Paris's 1st arrondissement is probably one of the capital's most iconic locations. Here, you'll find yourself in the heart of the capital, as the eras intertwine, testifying to the City of Light's rich history. Paris's 1st arrondissement is home to some of the capital's most emblematic monuments: between the Louvre Museum, the Tuileries Gardens, the Rue de Rivoli and theÎle de la Cité, you can step back in time and cross the centuries as you stroll around.
Unsurprisingly, Paris's 1st arrondissement is home to a rich heritage that takes you back in time to the events and historical figures that have left their mark on the capital. Today, curious visitors who enjoy a cultural outing can admire the various monuments that tell the story of French history, and enjoy a wide range of exhibitions to suit all tastes.
To help you prepare for your trip to the heart of Paris' heritage, we've put together a selection of places to visit and exhibitions to discover in Paris' 1st arrondissement. As an added bonus, this guide is updated regularly to reflect our latest announcements and discoveries, so keep checking back for more and more things to do in the capital's 1st arrondissement!
And for more ideas on what to do in the 1st arrondissement, click here!
The Cartier Foundation: a showcase for contemporary art right in the heart of Paris
Located on Place du Palais-Royal, facing the Louvre Museum, the Cartier Foundation celebrates contemporary art in all its diversity through a dynamic and varied program of exhibitions and events. [Read more]
Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris: programming, opening hours, history... All you need to know
The Musée de l'Orangerie is famous for Monet's Water Lilies. But the museum holds many other treasures... Here's everything you need to know to visit. [Read more]
Bourse de Commerce in Paris: discover this contemporary art center and the Pinault collection
Located in the heart of the capital, in the Halles district, the Bourse de Commerce and the Pinault Collection offer a wonderful stroll through contemporary works of art. Here's everything you need to know before visiting this art center. [Read more]
Musée du Louvre: discover the artistic and tourist heart of the capital
The Musée du Louvre, one of the capital's must-see museums, promotes French and European culture through its many masterpieces on display, as evidenced by the 8 million visitors a year who come to contemplate the smile of the Mona Lisa or the fervor of Liberty Guiding the People. A place steeped in history, where art has been flourishing for two centuries already, to discover if you're staying in Paris! [Read more]
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the must-see Parisian museum dedicated to design and fashion
Just a stone's throw from the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre Pyramid, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs occupies the Rohan and Marsan wings of the Palais du Louvre, with permanent collections and temporary exhibitions that are a must-see for all Paris design enthusiasts. [Read more]
The Conciergerie in Paris: a monument symbolic of the French Revolution
The Conciergerie is a historic building on the Ile de la Cité in Paris. Since its construction in the 10th century, this monument has been the seat of the Palais de Justice and a prison in turn. It was here that Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned. [Read more]
The Sainte-Chapelle and its 1113 stained-glass windows, a true Gothic jewel in Paris
The Sainte-Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, with its 1113 colorful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. This 800-year-old Gothic gem becomes a magical place under the sun. [Read more]
Place Dauphine, a haven of peace in the heart of Paris's Île de la Cité
In the heart of Paris, on the Île de la Cité, the Place Dauphine is a peaceful place to relax. On sunny days, pétanque enthusiasts play their games under the watchful eyes of local residents and tourists seated on the terraces of the various nearby cafés. Discover the history of this royal square! [Read more]
Did you know? Why is it called the Fountain of the Innocents?
The Fontaine des Innocents, the jewel in the crown of Paris's Les Halles district, is back in full view and freshly restored, just ahead of the Olympic Games. Do you know the history of this emblematic monument, witness to Parisian history since the 16th century, and why it bears its name? We tell you. [Read more]
La Conciergerie, the former royal residence and revolutionary prison on the Île de la Cité
Right in the heart of Paris, not far from Notre-Dame Cathedral or the Sainte-Chapelle with its magnificent stained glass windows, the Conciergerie is an imposing building with a rich history: this palace, which was also a prison, is one of our national monuments and a must-see if you want to find out more about the history of Paris. [Read more]
The Musée en Herbe, a child-sized cultural venue in the Marais district of Paris
In the Marais district of Paris, the Musée en Herbe offers the youngest visitors a chance to discover art, through fun, interactive exhibitions for young and old alike, aged 3 to 103. [Read more]
The Musée de l'Illusion in Paris: a multi-sensory journey that will make you lose your head!
The Musée de l'Illusion awaits you in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, in the Châtelet les Halles district. Come with friends or family for a unique and exciting experience! Immerse yourself in a fascinating world, where all your senses will be turned upside down... A multi-sensory visit that's a must. [Read more]
The Paris Museum of Illusions—this spring’s must-see destination!
Sponsored - The Museum of Illusions, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris within the Châtelet-Les Halles district, welcomes families and friends alike. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind, exciting adventure as you delve into the captivating world of illusions, where your senses will be completely challenged... And for the first time, the museum is launching enchanting evening sessions. [Read more]
Henri Rousseau: The Artist's Ambition — A Photo Exhibition of the Douanier at the Orangerie Museum
The Orangerie Museum showcases the works of Henri Rousseau, the renowned naïve painter, with its exhibition "Henri Rousseau, The Ambition of Painting." A must-see for art enthusiasts, the exhibition is on display from March 25 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Chiaroscuro: the Exhibition Exploring Shadow and Light at the Bourse de Commerce - Our Photos
On the occasion of its latest exhibition titled "Chiaroscuro," the Bourse de Commerce transforms into a landscape that is both luminous and dusk-like. Until August 24, 2026, visitors can explore around a hundred works from the Pinault Collection, featuring pieces by Pierre Huyghe, Victor Man, Bill Viola, Laura Lamiel, Jean Dubuffet, Alberto Giacometti, Germaine Richier, as well as Yves Tanguy and Wolfgang Tillmans. [Read more]
The Louvre Museum offers free evening entry on the first Friday of each month—reserve your tickets now.
