Paris 2026. Miu Miu presents "Geste de Consolation", the debut exhibition by Alice Diop, running October 21–25. [Read more]



Jean Marquis, chronicler of everyday life: a free photo exhibition at the Roger Viollet Gallery
The French photographer Jean Marquis is in the spotlight at the Roger-Viollet Gallery, from October 8, 2026 to January 23, 2027: come discover this devotee of everyday life. [Read more]



Divine Light at Saint-Eustache: an art installation will illuminate the alcoves of the church façade in Paris.
Craving a free cultural and artistic outing in the heart of Paris? Starting October 8, 2026 and running through spring 2027, the Saint-Eustache Church in the Halles district will host « Lumière Divine », an original creation by Jiang Qiong Er. [Read more]



Sow Our Resistances: An Activist Exhibition Free to Visit at the Maif Social Club
Contemporary artists imagine fairer, more sustainable futures in the exhibition Semons nos résistances, which is free to visit at the Maif Social Club from 17 October 2026 to 24 July 2027. [Read more]



The TGV celebrates its 45th anniversary with a free, immersive exhibition in Paris.
Forty-five years after the first TGV entered service, SNCF Voyageurs revisits the story of high-speed rail with an immersive exhibition opening at Espace Commines in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement. [Read more]



Exploring Magic: a free, mystical exhibition that enchants the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery
Fancy a fairy-tale interlude in the heart of the capital? From September 25 to November 25, 2026, the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery unveils Exploring Magic, a collective exhibition bringing together artists from around the world to delve into myths and folklores from the five continents. A remarkable artistic journey to discover in Paris’s 7th arrondissement. Opening on September 24, 2026 from 29h to 22h, BY RSVP. [Read more]



Kurt Schwitters, The World in Chaos: a blockbuster retrospective at the Picasso Museum
Co-organized with New York's MoMA, the Kurt Schwitters. The Chaos-World. 1918–1948 exhibition arrives at the Musée national Picasso-Paris from October 6, 2026 to February 7, 2027. More than 300 paintings, sculptures and collages trace the career of this major figure in modern art. [Read more]



The Toy Museum delves into cinema's precursors in a playful exhibition.
Making images move, what incredible magic! The Toy Museum showcases a range of playful devices that predate cinema, in a family-friendly exhibition running from October 7, 2026 to July 4, 2027. [Read more]



PhotoSaintGermain 2026: The Left Bank's photo festival returns this autumn
It's back: head to Paris' Saint-Germain-des-Prés district to enjoy the PhotoSaintGermain festival, a free artistic event not to be missed, running November 5–28, 2026. [Read more]



David Storey Exhibition by Yoyo Maeght — Paris 6th arrondissement
Sponsored - From October 1 to 7, 2026, immerse yourself in the enigmatic and intimate world of British painter David Storey, in an exhibition presented by Yoyo Maeght in the heart of Paris’s 6th arrondissement. Free admission. Opening reception on Thursday, October 1, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., by RSVP. [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]



Finally something good, Stefan Sagmeister back at La Gaîté Lyrique for an optimistic exhibition.
La Gaîté Lyrique returns to its major exhibitions with "Finally, Something Good," on view from October 15, 2026 to April 18, 2027. Stefan Sagmeister turns statistics and data into artworks to explore the world’s long-term evolution. [Read more]



Architecture Days 2026 at the Museum of Plans-Reliefs: a family-friendly weekend program
The Plans-Reliefs Museum is participating in the 2026 edition of the National Architecture Days, offering workshops for children. Here are the family-friendly activities to enjoy on October 17 and 18. [Read more]



Photo Doc. 2026, the premier gathering for documentary photography returns to the Hôtel de l'Industrie
The Hôtel de l'Industrie hosts the new edition of the international Photo Doc fair, from October 9 to 12, 2026. It’s the must-attend event for documentary photography enthusiasts in Paris. [Read more]



AI in Focus: An Educational Exhibition at the Air and Space Museum
Artificial intelligence is at the center of current affairs, but do you really know what it is? The Air and Space Museum offers a clear look at the topic with the exhibition Cap on AI, on view from October 15, 2026 to June 27, 2027. [Read more]



