10 must-see exhibitions in Paris in October 2025

New exhibitions are multiplying in October and you're not sure which ones are worth a visit? To make sure you don't go wrong, we've put together our top 10 must-see exhibitions. From the new Fondation Cartier to the immersive exhibitions that will get you in the mood, or the major exhibitions you've been waiting for, we'll help you pick out only the essential exhibitions to discover in the capital thisOctober 2025.

Whether you're a fan of fashion,history, street art orunusual experiences, there's something for everyone. Photos, sculptures, crazy installations, paintings and projections plunge us into different universes. There arefree exhibitions to enjoy, as well as exhibitions in Paris's art hotspots.

My name is Orson Welles: the major exhibition on the cinematic genius unveiled at the Cinémathèque
The Cinémathèque française is organizing a major exhibition to pay tribute to Orson Welles, a key actor, director and producer of 20th-century cinema. Discover "My name is Orson Welles" from October 8, 2025 to January 11, 2026. [Read more]

So, shall we treat ourselves to a hot exhibition inOctober 2025?

And don't forget the arty rendezvous:

Contemporary art in Paris: what to do during the week of the Art Basel Paris 2025 fair?
Contemporary art takes center stage in Paris over the weekend of October 24-26, 2025, with the Art Basel Paris fair. At the Grand Palais, but also in the capital's galleries, parks and squares: art is everywhere! It's time to take a look around, and discover the artists of today and tomorrow. [Read more]

Photoclimat: final days for the Place de la Concorde art biennial in Paris
The Photoclimat biennial, which combines the environment and art, is back for a new 3rd edition on the Place de la Concorde in Paris. Discover the program of this free event, to be experienced from September 12 to October 12, 2025. [Read more]

Salon de la Photo 2025: the program for this year's event at La Villette this weekend
Don't miss the Salon de la Photo, the major annual event for photographers, videographers, amateurs and professionals alike. Discover the program of the event that awaits you from October 9 to 12, 2025 at the Grande Halle de la Villette. [Read more]

Les DeuxMains du Luxe: immersion in craftsmanship and know-how at the Grand Palais - our photos
Les DeuxMains du Luxe takes over the Grand Palais from October 2 to 5, 2025, to showcase exceptional craftsmanship and know-how. For four free days, discover 32 luxury houses and 20 schools or associations, take part in workshops and attend continuous demonstrations with the craftsmen who shape French creation, from Fashion to Jewellery, Leather to Decoration, Gastronomy and Perfumes. [Read more]

SPERA, the International Urban and Contemporary Art Fair, comes to Montrouge
SPERA, the first International Urban and Contemporary Art Fair, takes up residence at the Beffroi de Montrouge (Hauts-de-Seine) from October 2 to 5, 2025. This unique event brings together over 100 international artists and 40 galleries to celebrate urban cultures through exhibitions, live performances and concerts. [Read more]

Salon d'Automne 2025: contemporary art on the Place de la Concorde
The Salon d'Automne is the must-attend event for all contemporary artists, from October 29 to November 2, 2025. Over 1,000 works will be on display at Place de la Concorde, just a stone's throw from the Petit Palais, where the Salon was born in 1903. [Read more]

Art Basel Paris 2025: the contemporary art fair opens at the Grand Palais and in Paris
The international contemporary art fair Art Basel Paris is finally back at the Grand Palais for a new and fourth edition. The event awaits you on the weekend of October 24-26, 2025. [Read more]

Moderne Art Fair 2025: the fair for contemporary art, modern art and design returns to Paris
Modern art and design lovers, this fair is for you! Discover the many artists and galleries at the Moderne Art Fair, from October 23 to 26, 2025, on the Place de la Concorde. [Read more]

AKAA - Also known as Africa: the contemporary art fair celebrates its 10th anniversary at Carreau du Temple
Don't forget these dates: from October 24 to 26, 2025, the AKAA African contemporary art fair celebrates its 10th anniversary at the Carreau du Temple. Discover the program! [Read more]

Asia Now: the most Asian of art fairs at La Monnaie de Paris
Asian art fair Asia Now returns to Paris! The fair takes up residence at the Monnaie de Paris from October 22 to 26, 2025, for its 11th edition, with a packed program. [Read more]

Salon du Patrimoine Culturel 2025: arts and heritage trades on show at the Carrousel du Louvre
The Salon du Patrimoine Culturel returns this weekend, from October 23 to 26, 2025. For this 30th anniversary edition, Ateliers d'Art de France is bringing together over 300 exhibitors at the Carrousel du Louvre, to showcase the revival of international cultural heritage and the expertise of our craftsmen! [Read more]

Outsider' Paris 2025: a new edition of the art brut fair at the Bastille Design Center in Paris
Outsider' Paris, the art brut fair, returns for a third edition at the Bastille Design Center, from October 21 to 26, 2025. A free event for art lovers and the curious. [Read more]

Biennale d'Issy 2025: contemporary art in the spotlight at the Musée de la Carte à Jouer
The Issy Biennial is back for its 16th edition at the Musée de la Carte à Jouer in Issy-les-Moulineaux. This contemporary art rendez-vous awaits us from September 17 to November 9, 2025. Discover the program. [Read more]

Menart Fair 2025: dates of the international fair dedicated to art from the Middle East and North Africa
The countries of the Middle East and North Africa are teeming with talented contemporary artists: come and discover them from October 25 to 27, 2025 at the Menart Fair, the international art fair organized at Galerie Joseph-Turenne, in the Marais district of Paris. [Read more]

For more ideas and to find out more:

October 2026 exhibitions: all the artistic outings to enjoy in Paris and Île-de-France
So, what are the new exhibitions to see in Paris and Île-de-France in October 2026? Museums invite us to discover the magnificent exhibitions and events they have put together for us throughout the month. [Read more]

Free exhibitions in Paris in October 2026: great ideas for art lovers
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. [Read more]