What to visit in Paris's 12th arrondissement? Monuments, museums and exhibitions

Published by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on November 13, 2025 at 07:44 p.m.
Paris's 12th arrondissement reveals an often little-known heritage hidden away in the heart of the capital. Here's a selection of cultural visits you won't want to miss, including confidential museums, historic monuments and exciting exhibitions.

The 12th arrondissement of Paris is a district with many faces, brimming with hidden gems for both the occasional and the seasoned Parisian. Here you can treat yourself to a bucolic stroll along an old rail line, a wander along a shopping thoroughfare that feels like a village, or even a meeting with artisans beneath an astonishing viaduct. The 12th is one of those places you can explore from end to end to continually uncover more cultural treasures and great addresses, while soaking up a neighborhood that helps define the Paris of Parisians.

But where should your steps lead you to discover the cultural outings awaiting you in the 12th? From Bercy to the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, via the very green bois de Vincennes, we invite you to meet the museums and monuments worth a detour, while also revealing the exhibitions not to be missed right now! And for more great addresses, we share our best tips for the 12th arrondissement right here.

And one last note: this guide is updated as announcements come in and as we make new discoveries. Be sure to check it regularly to stay up to date on the next exhibitions to discover in Paris’s 12th arrondissement!

The Special Picks for Museum Night

Musée de l'histoire de l'immigration : un musée pédagogique pour voir l'Histoire de France autrement - collections permanentesMusée de l'histoire de l'immigration : un musée pédagogique pour voir l'Histoire de France autrement - collections permanentesMusée de l'histoire de l'immigration : un musée pédagogique pour voir l'Histoire de France autrement - collections permanentesMusée de l'histoire de l'immigration : un musée pédagogique pour voir l'Histoire de France autrement - collections permanentes A grand traditional dance ball for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Museum of the History of Immigration - Palais de la Porte Dorée in Paris
For the 22nd edition of the Night of Museums, the Palais de la Porte Dorée invites you to a special after-hours event on Saturday, May 23, 2026. It’s a chance to (re)discover this stunning Art Deco building housing the Museum of Immigration and the Paris Tropical Aquarium. We’re bringing you the full program in detail. [Read more]

La Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier BercyLa Cinémathèque française : le temple des cinéphiles au cœur du quartier Bercy A special late-night program exploring the Marilyn Monroe universe for the 2026 Night of Museums at the Cinémathèque.
For the Night of Museums in Paris, the Cinémathèque is offering free activities around the museum’s collections and the exhibitions on display, sure to delight film lovers as well as families! Mark your calendars for May 23, 2026 to experience a cinema-filled late night. [Read more]







Must-see spots in Paris's 12th arrondissement

Temple tibétain Kagyu-Dzong - IMG 4414Temple tibétain Kagyu-Dzong - IMG 4414Temple tibétain Kagyu-Dzong - IMG 4414Temple tibétain Kagyu-Dzong - IMG 4414 Did you know? The Bois de Vincennes is home to Ile-de-France's only Tibetan temple, Kagyu-Dzong.
Nestled in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, the Tibetan temple of Kaguy-Dzong, the only one of its kind in the region, is a colorful jewel that reveals the full richness of Tibetan sacred art. With its colorful architecture and soothing atmosphere, it invites you on a true spiritual journey without leaving Paris. [Read more]

Musée de l'histoire de l'immigration : un musée pédagogique pour voir l'Histoire de France autrement - collections permanentesMusée de l'histoire de l'immigration : un musée pédagogique pour voir l'Histoire de France autrement - collections permanentesMusée de l'histoire de l'immigration : un musée pédagogique pour voir l'Histoire de France autrement - collections permanentesMusée de l'histoire de l'immigration : un musée pédagogique pour voir l'Histoire de France autrement - collections permanentes Musée de l'histoire de l'Immigration: opening hours, collections, prices... All you need to know
Housed in the Palais de la Porte Dorée, the Musée National de l'Histoire de l'Immigration tells the story of France in a different way... Discover this unusual cultural site. [Read more]