The Hôtel de la Marine balls: a calendar of upcoming dance events
Take a step back in time and attend an 18th- or 19th-century ball, with magical evenings held once a month at the Hôtel de la Marine. Here are the upcoming dance dates not to be missed in 2026 and 2027. [Read more]



Le Large opens its doors on Île Seguin with the Imaginary Engine exhibition.
The Imaginary Engine exhibition opens Large, the new contemporary art center on Île Seguin in Boulogne-Billancourt. Masterpieces from the Renault collection and brand-new creations respond to one another from October 17, 2026, to March 7, 2027. [Read more]



Exhibition Paris1: "The Poetics of Photography" by Mark Heier at Studio Harcourt
Sponsored - Discover "Paris1: The Poetics of Photography," an exceptional black-and-white photographic exhibition by Mark Heier, at the heart of the legendary Studio Harcourt in Paris. [Read more]



A Weekend in the East 2026: the art and culture festival marks its 10th anniversary in Paris
The festival A Weekend in the East shines a spotlight on the cultures of Eastern European countries, through a rich program of exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings... Discover the lineup of activities for this 10th edition, organized from November 16 to 28, 2026. [Read more]



Jean Faucheur: around 200 drawings by the urban artist on display in Paris's 13th arrondissement
Considered one of the pioneers of urban art in France, Jean Faucheur is being celebrated this fall by the Mathgoth gallery. Mark your calendars for September 24 to October 24, 2026 to discover Jean Faucheur’s new exhibition. Titled “à suivre” (To Be Continued), the installation will showcase around 200 drawings he has produced since 2022. [Read more]



Mika Ninagawa: The pop, poetic universe of the Japanese artist on display at the Grand Palais
Le Grand Palais invites Mika Ninagawa and her collective of associate creators EiM for an unprecedented European exhibition, titled "Alive with Shadows." From 16 December 2026 to 21 March 2027, discover the pop, poetic world of this leading figure in Japanese visual arts. [Read more]



Extraterrestrial Exhibition: when contemporary art meets space in Paris
The Space Observatory launches its contemporary art fair: from September 25 to 27, 2026, discover for free the unconventional Salon de l'extra-terrestre. [Read more]



Théo Mercier and Thomas Houseago: a free joint exhibition at Reiffers Initiatives
This fall, Reiffers Initiatives shines a spotlight on two rising contemporary artists. Head to Paris’s 17th arrondissement to explore the artistic worlds of British sculptor Thomas Houseago and French artist Théo Mercier in a joint, free exhibition not to be missed from October 23 to December 12, 2026. [Read more]



Shunga: Masterpieces of erotic art from the Edo period on display at the Maison de la culture du japon in Paris
For its upcoming exhibition, the Maison de la Culture du Japon in Paris spotlights Japanese erotic paintings and prints from the Edo period. Entitled "Shunga," the installation will showcase a number of genre masterpieces from November 12, 2026 to February 13, 2027, including works by Utamaro and Hokusai. [Read more]



Moderne Art Fair 2026: Dates for the next Paris-based fair of contemporary, modern art and design
Lovers of modern art and design, this fair is for you! Discover a wealth of artists and art galleries at the Modern Art Fair, from October 22 to 25, 2026, on Place de la Concorde. [Read more]



Asia Now 2026: the most Asian art fair returns to the Monnaie de Paris
Asia Now, the Asian art fair, is back in Paris! The fair invites us to the Monnaie de Paris from October 20 to 24, 2026, for its 12th edition, with a packed program. [Read more]



Outsider' Paris 2026: the outsider art fair at the Bastille Design Center for a new edition
The Outsider Art Fair, Outsider' Paris, is back for a fourth edition at the Bastille Design Center, from October 20 to 25, 2026. A free event for art lovers. [Read more]



Three free weekends to discover the Centre Pompidou Francilien ahead of its opening in Massy.
In the run-up to its official opening planned for spring 2027 in Massy, the Centre Pompidou Francilien will exceptionally open its doors for three October weekends in 2026. Titled “Prelude!”, this free, booking-required event invites the public to wander through the backstage spaces, framed by iconic works, performances, and workshops. [Read more]



The Carnavalet Museum marks its 160th anniversary with a weekend of free events.
The Carnavalet Museum marks its 160th anniversary with a fully free, festive weekend in the heart of the Marais, on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, featuring quirky tours, a nocturnal opening, and surprises for the whole family. [Read more]



