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!

ZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et MétiersZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et MétiersZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et MétiersZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et Métiers 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]

Urgence climatique, l'exposition permanente de la Cité des SciencesUrgence climatique, l'exposition permanente de la Cité des SciencesUrgence climatique, l'exposition permanente de la Cité des SciencesUrgence climatique, l'exposition permanente de la Cité des Sciences Back to school: educational museums to do with children in Paris
It's back to school for the kids. Would you like to accompany your little ones back to school in a fun way? If so, here's our selection of educational museums in Paris, where you can have fun learning lots of things, even with children! [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 This two-part fashion exhibition, a marquee event, has been extended until mid-May 2026 — our photos
Since November 20, 2025, the Dior Gallery has been hosting an entirely new exhibition bringing together more than a hundred pieces from Azzedine Alaïa’s collection. Extended to May 17, 2026, this event echoes a second exhibition presented at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation from December 1, 2025, and on view until June 21, 2026. Together, these two showcases celebrate the captivating dialogue between Dior and Alaïa, while highlighting the Tunisian couturier’s deep admiration for the mythical 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 ParisJoyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à ParisJoyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à ParisJoyaux dynastiques : une exposition qui brille de mille feux à l'Hôtel de la Marine à Paris 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]

Exposition 'Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l’art contemporain coréen' au Centre Culturel Coréen - les photosExposition 'Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l’art contemporain coréen' au Centre Culturel Coréen - les photosExposition 'Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l’art contemporain coréen' au Centre Culturel Coréen - les photosExposition 'Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l’art contemporain coréen' au Centre Culturel Coréen - les photos 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]

Le Musée de la Sculpture en plein air : une balade artistique gratuite au cœur de ParisLe Musée de la Sculpture en plein air : une balade artistique gratuite au cœur de ParisLe Musée de la Sculpture en plein air : une balade artistique gratuite au cœur de ParisLe Musée de la Sculpture en plein air : une balade artistique gratuite au cœur de Paris 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]

Victor Hugo décorateurVictor Hugo décorateurVictor Hugo décorateurVictor Hugo décorateur Victor Hugo, decorator: the exhibition on a little-known facet of the poet at Maison Victor Hugo
What if Victor Hugo had followed his first calling? From November 13, 2025 to April 26, 2026, a new exhibition reveals a little-known aspect of the writer's life: his passion for decorating, which we trace through his many creations, from Paris to Guernsey. [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument - Fondation EDFVisuels musée et monument - Fondation EDFVisuels musée et monument - Fondation EDFVisuels musée et monument - Fondation EDF Dans(e) la lumière, season 2: the full program for this artistic edition at the EDF Foundation
The EDF Foundation is organizing a second and new edition of its Dans(e) la lumière event, which combines exhibitions and dance performances. Season 2 runs from November 4, 2025 to January 31, 2026. Find out more about the program. [Read more]

Melvin Edwards au Palais de Tokyo : une carte blanche pour la Saison américaineMelvin Edwards au Palais de Tokyo : une carte blanche pour la Saison américaineMelvin Edwards au Palais de Tokyo : une carte blanche pour la Saison américaineMelvin Edwards au Palais de Tokyo : une carte blanche pour la Saison américaine Melvin Edwards at the Palais de Tokyo: our photos of his carte blanche for the American Season
The Palais de Tokyo is honoring Melvin Edwards, an iconic American sculptor, with a retrospective exhibition never before seen in France, from October 22, 2025, to February 15, 2026. This carte blanche explores the links between contemporary art, history, memory, and Francophone thought. [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

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