Le Musée Méliès, le nouveau musée du cinéma de la Cinémathèque FrançaiseLe Musée Méliès, le nouveau musée du cinéma de la Cinémathèque FrançaiseLe Musée Méliès, le nouveau musée du cinéma de la Cinémathèque FrançaiseLe Musée Méliès, le nouveau musée du cinéma de la Cinémathèque Française The Musée Méliès, the Cinémathèque Française's film museum for fans of the 7th art
Get ready to discover the Musée Méliès, the Cinémathèque Française's new film museum, as soon as it opens. Bigger and better, the Musée Méliès unveils its new itinerary and many previously unpublished archives, by Georges Méliès of course, but also by more contemporary filmmakers. It's a dream come true for young and old, curious and passionate about the 7th art. [Read more]

Le Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy : un musée insolite et enchanteur à ParisLe Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy : un musée insolite et enchanteur à ParisLe Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy : un musée insolite et enchanteur à ParisLe Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy : un musée insolite et enchanteur à Paris The Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy: an unusual and enchanting museum in Paris
Enjoy a magical immersive experience in Paris at the Musée des Arts Forains - Pavillon de Bercy, a museum that plunges you into a funfair atmosphere. A place that appeals to young and old alike! [Read more]

Current exhibitions and tours in Paris's 12th arrondissement

CERCLE DES ARTISTES DE PARISCERCLE DES ARTISTES DE PARISCERCLE DES ARTISTES DE PARISCERCLE DES ARTISTES DE PARIS The Circle of Parisian Artists returns to the Parc Floral in Paris: over 500 works to discover.
Sponsored - The Circle of Parisian Artists is staging its 24th annual exhibition in the heart of Paris's Parc Floral, a stunning natural setting that invites artistic discovery. This must-attend event celebrates the richness and diversity of contemporary creation, bringing together more than 130 artists and showcasing over 500 works from May 4 to May 31, 2026. [Read more]

Marilyn Monroe, 100 ans ! L'exposition anniversaire de l'icône américaine à la Cinémathèque - fotor 1775557522716Marilyn Monroe, 100 ans ! L'exposition anniversaire de l'icône américaine à la Cinémathèque - fotor 1775557522716Marilyn Monroe, 100 ans ! L'exposition anniversaire de l'icône américaine à la Cinémathèque - fotor 1775557522716Marilyn Monroe, 100 ans ! L'exposition anniversaire de l'icône américaine à la Cinémathèque - fotor 1775557522716 Marilyn Monroe, a centenary celebration! The Hollywood icon is in the spotlight in an exhibition at the Cinémathèque.
The Cinémathèque marks the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth with a commemorative exhibition honoring the cinema icon. The star's legacy will be showcased from April 8 to July 26, 2026. [Read more]

L'expérience Monroe : un parcours immersif sur Marilyn Monroe à la Galerie JosephL'expérience Monroe : un parcours immersif sur Marilyn Monroe à la Galerie JosephL'expérience Monroe : un parcours immersif sur Marilyn Monroe à la Galerie JosephL'expérience Monroe : un parcours immersif sur Marilyn Monroe à la Galerie Joseph Great Cinémathèque deal: free admission to the Monroe retrospective, for all Marilyns
From April 8 to July 26, 2026, the Cinémathèque is hosting a Marilyn Monroe retrospective, and for all women who share the actress’s first name, admission is free! [Read more]

JEMA : 30 Faubourg, l’art du quotidien Made in ParisJEMA : 30 Faubourg, l’art du quotidien Made in ParisJEMA : 30 Faubourg, l’art du quotidien Made in ParisJEMA : 30 Faubourg, l’art du quotidien Made in Paris JEMA 2026: Home, Fashion, Art... Free Exhibition at the Galerie des Ateliers in Paris
In Paris, the European Heritage Days of Craftsmanship are set to take place from April 7 to April 12, 2026. To mark the occasion, the Galerie des Ateliers de Paris will host "30 Faubourg – the Art of Everyday Life Made in Paris," an exhibition celebrating Parisian artisan skills from April 2 to May 16, 2026. [Read more]

Les derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304 : l'expédition immersive à Bercy VillageLes derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304 : l'expédition immersive à Bercy VillageLes derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304 : l'expédition immersive à Bercy VillageLes derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304 : l'expédition immersive à Bercy Village Les derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304: an immersive expedition at Bercy Village
Travel back in time and experience history differently with Les derniers remparts, Carcassonne 1304, a virtual reality experience from Excurio, in partnership with the Centre des Monuments nationaux. Available at Eclipso in Bercy Village from April 4, 2025. [Read more]

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