An immersive dive into the oceans with L'Odyssée, the Atelier des Lumières exhibition
L'Atelier des Lumières plunges back into the marine realm with the immersive exhibition The Odyssey. Explore the underwater depths starting October 16, 2026. [Read more]



Science Festival 2026 in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine (93)
From October 2 to 12, 2026, the Fête de la Science is back for another edition. In Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, we take a look at what’s planned for the program. [Read more]



Cosmofania at the Abbey of Maubuisson: a contemporary art exhibition exploring the sacred and the unseen
The Abbey of Maubuisson, in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône in the Val-d’Oise, hosts Cosmofania, a collective exhibition exploring the sacred, rituals, memory, and the unseen worlds, from October 11, 2026, to February 21, 2027. Thirteen artists take over the former Cistercian abbey with installations, photographs, sculptures, sound works, and multiple performances. [Read more]



Japanese photography since 1945 on display at the BnF François-Mitterrand site
From September 30, 2026 to January 31, 2027, the BnF François-Mitterrand site highlights Japanese photography since 1945, presenting the work of around a hundred artists, including Hiromi Tsuchida, Shigeo Gocho, Yoshi Takata, Mamoru Sakamoto, and Kazuo Amemiya. [Read more]



A History of French Cinema: the exhibition at the Museum of the History of Immigration
The National Museum of the History of Immigration explores the influence of Maghrebi immigration on French cinema. The exhibition A History of French Cinema is on view from October 30, 2026 to March 31, 2027. [Read more]



Remember Me: Masterpieces of photography from the Pinault Collection are on display at the Bourse de Commerce.
This fall and winter, the Bourse de Commerce hosts the photographic masterpieces from the Pinault Collection. From October 7, 2026 to January 18, 2027, you can explore around 700 works by more than 70 artists, including Erwin Blumenfeld, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Lee Miller, Irving Penn, Cindy Sherman, and Annie Leibovitz. [Read more]



The Musée de l'Homme debunks common myths about drugs in a major, offbeat exhibition.
Why do people use drugs, which societies rely on them, how do we define a drug? The Museum of Mankind answers all our questions in an unusual and unprecedented exhibition to be unveiled from November 18, 2026 to June 6, 2027. [Read more]



Girls, adolescence, fashion and rebellion: the multifaceted exhibition at the Grand Palais
Artists, fashion designers, filmmakers and photographers explore the rich, expansive world of girls’ adolescence in the exhibition Girls, opening at the Grand Palais from December 9, 2026 to March 21, 2027. [Read more]



Back in the Day #3: The exhibition on the origins of color photography at the Cité des sciences
From December 1, 2026 to October 2027, the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie presents Machine arrière #3: Autochrome. This exhibition offers a journey through the origins of color photography and the invention of Autochrome, the first commercially available color photographic process at the dawn of the 20th century. [Read more]



In Paris, this exhibition traces 60 years of fashion through the lens of Irving Penn, opening in September.
Irving Penn makes his mark at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie with PENN & FASHION, running from September 30, 2026 to January 17, 2027. Spanning more than six decades of images, the exhibition shows how his eye reshaped the rules of fashion photography, from Dior and Balenciaga to Issey Miyake, Chanel, and John Galliano. [Read more]



First Nations: An exhibition exploring the arts and cultures of North America at the Quai Branly Museum
The Quai Branly Museum invites visitors to meet the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest with an exhibition running from September 29, 2026 to January 10, 2027. [Read more]



Parallax: Stan Douglas, the artist at the center of a photography exhibition at the Jeu de Paume
Photography as a way to tell stories and shape reality... Discover Stan Douglas’s work through the Parallax exhibition, on view at the Jeu de Paume from 20 October 2026 to 10 January 2027. [Read more]



Street Art Madeleine II, the free exhibition featuring more than 100 artists at the Madeleine Church
The free Street Art Madeleine II exhibition takes over the crypt of the Church of La Madeleine in Paris, from October 1 to 11, 2026. More than 100 street artists and nearly 200 original works come together underground to celebrate the release of Codex Urbanus’s Petit Atlas du Street Art. [Read more]



