Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral is one of the most emblematic monuments in Paris. So it's hardly surprising that people love to stroll around this imposing cathedral, located in the heart of the capital. But once you've finished admiring the monument, the question arises: what next?
There's no question of going home right away, or crossing the whole city to find a new activity. Besides, there's no need: there are a thousand things to see, discover and do in the streets and neighborhoods surrounding Notre-Dame.
Would you like to stay in this cultural and historic atmosphere? Nothing could be simpler! There are numerous exhibitions organized in the vicinity of the Parisian monument. We've put together a short guide to the exhibitions to be seen in the cathedral's vicinity. In just a few minutes' walk, you can reach some of the capital's major museums, numerous art galleries and even open-air exhibitions. Here, then, is a selection of the exhibitions currently on show around the cathedral.
Simone Veil. My Sisters and I: An Intimate, Free Exhibition at the Memorial of the Shoah
The Shoah Memorial highlights the deep bond between Simone Veil and her sisters with a moving exhibition running from February 10 to October 15, 2026. [Read more]
Paris: On the Île Saint-Louis, this library hides three museums, one of which is dedicated to Chopin.
On Île Saint-Louis, the Polish Library of Paris not only holds a remarkable collection of literary works but also features three intimate museums dedicated to Chopin, Mickiewicz, and Bolesław Biegas—perfect for those eager to explore France's rich cultural ties with Poland. [Read more]
American Images: Dana Lixenberg explores the American Dream in a photography exhibition at the MEP
Through her striking portraits, photographer Dana Lixenberg challenges the myth of the American Dream. Her exhibition, American Images, is on view at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie from February 11th to May 24th, 2026. [Read more]
A double fashion showcase at the Dior Gallery and the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation in Paris – our photos
The Dior Gallery will open its doors from November 20, 2025, to May 3, 2026, for a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing over a hundred pieces collected by Azzedine Alaïa. This display is part of a dual exhibition, extended at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation from December 1, 2025, to May 24, 2026, highlighting the dialogue between Dior and Alaïa and revealing the Tunisian designer’s admiration for the New Look. [Read more]
Shadow is light, memory of places: a contemporary art exhibition in the heart of the Pantheon
The Pantheon welcomes Nicolas Daubanes and his creations for a meditative exhibition running from November 19, 2025, to March 8, 2026. [Read more]
The Musée de Cluny at night: discover the Middle Ages two Thursday evenings a month
On the first and third Thursday evenings of the month, until 9pm, the Musée de Cluny welcomes you for a nocturne through its fine collections presenting the Middle Ages and its temporary exhibitions. [Read more]
The Musée de Cluny, Paris' museum of the Middle Ages, its program and age-old treasures
Located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Musée de Cluny is housed in the 13th-century Hôtel des Abbés de Cluny, and is home to works of art even older than that! Come and visit this museum dedicated to the Middle Ages in Paris. [Read more]
Les Ateliers d'art des grands magasins: a free exhibition at the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris
Printemps' Primavera, Bon Marché's Pomone, Galeries Lafayette's La Maîtrise and Grands Magasins du Louvre's Studium Louvre showcase the best of Art Deco to mark the centenary of the 1925 Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes. Furniture, textiles, ceramics, catalogs, posters and photographs can all be discovered at the Bibliothèque Forney in a free exhibition running from November 4, 2025 to February 28, 2026. [Read more]
Robert Badinter, justice at heart: the moving and historic exhibition at the Panthéon
From October 11, 2025 to March 8, 2026, the crypt of the Panthéon will host the exhibition "Robert Badinter, la justice au cœur", retracing his struggles and inspirations, on the occasion of his entry into the monument. [Read more]
Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA): program, exhibitions, events, everything you need to know about this cultural center
The Institut du Monde Arabe is an astonishing place where Arab culture reveals itself to us through astonishing exhibitions and an eclectic program of events for all ages and all audiences! [Read more]
Dans la Seine: the exhibition at the Crypte archéologique reveals the objects found in the Seine
The Crypte Archéologique presents an exhibition that's as curious as it is amusing, revealing objects found in the Seine, from prehistory to the present day. Visit this unique exhibition from January 31, 2024, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
The Musée de la Magie, a mysterious and fun place in the heart of Paris
Let yourself be surprised by the Musée de la Magie, an unusual cultural and family venue in the Marais district of Paris. [Read more]
The Musée du fromage in Paris is open, and we want to tell you all about it!