This is the monthly treat everyone looks forward to: the Louvre Museum opens its doors for free to all visitors every first Friday of the month after 6 p.m. Be sure to reserve your tickets quickly for April 3, 2026. [Read more]
Free evening at the Bourse de Commerce: reserve your tickets for Saturday, April 4, 2026
Eager to explore the collections at the Bourse de Commerce? Take advantage of the free evening opening, held on the first Saturday of each month, and experience this must-visit art space in Paris. Mark your calendar for the next date: Saturday, April 4, 2026. [Read more]
Admire them all: the Pokémon tribute exhibition at the Musée en Herbe.
The Musée en Herbe is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon franchise with an exhibition that’s both creative and playful, opening to the public starting April 16, 2026. [Read more]
The Musée en Herbe Celebrates 50 Years: A Schedule of Fun and Free Activities for Families
The children's favorite museum is celebrating its birthday! To mark the occasion, Le Musée en Herbe is inviting families to four days of free games and activities from April 3 to April 6, 2026. Check out the full program. [Read more]
A Day in the 18th Century: An Immersive Exhibition in a Parisian Townhouse at MAD
The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris transports visitors back to the 18th century, offering an immersive experience through the exhibition "A Day in the 18th Century." Explore a French private mansion and step into the past from February 18th to July 5th, 2026. [Read more]
All Parts Of Us: Susanna Inglada Exhibits at Drawing Lab in Paris
The Drawing Lab in Paris is hosting the exhibition All Parts Of Us by Susanna Inglada, the recipient of the 2025 Drawing Now Award, from February 13 to May 10, 2026. Through a compelling blend of drawings, installations, and videos, the artist delves into the tensions shaping our modern world, examining the collective gaze and power dynamics at play. [Read more]
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]
The language of the walls: China's stamped artworks displayed at the Museum of Decorative Arts
The Museum of Decorative Arts presents "The Language of Walls" from March 18 to June 28, 2026, an exhibition focused on the art of stamping. It brings together 19th-century Chinese pieces with contemporary imprints, all created directly on the stones of Notre-Dame de Paris during its restoration. [Read more]
Yoga, dance, magic, stand-up: a series of unconventional nighttime activities at the Louvre Museum
As dusk falls on Friday evening, head to the Louvre Museum to rediscover its collections from a new perspective. Enjoy unique workshops and unconventional activities, in addition to the current exhibitions! [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]
Martin Schongauer, the timeless master: an exhibition showcasing the astonishing work of a remarkable painter at the Louvre Museum
Discover Martin Schongauer, a remarkable German painter from the Middle Ages. The Louvre Museum is hosting a retrospective exhibition dedicated to this "Beautiful Immortal," running from April 8 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Michelangelo / Rodin: A Unique Face-Off of Sculptors at the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum brings together two legendary sculptors in an extraordinary exhibition: from April 15 to July 2, 2026, don't miss "Michelangelo / Rodin". [Read more]
Gallery of the Five Continents: opening of a new exhibition space at the Louvre Museum
From December 3, 2025, the Gallery of the Five Continents will be open to visitors at the Louvre Museum, offering an opportunity to admire works from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, in a journey that reveals the diversity and dialogue of human creativity across the globe. [Read more]
A hundred years of Art Deco at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, anniversary exhibition from 1925 to 2025 in pictures
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris is celebrating the centenary of Art Deco with an exceptional exhibition from October 22, 2025, to April 26, 2026: '1925-2025. One Hundred Years of Art Deco'. Nearly 1,000 works showcasing the timeless elegance of this style, accompanied by a spectacular reconstruction of the Orient Express, await you. Let us take you on a journey of discovery. [Read more]
General Exhibition: the Fondation Cartier recounts 40 years of exhibitions for its reopening
The Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain is reopening its doors in a new location in the heart of Paris with a new exhibition: from October 25, 2025, to August 23, 2026, discover the General Exhibition. [Read more]
The Bourse de Commerce by night: an evening of contemporary art every Friday night
Every Friday evening, until 9pm, the Bourse de Commerce, temple of contemporary art, welcomes you for a nocturne through the exhibitions and installations of the moment. [Read more]
Acne Paper Palais Royal: the permanent (art) gallery for the Acne Studios brand opens in Paris
Paris mixes fashion and culture in style! On June 26, 2025, Acne Studios opened its first independent art gallery, Acne Paper Palais Royal, under the arcades of the Palais Royal. An arty new spot in the heart of the 1st arrondissement. [Read more]
59 Rivoli, the free artists' squat on rue de Rivoli in Paris
As you walk up the Rue de Rivoli, one building stands out for its colorful decorations, which stand out among the ashlar buildings. Welcome to 59 Rivoli, an artistic squat with free exhibitions. [Read more]
The Louvre by night: two evenings of art every Wednesday and Friday!
In your busy week, treat yourself to a moment of magic: the Musée du Louvre opens at night every Wednesday and Friday evening. The permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the world's most beautiful museum await you! [Read more]
LV Dream by Louis Vuitton: free exhibition, boutique, café and chocolate shop
The famous Maison Louis Vuitton opens LV DREAM, a free exhibition and gift store that also features a café and a chocolate shop in collaboration with Chef Pâtissier Maxime Frédéric of Cheval Blanc Paris. While the exhibition is by reservation only, the boutique and café are open to the public. [Read more]
Louvre Museum: Must-see masterpieces
The Louvre Museum is one of the most visited museums in the world, and houses some of the most famous works. Here are the must-sees on your next visit. [Read more]