Lionel Sabatté Exhibition at the Museum of Hunting and Nature: when animals reclaim their wild side
The Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris presents the exhibition "What Remains" by Lionel Sabatté, running from October 15, 2026, to February 21, 2027. Paintings, sculptures, drawings and tapestries explore the animal figure, materiality, and the cycles of life. [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]



Louise Bourgeois Exhibition at the BnF: Drawings, Engravings and Nerves Laid Bare
The BnF Richelieu in Paris presents the exhibition "Louise Bourgeois. Extreme Tension," devoted to the drawings and prints by the Franco-American artist, from October 20, 2026 to February 21, 2027. A landmark gathering of the BnF’s holdings with those of the Centre Pompidou. [Read more]



Nights of Light: the digital art festival returns to the heart of a castle, just a metro ride away, in 2026
A digital art festival rolls into the outskirts of Paris this autumn with the second edition in Vincennes, Nights of Light (formerly Château de Lumière). From October 15 to November 8, 2026, this nocturnal event invites visitors to wander among immersive and interactive artworks before a monumental projection in the courtyard of the Château de Vincennes. Here’s what to expect at this unusual rendezvous. [Read more]



Villeglé exhibition at Carnavalet: Paris, torn from the streets and urban art
The "Paris à l'arraché" exhibition celebrates Jacques Villeglé's centenary at the Musée Carnavalet, in the Marais, from 14 October 2026 to 14 February 2027. Torn posters, audio archives, and unseen documents trace 70 years of urban art in Paris. [Read more]
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Magic Exhibition at the Cité des Sciences: when illusion becomes a scientific experience
The Cité des sciences et de l’industrie in Paris hosts Magic, a temporary exhibition devoted to illusions, cognitive biases, and the mechanisms of perception, running from October 13, 2026 to August 1, 2027. Designed in collaboration with magic companies and cognitive science researchers, this interactive journey, open to visitors aged 9 and up, explores why our brains sometimes fall for tricks. [Read more]



The Musée d'Orsay marks its 40th anniversary with a free weekend and a Boum put on by Thomas Jolly.
The Musée d’Orsay is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026 and unveiling a spectacular anniversary program in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, featuring a free weekend and, as the centerpiece, a Boum 1986 imagined by Thomas Jolly in December. [Read more]



In 3D! The fashion exhibition that explores technical craftsmanship at the Palais Galliera
Crafting clothes is an art in itself! The Palais Galliera is turning its spotlight on sewing techniques that add volume to our outfits, in an unusual exhibition to be unveiled from December 12, 2026 to October 17, 2027. [Read more]



Women sculptors honored in Prune Nourry's Visionaries exhibition at the Petit Palais
Artist Prune Nourry is set to spotlight forgotten women sculptors in the history of art with an exhibition at the Petit Palais, running from October 20, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]



Oli's Imaginary Museum: the immersive and sensory exhibition by the artist at the Grand Palais
Oli, the iconic figure of the rap scene, makes his Grand Palais debut in an intimate artistic odyssey. Immerse yourself in a sweeping sensory and sonic journey where the artist reveals the backstage workings of the creative mind, starting December 2, 2026. [Read more]



Georges Perec at the center of an exhibition at the BnF François-Mitterrand
The writer Georges Perec is at the heart of a show bearing his name, on view at the BnF François Mitterrand from October 13, 2026 to February 14, 2027. Come discover this indispensable 20th‑century author. [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]



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]



Louvre Photo, when the museum inspires photographers: an original exhibition at the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum presents an unconventional exhibition and staging itself through photography, in a special route to be seen from November 4, 2026 to May 3, 2027. [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]



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]



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]



Gustave Fayet at the Louis Vuitton Foundation: Van Gogh, Gauguin and Redon in a landmark exhibition
The Louis Vuitton Foundation is dedicating a major, blockbuster exhibition to Gustave Fayet, a visionary collector and multi-disciplinary creator, from October 9, 2026, to March 8, 2027. [Read more]



Harvest Time: A major exhibition to discover this autumn at the Cartier Foundation
The Cartier Foundation welcomes artist Ibrahim Mahama and his Ghanaian collaborators for a major exhibition running from 22 October 2026 to 28 February 2027. [Read more]
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Belmondo the Magnificent: France’s film icon at the heart of an exhibition at the Cinémathèque
Bébel shines at the Cinémathèque française: Jean-Paul Belmondo takes center stage in a major exhibition running from October 7, 2026 to January 31, 2027. [Read more]



