Free exhibitions in Paris in October 2026: great ideas for art lovers

Published by La Rédac · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on November 27, 2025 at 06:42 p.m. · Published on July 19, 2022 at 12:42 p.m.
Do you like exhibitions? So do we! And what we like best is when they're free! To discover the most beautiful exhibitions in Paris without breaking the bank in October 2026, follow our guide.

We just love autumn! Its shimmering trees, its warm drinks, its All Saints' Day vacations with the bigHalloween party... And, of course, its exhibitions!October marks the start of a new season in Paris' museums and galleries: new programs get underway, and many surprises await us.

But all these events come at a price, and our wallets can't always keep up. Fortunately, there are plenty of free exhibitions in Paris and the Paris region to quench our thirst for art, even on a tight budget!

Free collections, galleries, art venues, open-air exhibitions, nocturnes, special events: your cultural program for October 2025 promises to be a busy one.

So let's take a look at the free art exhibitions and events that await you this month. Don't forget to consult this guide regularly: we'll be adding new ideas for outings as the capital's museums and art venues are announced.

Free exhibitions to see in October 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France:

visuel Paris visuel  -  palais royal - colonnes de burenvisuel Paris visuel  -  palais royal - colonnes de burenvisuel Paris visuel  -  palais royal - colonnes de burenvisuel Paris visuel  -  palais royal - colonnes de buren Acne Paper Palais Royal: the permanent (art) gallery for the Acne Studios brand opens in Paris
Paris mixes fashion and culture in style! On June 26, 2025, Acne Studios opened its first independent art gallery, Acne Paper Palais Royal, under the arcades of the Palais Royal. An arty new spot in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. [Read more]

L'Esquisse, le nouvel Hôtel culturel de Barbizon à la fois café et Musée gratuitL'Esquisse, le nouvel Hôtel culturel de Barbizon à la fois café et Musée gratuitL'Esquisse, le nouvel Hôtel culturel de Barbizon à la fois café et Musée gratuitL'Esquisse, le nouvel Hôtel culturel de Barbizon à la fois café et Musée gratuit L'Esquisse, Barbizon's new cultural hotel, both café and free museum
L'Esquisse is a fusion of hotel, café and free museum. We're off to Barbizon, the famous artists' village, to take advantage of this new spot that combines large, charming rooms, a great café by the fireplace and a free museum honoring the artists who have influenced Barbizon around the world. [Read more]

Have you made your choice? Don't forget to take a look at this month's exhibition program (free or paying).

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From October 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Prices
    Free

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