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 4, 2024 at 07:54 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 Métiers - fotor 1765963680084ZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et Métiers - fotor 1765963680084ZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et Métiers - fotor 1765963680084ZEUS, le cheval métallique des JO exposé gratuitement au musée des Arts et Métiers - fotor 1765963680084 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]

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]

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 an exclusive exhibition showcasing over a hundred pieces collected by Azzedine Alaïa. This display is part of a larger, extended showcase at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation, running from December 1, 2025, to June 21, 2026. The exhibition creates a dialogue between Dior and Alaïa, highlighting the Tunisian designer’s admiration for the iconic 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]

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]

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]

Exposition Louis XV au Château de Versailles - louis xv enfant - Antoine coysevoxExposition Louis XV au Château de Versailles - louis xv enfant - Antoine coysevoxExposition Louis XV au Château de Versailles - louis xv enfant - Antoine coysevoxExposition Louis XV au Château de Versailles - louis xv enfant - Antoine coysevox Amerindian allies at the court of Louis XV: the historical exhibition at the Château de Versailles
Immerse yourself in the Mississippi Valley through April 26, 2026, with the Château de Versailles’ exhibition exploring the Indigenous nations who allied with the French as they settled in Louisiana, in the era of the young Louis XV. [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]

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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