Blue Monday 2026: 10 Exhibitions to Brighten Up This Depressing Monday in Paris

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on January 16, 2026 at 05:18 p.m.
The third Monday of January—which falls on January 19, 2026, this year—is widely regarded as the most dreadfully depressing day of the year. But there's an easy remedy: lift your spirits by exploring the fantastic exhibitions currently on display in Paris!

Have you heard of Blue Monday ? This expression refers to the most depressing day of the year: the third Monday in January. It was coined in 2005 for a Sky Travel advertising campaign. This Monday in January would be a sad one, for a variety of reasons: bad weather, a salary that's long overdue, the end of the euphoria of the festive season, vacations too far away, the abandonment of good resolutions...

There's no scientific evidence to suggest that this is a particularly depressing day. But we can all experience a little sluggishness at one time or another. So why not take this opportunity to stock up on a little happiness?

On Monday, January 19, 2026, we’ve rounded up a wide array of outings designed to lift your spirits. As fellow art lovers, we’ve curated about ten exhibitions that bring us joy. A perfect chance to indulge yourself and forget about today’s restrictions!

Exposition Manga au Musée Guimet, les photos  - A7C01122Exposition Manga au Musée Guimet, les photos  - A7C01122Exposition Manga au Musée Guimet, les photos  - A7C01122Exposition Manga au Musée Guimet, les photos  - A7C01122 Manga at the Guimet Museum: Exclusive evening openings before the exhibition closes
The exhibition Manga: An Artistic Treasure! is opening at the Guimet Museum in Paris, inviting visitors to explore the captivating world of Japanese comics from November 19, 2025, to March 9, 2026. This unique cultural journey unfolds in three immersive phases. [Read more]

Fables Immersives : les fables de la Fontaine prennent vie à deux pas des Champs-Elysées - DSC 4997 FotorFables Immersives : les fables de la Fontaine prennent vie à deux pas des Champs-Elysées - DSC 4997 FotorFables Immersives : les fables de la Fontaine prennent vie à deux pas des Champs-Elysées - DSC 4997 FotorFables Immersives : les fables de la Fontaine prennent vie à deux pas des Champs-Elysées - DSC 4997 Fotor Fables Immersives: an immersive journey to the heart of La Fontaine's Fables near the Champs-Elysées
An immersive experience that brings Jean de La Fontaine's famous fables to life, that's the promise of "Fables Immersives". This cultural journey awaits us from September 6, 2025, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, not far from the famous Champs-Elysées avenue. [Read more]

Une double exposition mode à la Galerie Dior et à la Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, cet automne à ParisUne double exposition mode à la Galerie Dior et à la Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, cet automne à ParisUne double exposition mode à la Galerie Dior et à la Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, cet automne à ParisUne double exposition mode à la Galerie Dior et à la Fondation Azzedine Alaïa, cet automne à Paris 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]

Paris visuel - Place VendômeParis visuel - Place VendômeParis visuel - Place VendômeParis visuel - Place Vendôme Captivating Time: Van Cleef & Arpels' Free Watchmaking Exhibition at the Heritage Gallery
Time is on full display with all its seconds and minutes. At the Galerie du Patrimoine, Van Cleef & Arpels presents a horological showcase titled "Enchanting Time," a free jewelry exhibition running from January 16 to June 1, 2026, in Place Vendôme, Paris. [Read more]

Joyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à Paris - fotor 1765278806795Joyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à Paris - fotor 1765278806795Joyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à Paris - fotor 1765278806795Joyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à Paris - fotor 1765278806795 Dynastic Jewels: A Sparkling Exhibition at the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris
The Al Thani Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum are teaming up to bring us a spectacular new exhibition. Running from December 10, 2025, to April 6, 2026, don’t miss "Dynastic Jewels" at the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris. [Read more]

Objets divers et variés : l'exposition gratuite, monumentale et immersive de Song Dong au Bon MarchéObjets divers et variés : l'exposition gratuite, monumentale et immersive de Song Dong au Bon MarchéObjets divers et variés : l'exposition gratuite, monumentale et immersive de Song Dong au Bon MarchéObjets divers et variés : l'exposition gratuite, monumentale et immersive de Song Dong au Bon Marché Various and assorted objects: the free and immersive exhibition by Song Dong at Le Bon Marché — our photos
For its 11th edition, the January art showcase at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche pays tribute to Song Dong, the renowned Chinese artist renowned for transforming everyday objects into living memory. From January 10 to February 22, 2026, his free exhibition, "Various and Diverse Objects – 百货 (baihuò)", takes over the store's showcases, features two large-scale installations beneath the glass roof, and immerses visitors in an interactive experience on the second floor. [Read more]

Dinosaures LEGO - IMG 2035Dinosaures LEGO - IMG 2035Dinosaures LEGO - IMG 2035Dinosaures LEGO - IMG 2035 An immersive dinosaur exhibition featuring giant LEGO creations at Paris Montreuil Expo — our photos
Watch out for the dinosaurs, they're invading Paris Montreuil Expo from December 20, 2025, to May 3, 2026, during a LEGO Jurassic World exhibition by "The Brickman." Nearly fifteen brick dinosaurs, immersive sets, and family activities await you there. [Read more]

Exposition 'Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l’art contemporain coréen' au Centre Culturel Coréen - les photos - A7C09793Exposition 'Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l’art contemporain coréen' au Centre Culturel Coréen - les photos - A7C09793Exposition 'Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l’art contemporain coréen' au Centre Culturel Coréen - les photos - A7C09793Exposition 'Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l’art contemporain coréen' au Centre Culturel Coréen - les photos - A7C09793 Colors of Korea: free contemporary art exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center in Paris, photos
The Korean Cultural Center unveils the exhibition "Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l'art contemporain coréen", on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, from October 24, 2025 to August 29, 2026. This free exhibition presents a unique immersion in Korean art, illustrating the work of 34 artists who blend tradition and innovation through the power of color. [Read more]

Ombre est lumière, mémoire des lieux : une exposition d'art contemporain au cœur du Panthéon - fotor 1763471873365Ombre est lumière, mémoire des lieux : une exposition d'art contemporain au cœur du Panthéon - fotor 1763471873365Ombre est lumière, mémoire des lieux : une exposition d'art contemporain au cœur du Panthéon - fotor 1763471873365Ombre est lumière, mémoire des lieux : une exposition d'art contemporain au cœur du Panthéon - fotor 1763471873365 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]

Dinosaures : l'expérience immersive qui nous fait remonter le temps à l'Atelier des Lumières, photos - fotor 1764680104761Dinosaures : l'expérience immersive qui nous fait remonter le temps à l'Atelier des Lumières, photos - fotor 1764680104761Dinosaures : l'expérience immersive qui nous fait remonter le temps à l'Atelier des Lumières, photos - fotor 1764680104761Dinosaures : l'expérience immersive qui nous fait remonter le temps à l'Atelier des Lumières, photos - fotor 1764680104761 Dinosaurs: the immersive experience that takes us back in time at the Atelier des Lumières, photos
A new documentary exhibition takes us to the Atelier des Lumières: this winter, from December 10, 2025, to March 8, 2026, step back into the age of the dinosaurs with an immersive experience that's both unique and family-friendly. [Read more]

Still feeling down? Here's something to cheer you up: discover our guide to anti-depression spots in Paris.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On January 19, 2026

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