The tree has been put away, New Year's non-alcoholic cocktails have been drunk, and new resolutions have been made. There's no doubt about it, it's January. Wow! A brand-new year stretches out before us, thousands of outings are coming up, and exceptional events will brighten your day... Let's get started!
That's right, in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, there's never a dull moment! From the very first days of the year, there's plenty to see and do. And in the world ofart and culture, the month of January is also synonymous with the start of the new school year: new programs are being put in place in art venues, to offer us original outings at the beginning of the year.
Free exhibitions, major events, paintings, photography, sculpture, fashion, contemporary art, street art, immersive exhibitions... As always, there's something for every taste and every age.
So what can you see in the capital's museums, galleries and cultural institutions in January 2026? Discover the new exhibitions scheduled over the next few days in Paris and Île-de-France.



Rediscover cheese through The Cheese Experience
Sponsored - You’ve never tasted cheeses like these! A top-tier selection showcased in a truly unique exhibition: head over to La Cheese Experience, the quirky cheese event nestled inside Passage Jouffroy, right in the heart of the Grands Boulevards in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. [Read more]



Louvre Museum: Enjoy the Free Night Opening on Friday, March 6, 2026 — the First Friday of the Month
This is the great deal everyone looks forward to at the start of each month: the Louvre Museum opens its doors for free to all visitors on the first Friday of every month, after 6 p.m. Mark your calendars for the next free evening: March 6, 2026. [Read more]



Claude Monet in Paris: Where to Discover the Works of the Renowned Impressionist Painter in the Capital?
He is undoubtedly one of France’s most beloved painters: Claude Monet left behind a stunning collection of masterpieces, many of which you can admire in the city’s top museums. Follow the guide! [Read more]



Ninho: An immersive musical experience at the Grand Palais to celebrate the release of "M.I.L.S IV"
Ninho marks the release of his mixtape "M.I.L.S IV" with a immersive musical experience in Paris, open for just four days. Come explore the world of the "M.I.L.S" franchise at the Grand Palais Immersif from Thursday, January 8 to Sunday, January 11, 2026. [Read more]



The Beat Goes On! : Free Exhibition Celebrating Clubbing Culture at Quai de la Photo
The vibrant world of clubbing culture — both festive and politically charged — takes center stage in a free photographic exhibition running from January 9 to April 24, 2026. Come explore The Beat Goes On! at Quai de la Photo. [Read more]



Kathia St. Hilaire: A Powerful Exhibition at the Perrotin Gallery
The Haitian-American artist Kathia St. Hilaire is showcasing a series of engravings and collages in Paris that delve into themes of spiraling, migration, and exile stories. On view at the Perrotin Gallery from January 10 to March 7, 2026, the exhibition offers a contemplative exploration of diasporic journeys, blending artistic expression with political insight. [Read more]



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]



Elysée House: FreeMeetings and Activities Featuring the Hidden Worlds of the Presidential Palace
In January 2026, the Élysée House will open its doors to offer exclusive behind-the-scenes encounters featuring the iconic roles that keep the Élysée running. Every Wednesday, step inside the Palace and explore the distinctive expertise that makes it special. Check out the full schedule. [Read more]



Grand Palais: Free Exhibition Celebrates 200 Years of Le Figaro – Our Photos
Beneath the nave of the Grand Palais, a spectacular three-day celebration marks "1826-2026: 200 Years of Freedom." This free, ticketed exhibition offers a deep dive into two centuries of images, archives, and debates. An immersive experience to revisit 200 years of vibrant and inspiring history, taking place from January 14 to 16, 2026. [Read more]



Life flows through its veins: a group exhibition featuring 72 urban artists at Fluctuart — our photos
For its latest urban art exhibition, the Fluctuart floating gallery in Paris is showcasing a private collection for the first time — that of Jérôme Dauchez. From January 15 to April 22, 2026, visitors can explore a stunning lineup of works by 72 artists, highlighting the dynamic interplay between street art and the Paris metro. Best of all, admission is free. [Read more]



Revisit the Château-Neuf: the exhibition on the lost royal residence of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78)
The Château-Neuf of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a lost Renaissance treasure, is coming back to life this winter. Through an exhibition blending archival materials and 3D reconstructions, embark on a digital journey to rediscover this forgotten palace. The exhibit runs until March 8, 2026, at the Ducastel-Vera Museum. [Read more]



District 13 International Art Fair 2026 at Hôtel Drouot this weekend – SPECIAL PROMO CODE
The District 13 International Art Fair is returning to Hôtel Drouot in Paris from January 15 to 18, 2026. Discover urban art, explore international galleries, and take advantage of special prices and a promo code to save money. Enjoy a 20% discount with the promo code: SAP! [Read more]



