Autumn 2026 exhibitions to visit in Paris and Île-de-France

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!

Autumn exhibitions to see:

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]

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]

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 Lionel Sabatté's exhibition "Ce qui reste" from October 15, 2026 to March 21, 2027. Paintings, sculptures, drawings and tapestries explore the animal figure, matter, and the cycles of life. [Read more]

Kurt Schwitters Exhibition at the Picasso Museum in Paris: the Creative Chaos of the Avant-Garde
The Picasso Museum in Paris presents the exhibition "Kurt Schwitters. The Chaos-World. 1918-1948", a sweeping retrospective devoted to the German artist in the 3rd arrondissement, running from October 6, 2026 to February 7, 2027. More than 300 works and documents delve into collages, assemblages and experimentation. [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]

Landscape stories, from Monet to Hockney: a painting exhibition at the Marmottan Monet Museum.
The Marmottan Monet Museum dives into landscape art from 1890 to the present, offering a rich and varied journey. Discover the exhibition Histoires de paysages from September 24, 2026, to January 31, 2027. [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]

The Fabric of the Artist: Artists' Garments Unveiled at the Bourdelle Museum
At the Bourdelle Museum, clothing steps out from behind the scenes to tell artists in a new light. With The Cloth of the Artist, the exhibition scheduled from September 23, 2026 to January 24, 2027 explores how painters and sculptors used their outfits to assert a distinctive style, a standing, and sometimes a legend. [Read more]

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]

Cosmofania: the contemporary art exhibition exploring the sacred at Maubuisson Abbey
The Abbey of Maubuisson presents Cosmofania, a collective exhibition of contemporary art devoted to the sacred, spirituality, and the invisible realms, in Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône in the Val-d’Oise, from October 11, 2026 to February 21, 2027. An artistic journey that explores rituals, states of consciousness, and perceptual experiences within this historic Ile-de-France monument. [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]

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]

Artists at the Museum: A Special Anniversary Exhibition Celebrates 400 Years of the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History in Paris is celebrating its 400th anniversary with a major exhibition, running from September 23, 2026, to March 7, 2027. Explore the Museum's artists across the centuries and discover the rich artistic heritage intertwined with its scientific legacy. [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]

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]

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]

The Hidden Treasures of the Nasrid Alhambra: An Exhibition in the Heart of Granada at the Arab World Institute
From November 24, 2026, to May 16, 2027, the Arab World Institute will take you on a journey to the Alhambra of the Nasrid sultans. Through an immersive experience and the display of extraordinary works of art, the exhibition revives the lost grandeur of Muhammad V's reign. [Read more]

Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola: A Cinematic Exhibition at the Trianon Estate in Versailles
Starting September 22, 2026, the world of cinema takes center stage at the Trianon Estate with a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to Sofia Coppola's film "Marie-Antoinette," filmed on the grounds of Versailles. [Read more]

Weddings - Farah: a Unique Cultural Exhibition at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute is inviting us to a celebration— and not just any celebration. Immerse yourself in the world of Maghrebian weddings with an expansive, immersive exhibition opening from September 29, 2026, through January 31, 2027. [Read more]

The Call of the Deep: the exhibition in the abyss at the National Maritime Museum
From October 14, 2026, to February 14, 2027, the National Maritime Museum explores the depths at the Trocadéro. Nearly 240 works retrace the history of underwater exploration, from innovations and myths to scientific discoveries. [Read more]

An exhibition dedicated to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at the Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau is hosting the exhibition "Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at Fontainebleau: Splendor and Sweetness of Life" from October 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity for history buffs to immerse themselves in the life of the royal couple. [Read more]

Gianni Versace: The retrospective exhibition of the Italian fashion designer at the Maillol Museum — extended
Paris goes glam this summer with the "Gianni Versace Retrospective" at the Maillol Museum, running June 5 to October 31, 2026. Between baroque opulence and an overload of prints, the fashion retrospective promises color and extravagance, true to the legend. [Read more]

Fashion Week: A dress worn by Lady Gaga on display for free at a luxury Paris hotel — photos
Feathers, crystals and spectacular silhouettes are taking over a Paris luxury hotel. For Haute Couture Fashion Week, the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg is showcasing several fashion pieces worn by international stars, free of charge, until October 6, 2026. [Read more]

Lydie Arickx unveils a monumental work in the nave of Saint-Eustache Church — our photos
This summer, French painter and sculptor Lydie Arickx takes over Paris’s Saint-Eustache Church with a monumental work titled "Le Souffle." Mark your calendar from July 10 to September 29, 2026, to see this suspended installation rising seven meters above the nave’s central bay. [Read more]

AURA INVALIDES, the must-see sound and light show in Paris
Looking for a unique nocturnal experience in Paris? Ready to be amazed and embark on a timeless journey to a legendary heritage site? Come and discover AURA INVALIDES, a sound and light show at the iconic Dôme des Invalides as night falls. A magical moment in the heart of the Dome, sure to delight young and old alike. [Read more]

Primordial Water: the Louvre’s exhibition exploring Mesopotamian myths — our photos
The Louvre Museum in Paris presents The Primordial Water, an exhibition on water in ancient Mesopotamia, running from May 20, 2026 to March 15, 2027. Archaeological artifacts, myths, and irrigation show how this resource shaped the region’s earliest societies. [Read more]

Must-see events:

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]

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]

Louvre Museum: the date of the next free late-night opening to experience on the first Friday of the month
Here's the smart move to take advantage of at the start of each month: the Louvre Museum offers free admission to all visitors on the first Friday of every month after 6 p.m. Next date to note: September 4, 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]

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]

How will you start the new season?