In the heart of the capital, on the right bank of Paris, lies the 3rd arrondissement. A place steeped in history, much appreciated by locals for its museums and monuments, much-admired architecture, ancient streets and conviviality. The 3rd arrondissement is home to a large part of the Marais district, and boasts a vibrant cultural life.
So it's not surprising that you're keen to get out there and take part in all these great activities. And by the way, what are these great activities that attract so many people?
If you love history,art and heritage, the 3rd arrondissement of Paris is like a paradise! Nearly a dozen museums have taken up residence in this district of the capital, alongside the National Archives, numerous private mansions and a variety of cultural centers. All of which provide the perfect setting for not-to-be-missed exhibitions and works of art.
Several exhibitions are currently on show in the 3rd arrondissement. Contemporary or classical art, photography, sculpture and video, street art... Local museums and art venues have thought of everything - and especially you!
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]
GOOD PLAN: the street-art expo bringing together more than 30 artists around the Paris metro map
This spring, street-art lovers are invited to a Paris gallery in the Marais to discover "BON PLAN," a new, free group exhibition organized by Urban Signature. From Thursday, April 9 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, come and admire a series of works built around a single emblematic theme: the metro map. [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]
Brusk unveils a unique, free street-art trail through Paris in celebration of the 2026 Urban Art Fair
Street artist Brusk debuts with Délire(s) d'errance, a new trail of ten murals scattered across Paris, inspired by Don Quixote. This installation marks the 10th birthday of the Urban Art Fair. The murals can be explored via an online map—hurry, in true street art fashion, they won’t last forever. [Read more]
Ariana Papademetropoulos debuts her new piece "Glass Slipper" at Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery in the Marais
This spring, Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery in the Marais district is featuring "Glass Slipper," the first solo exhibition by Ariana Papademetropoulos in France. To mark the occasion, the California-based artist is showcasing several large-scale paintings, a selection of sculptures, and an immersive installation that places visitors right inside an aquarium teeming with fish! [Read more]
In my dress, the hue of time: a captivating exhibition at the Les Filles du Calvaire gallery
The artist Julia Haumont delves into the end of childhood and the transformations of the body in a sculpture exhibition running from March 12 to April 25, 2026, at the Les Filles du Calvaire Gallery. [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]
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]
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]
Solid'Art Paris 2026: The Socially Engaged Art Fair Comes to the Carreau du Temple
In spring, the Carreau du Temple hosts the latest edition of Solid'Art, the art fair supporting Secours Populaire. Mark your calendars for April 2 to 5, 2026, to enjoy contemporary artworks while contributing to a meaningful cause. [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]
Henry Taylor at the Picasso Museum Paris: A Contemporary American Painting Exhibition
The Picasso Museum in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Henry Taylor, the acclaimed American contemporary painter, featuring a collection of portraits and works that explore collective memory and references to Picasso. Running from April 8th to September 6th, 2026, the exhibition is carefully curated in collaboration with the artist himself and is accessible to visitors at the Parisian museum. [Read more]
Eggxtraordinary: Chocolatiers and Artists Celebrate the Egg in a Free Exhibition at Joseph Gallery
Here’s a one-of-a-kind exhibition to explore during the Easter season. Running from April 3 to May 3, 2026, at the Joseph Gallery, talented pastry chefs, chocolatiers, and artists are showcasing their take on the egg and its symbols in the free exhibition Eggxtraordinaire. A must-see—don’t miss it! [Read more]
Flops?! Dare, fail, innovate: the funny exhibition unveiled at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
The Musée des Arts et Métiers takes a look at failure and its necessity in the world of invention, with the amusing exhibition "Flops. Oser, rater, innover", presented from October 14, 2025 to May 17, 2026. [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]
Chaim Kaliski Exhibition: "Jim d’Etterbeek" at the Museum of Jewish Art and History
Sponsored - Discover "Jim d’Etterbeek", a striking double-panel graphic by Chaïm Kaliski, renowned for his monumental illustrations on Brussels during the Occupation, featuring over five thousand detailed drawings. [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]
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]
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 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]
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 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]
We've got some great art walks waiting to be discovered.