Nicolas Flamel, the Paper Alchemist: Cluny Museum's Exhibition on the Fascinating Figure
Embark on a journey to meet a fascinating figure in history, where legend and reality intertwine... The Cluny Museum invites you to discover Nicolas Flamel in an exhibition running from October 13, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]



Art Shopping 2026: the autumn edition of the contemporary art fair at the Carrousel du Louvre
The Art Shopping fair is held at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, from October 23 to 25, 2026, for its autumn edition. Find out what's on. [Read more]



Tropical autumn, palms, treasures and secrets: the Nature Exhibition returns to the Jardin des Plantes
The National Museum of Natural History invites you to an immersive nature experience, set amid the Grandes Serres at the Jardin des Plantes, from October 15 to November 23, 2026. This exhibition, titled "Autumn Tropical: Palms, Treasures and Secrets," invites you to discover Paris this fall. [Read more]



A wardrobe of one’s own: the fashion exhibition on the 19th-century revolution of women’s dress at the Palais Galliera
At the Palais Galliera, the exhibition A Wardrobe of One’s Own: Dissident Femininities in the 19th Century reveals a little-known facet of women's fashion. From September 26, 2026 to February 14, 2027, more than 350 works trace how 19th‑century women appropriated the male wardrobe. An exhibition where clothing becomes a tool for emancipation and for reshaping identities. [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]



I saw: Jenny Holzer’s luminous exhibition that makes words come alive at the Orsay Museum this fall
Words Take Over the Orsay Museum, Transforming the Space into a Luminous Stage. From October 20, 2026, to February 21, 2027, the exhibition "I Have Seen" by Jenny Holzer invites visitors to explore a dialogue between letters, political texts, and literary writings alongside the museum's iconic collections. Through projections, LED installations, and engravings, the exhibit immerses visitors in a captivating experience where past and present resonate anew, offering a fresh perspective. [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]



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]



Paris is back in session: the Museum of Illusions has more than one trick up its sleeve.
Sponsored - The Musée de l'Illusion, located at 98 Rue Saint-Denis in Paris's 1st arrondissement, welcomes visitors as a family, with friends, or with colleagues. The venue offers a must-see experience where “all of your senses will be turned upside down.” [Read more]



Underline, the living space with a free exhibition spanning 2,000 m2 beneath the Petite Ceinture, is being unveiled.
Underline opens its eleven railway vaults to the public on Friday, September 18, 2026, in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. This 2,000-square-metre creative workshop puts materiality and crafts in the spotlight, with a free exhibition featuring 40 artists, a shop, workshops, and a cafe-bar. [Read more]



Salon des Beaux-Arts 2026: a new, free-to-attend edition at the Senate's Orangery
The 2026 Salon des Beaux-Arts settles into the Orangerie of the Senate in Paris’s 6th arrondissement. This free event runs in two sessions: September 18–22, and September 24–29, 2026. Here’s what to expect at this must-attend art gathering. [Read more]



Exhibition: Kerry James Marshall — a storytelling painter to discover at the Paris Museum of Modern Art
The American artist Kerry James Marshall is in the spotlight at the Museum of Modern Art: his exhibition "The Histories" examines the place of African Americans in U.S. history. A major exhibition not to be missed, running from September 18, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]



Eva Gonzalès exhibition at the Petit Palais: our photos from the retrospective
The Petit Palais presents Eva Gonzalès’s first major retrospective, in Paris’s 8th arrondissement. Nearly 100 works by Manet’s sole pupil are on view until January 24, 2027, and we take you there in photos. [Read more]



Must-see art events in Paris in the coming days
Night tours, a photo festival, Heritage Days, a street-art event... No matter the season, art is always in fête in Paris! To make sure you don’t miss these major cultural happenings, follow our guide to Parisian artistic events. [Read more]



The Edgar Quinet Creation Market: a free, open-air art gallery
Sponsored - The Edgar-Quinet Creation Market invites you every Sunday in Paris's 14th arrondissement. Painting, sculpture, photography, engraving and ceramics. Every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. And what if your stroll led you to meet artists? [Read more]