The first Musée du fromage has opened its doors in Paris, in the 4ᵉ arrondissement, since this June 13, 2024. A living museum that lets us discover the great French know-how, the making of different cheeses, the history and the many varieties to be discovered all over France. Did you know that there are almost 300 "origine contrôlée" cheeses? You'll have to stay in this world a little longer - and taste it, of course! [Read more]
The Institut Finlandais in Paris: an open window on Finnish culture and society
Located in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, the Institut Finlandais is a genuine invitation to travel and discover the beautiful and discreet Nordic country of Finland. Throughout the year, this multi-disciplinary cultural center offers a rich and varied program combining gastronomy, design and visual arts! [Read more]
The Musée de la Sculpture en plein air: a free art walk in the heart of Paris
Have you heard of the Musée de la Sculpture en plein air? Located in the Square Tino Rossi in the 5th arrondissement, this small museum offers a free cultural stroll along the banks of the Seine, in a magnificent bucolic setting. [Read more]
La Maison Européenne de la Photographie, the museum of contemporary photography in Paris
Just a stone's throw from the Saint-Paul metro station in the Marais district, the Maison Européenne de la Photographie showcases those who have turned photography into an art form, a political medium and a means of rebelling, documenting and paying homage... We'll take you with us to the heart of the cultural venue dedicated to photography in Paris! [Read more]
The Musée de la Préfecture de Police, immerse yourself in history and police investigations
The Musée de la Préfecture de Police, nestled in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, invites visitors on a fascinating exploration of the history of the Paris police force from the 17th century to the present day. Available all year round, this historic treasure trove on rue de la Montagne Sainte-Geneviève unveils over 2,000 authentic and captivating works of art. [Read more]
The Shoah Memorial: a place of remembrance in Paris
The Shoah Memorial in Paris opens its doors to us free of charge, inviting us to remember and understand the history of the Jews of France, especially during the Second World War. [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]
Captives: Mediterranean Slavery Uncovered at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the history of slavery between Christians and Muslims across the Mediterranean from the 17th century to 1830. Titled "Captives: Arts and Slavery in the Modern Mediterranean", the exhibit runs from March 31, 2026, to July 19, 2026. Through artworks, rare artifacts, and unpublished documents, it offers a historical perspective on those enslaved and forced into labor in the ports of Europe and North Africa. [Read more]
Art Shopping 2026: The Spring Edition of the Contemporary Art Fair at the Carrousel du Louvre
The Art Shopping fair is taking place at the Louvre Carousel in Paris from April 10 to 12, 2026, for its spring edition. Find out what's on the agenda. [Read more]
Expo4Art: Dates Set for the 2026 Editions of the Free Art Fair at Halle des Blancs Manteaux
The Expo4Art fair is making its comeback with four editions scheduled for 2026 at the Halle des Blancs Manteaux. A perfect opportunity to explore the emerging talents shaping the art scene. Mark your calendar for the upcoming dates this year — and remember, entry is free! [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]
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]
Unicorn!: the Musée de Cluny's major exhibition explores the myth of the legendary creature.
The Cluny Museum in Paris is hosting “Unicorn!”, a major exhibition dedicated to the legendary mythical creature, running from March 10 to July 12, 2026. Through around a hundred works from across the globe, visitors can explore the history, symbolism, and centuries-old fascination with the unicorn — blending art, legend, and spirituality. [Read more]
Byblos, eternal city: explore the historic city with the exhibition at the Arab World Institute.
The Arab World Institute takes us on a journey to discover the world's first international seaport, dating back nearly 9,000 years. The exhibition Byblos, Eternal City is open from March 24 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
Extend your strolls, and take advantage of all the capital's riches! Which exhibition will you start with?
Dates and Opening Time
From March 31, 2023 to December 31, 2028
Location
Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
75004 Paris 4
Access
Metro - RER: - Cité (4) - Saint Michel - Notre-Dame (B,C) - Hôtel de Ville (1,11) - Maubert-Mutualité / Cluny - La Sorbonne (10) - Châtelet - Les Halles (7,14,A,D)