100% Paper IV: Free Collective Street Art Exhibition at Bastille Design Center — Our Photos
« 100% Paper IV »: the name of the upcoming fourth edition of the free, collaborative exhibition curated by Hopare in partnership with Urban Signature. For the first time, this street art installation will be showcased in the stunning setting of the Bastille Design Center, located in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. Nearly 120 artists have come together around the theme of paper, presenting approximately 300 original works displayed across three levels. Visitors will have just a few days—January 15 to 18, 2026—to experience this unique showcase. [Read more]



Vibrations: José Yaque's immersive and colorful exhibition at Galleria Continua — our photos
Galleria Continua showcases the work of Cuban artist José Yaque at its Parisian Marais gallery. Running until March 10, 2026, visitors are invited to experience his immersive solo exhibition, "Vibraciones," crafted to engage multiple senses. [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]



Last days to experience the essence of material at the Garden of Crafts and Design!
Sponsored - Last Days to Experience “Horizon” at JAD – Garden of Art and Design Professions in Sèvres: A Unique Sensory Journey
Take one last walk through the tactile and poetic world of the “Horizon” exhibition – exploring experiences with materials at JAD – Garden of Art and Design Professions in Sèvres. This sensory, family-friendly, and free event offers an immersive encounter with natural materials and contemporary creativity. [Read more]



Saint Laurent Rive Droite: a Free Exhibition Celebrates Man Ray in the Iconic Boutique
Saint Laurent Rive Droite pays tribute to Man Ray with Objects of My Affection, opening on January 16, 2026. This free exhibition transforms everyday life into surrealism—and makes it iconic! [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]



Claude Simon at the Lambinet Museum: Our Photo Gallery of the Exhibition in Versailles
The Lambinet Museum in Versailles hosts an exhibition dedicated to Claude Simon, showcased amidst its permanent collection from January 16 to March 22, 2026. The display brings together manuscripts, collages, sketches, photographs, archival documents, and rare correspondence. [Read more]



Daily Letters: Malak and Mona Varichon’s Exhibition in Brétigny-sur-Orge (Essonne)
Sponsored - Discover the exhibition Lettres du quotidien – Extraits, débuts, jeux, traces in Brétigny-sur-Orge, which delves into the creative process inspired by the everyday life of Malak and Mona Varichon. Running from January 17 to March 14, 2026, at the Espace de la Croix-Louis, this show explores how personal experiences can fuel artistic expression. [Read more]



Erwin Wurm. Tomorrow Yes: Free Exhibition at Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery in Pantin (93) — Photos
Art takes wild shapes in Pantin! From January 17 to April 11, 2026, Erwin Wurm's "Tomorrow: Yes" transforms the Thaddaeus Ropac gallery into a space where new works and intriguing installations challenge visitors’ perceptions. Playing with form, space, and the human body, the exhibition offers a captivating journey into the artist's imaginative universe. [Read more]



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]



I Love Sushi: The Free Exhibition That Will Tantalize Your Taste Buds at the Japan House of Culture - Our Photos
Sushi takes center stage at the Japan House in Paris! From January 20 to April 11, 2026, this cultural hub hosts a special, free exhibition dedicated to one of Japan’s most iconic culinary treasures. Through an array of sushi reproductions and traditional prints, visitors are invited to explore the fascinating history and evolution of this beloved Japanese delicacy! [Read more]



Expanded Drops: The free exhibition where fragrance transforms into visual art at Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris
Forget the bottle; here, perfume is a visual experience. With Expanded Drops, Maison Francis Kurkdjian presents a free exhibition running from January 21 to March 29, 2026, curated by photographer Christelle Boulé. She captures the essence of fragrances and transforms them into captivating images. This immersive sensory and artistic journey shifts the olfactory world into the realm of sight, right in the heart of Paris. [Read more]



Edo Tokyo Kirari: Where French Design Meets Japanese Craftsmanship in a Stunning Exhibition
The Ateliers de Paris Gallery showcases "Edo Tokyo Kirari," a free exhibition blending French design with Japanese craftsmanship. Open to visitors from January 21 to February 4, 2026. [Read more]



La Monnaie de Paris by flashlight: an unusual nighttime tour, dates for 2026
The Paris Mint is a fascinating institution that you can explore both during the day... and after hours! Don’t miss the special flashlight tours scheduled in January, February, and March. Get ready for a nighttime adventure through the heart of Paris! [Read more]



Did you know? The museums operated by the City of Paris are free of charge for residents of Rome — and the same applies in reverse.
For decades, a reciprocal agreement has allowed Parisians to enjoy free entry to numerous museums in Rome, and vice versa for Romans visiting Paris. It’s a quiet but tangible benefit of the official partnership between these two capitals. Here’s everything you need to know! [Read more]