A free after-hours at the Louvre Museum: the date for the next October visit.
Here's the monthly insider deal you can count on: the Louvre opens its doors for free to all visitors on the first Friday after 6 p.m. each month. The next date to note is October 2, 2026. [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]



C.A.P.S 2026: The lineup for Clichy’s XXL urban art festival
The town of Clichy becomes a giant museum for the new edition of C.A.P.S, the urban art festival. Mark your calendars from June 27 to December 12, 2026 for an even more incredible sixth edition! [Read more]



A free street-art festival with workshops and live painting on the esplanade of La Défense.
Head to the forecourt of La Défense on September 21 and 22, 2026 for a brand-new free street art festival that brings together renowned artists and the public for two days of collaborative creation. On the menu: live painting, entry-level workshops, and panel discussions celebrating urban art in all its forms. [Read more]



Free museums and monuments: places to visit this Sunday, October 4, in Paris and Île-de-France
Which free museum should you visit in Paris or Île-de-France on the first Sunday of the month, Sunday, October 4, 2026? We’re happy to revive our little monthly ritual: exploring a museum or monument without spending a penny! Don’t miss these Sunday tips... [Read more]



Nuit des Châteaux 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: the full program for its 8th edition
The Night of the Castles is back for another edition, October 16, 17 and 18, 2026. Across Paris and the Île-de-France region, several castles and monuments are opening their doors for a charming stroll under the stars. Ready for a magical, nocturnal adventure? Here’s what to expect this year. [Read more]



Monument Jeu d'enfant 2026: dates and schedule at Paris and Île-de-France's national monuments
Monument Jeu d'Enfant, this lovely weekend of free activities in national monuments, returns on October 17 and 18, 2026, across 54 monuments in France. For two days, families will enjoy a wealth of tours, activities and playful discoveries. In Paris and Île-de-France, more than a dozen monuments will open their doors to us! [Read more]



Art Basel 2026: the lineup of off-site exhibitions to discover in Paris
What are these monumental installations blooming across Paris? They’re the works from Art Basel Paris’s off-site program, the must-attend event in the Paris contemporary art scene. From October 20 to 25, 2026, come and marvel at these unusual installations. [Read more]



Menart Fair 2026: Dates for the international fair dedicated to Middle Eastern and Maghrebi art
The countries of the Middle East and the Maghreb are teeming with talented contemporary artists: come discover them from October 23 to 25, 2026 at Menart Fair, the international fair held at the Joseph-Turenne Gallery in the Marais, Paris. [Read more]



Contemporary Art: What to do in Paris during Art Basel Paris 2026 week?
Contemporary art is in the spotlight in Paris from October 23 to 25, 2026, with Art Basel Paris. At the Grand Palais, but also in galleries, parks, and squares across the capital: art is everywhere! Now is the time to discover the artists of today and tomorrow. [Read more]



Autumn Salon 2026: the premier gathering for contemporary art lands at Place de la Concorde in Paris.
The Autumn Salon is the must-attend event for all contemporary artists, from October 28 to November 1, 2026. More than 1,000 works are gathered at Place de la Concorde. [Read more]



Free late-night opening at the Bourse de Commerce: find out the date of the next museum evening.
Craving to explore the Bourse de Commerce’s collections? Take advantage of the free nocturnal opening, held on the first Saturday of each month, to discover this must-visit art venue in Paris. The next date to note in your calendar: Saturday, November 7, 2026. [Read more]



Paris Photo 2026: Dates for the Next Edition of the Art Fair at the Grand Palais
Paris Photo is gearing up for an extraordinary edition, taking place from November 12 to 15, 2026, in the heart of the French capital. The Grand Palais will once again open its doors to photography enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, offering a vibrant space to reconnect, share, and celebrate the art of photography at one of Paris’s most iconic cultural venues! [Read more]



Indian Nights: Jardin d'Acclimatation's 2026 light trail invites you to the land of the Taj Mahal
After its last edition focused on Japan, the quintessential land of the Rising Sun and centuries-old traditions, this year the light journey relocates to India—the land of Maharajas, the Taj Mahal, and a wealth of legends, tales, and traditions. A unique lantern festival, a one-way ticket to India. [Read more]
How will you start the new season?
Dates and Opening Time
From September 22, 2026 to December 20, 2026