Art3F 2026: The international contemporary art fair making its return to Porte de Versailles this weekend
The contemporary art fair Art3F is back for a new winter edition in Paris: join us from January 23 to 25, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles for an event that caters to all art enthusiasts. [Read more]
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Doris Brynner: the iconic fashion exhibition at Sotheby's Paris
Sotheby's Paris is dedicating an exhibition to Doris Brynner, a figure of 20th-century cosmopolitan elegance, from January 23 to 26, 2026. The exhibition is being held during Haute Couture Fashion Week. [Read more]



Paris / Rome: Free Photo Exhibition Now Open on the City Hall Fences
On the gates of City Hall, discover a curated selection of photographs that reflect the twin beauty of Rome and Paris. Free to view from January 26 to February 26, 2026. [Read more]



Fashion Week: An exhibition of 126 haute couture Dior pieces in a Parisian palace
The Bristol Paris opens its doors to haute couture with the exhibition Dior Masterpieces: The Mouna Ayoub Haute Couture Collection, on January 27 and 28, 2026. Showcasing 126 pieces spanning the entire Christian Dior saga, from Bohan to Chiuri, the exhibit unveils four decades of style and craftsmanship. An unmissable opportunity to explore the world of a legendary private collection curated by Mouna Ayoub. [Read more]



Barbara: The legendary French singer-songwriter honored in a new exhibition at the BnF François-Mitterrand
Attention, Barbara fans! Nearly 30 years after her passing, the François-Mitterrand Library (BnF) is celebrating the legendary singer-songwriter with a brand-new exhibition titled "Dis quand reviendras-tu? Barbara et son public". This unique cultural event is free to the public and runs from January 27 to April 5, 2026, in the Donors' Gallery. [Read more]



Mathilde Favier’s World in Paris: A Free Exhibition Showcasing Fashion, Art, and Design at Christie’s
The vibrant world of Mathilde Favier, a Parisian at heart and head of PR for a top fashion house, will be on display at Christie’s from January 28 to February 4, 2026. The exhibition, titled Mathilde & Friends in Paris, is free to attend. Featuring iconic outfits, poetic objects, and designer creations, it offers a chic, playful, and distinctly Parisian journey through style. [Read more]



The Fire This Time: Titus Kaphar’s Exhibition Unveils Society’s Forgotten Figures at Gagosian
Titus Kaphar debuts his first solo exhibition in Paris at the Gagosian Gallery with The Fire This Time, running from January 29 to March 7, 2026. Through a striking mix of paintings and wooden sculptures, the American artist explores forgotten shadows of history, bringing to light memories that have long been sidelined or overlooked. [Read more]



And God… created Bardot: a free photo exhibition paying tribute at the Galerie de l'Instant
The Galerie de l'Instant is presenting a retrospective dedicated to Brigitte Bardot, featuring vintage prints and candid snapshots captured on the fly. From January 29 to March 29, 2026, visit this free exhibition to see the legendary "BB" of the 1950s to 70s—an icon who revolutionized societal norms. [Read more]



Beyond Our Horizons: From Tokyo to Paris, the New Free Exhibition at the 19M Gallery
Beyond Our Horizons lands in Paris: from January 29 to April 26, 2026, the Galerie du 19M showcases French artisans alongside Japanese creators, weaving their stories together. After captivating 75,000 visitors in Tokyo, this exhibition offers a journey where tradition and innovation intersect in every detail. Embroideries, molds, feathers, and metals become bridges connecting different cultures and craftsmanship. [Read more]



Codex on the Rocks: From Street Art to the Mineralogy Museum at the École des Mines de Paris – our photos
For the first time ever, street art takes center stage at the Museum of Mineralogy at the École des Mines in Paris! From January 29 to June 27, 2026, visitors will have the chance to explore the rebellious and fantastical works of urban artist Codex Urbanus, scattered throughout this renowned institution in the 6th arrondissement. [Read more]



Kid Cudi unveils "Echoes of the Past," his debut art exhibition in Paris
Fans of Kid Cudi are headed to the 3rd arrondissement of Paris to experience "Echoes of the Past," the rapper’s very first solo exhibition. The event takes place at Galerie Ruttkowski;68 from January 30 to March 1, 2026, where visitors can explore the artist’s paintings, complemented by a unique original sound piece created specifically for the occasion. [Read more]



Global Warning: Renowned photographer Martin Parr celebrated in a new exhibition at the Jeu de Paume
Photographer Martin Parr offers a satirical take on our societal excesses and the degradation of the environment in his exhibition Global Warning. Don't miss this thought-provoking showcase at the Jeu de Paume, running from January 30 to May 24, 2026. [Read more]



In these halls: contemporary photographer Jo Ractliffe showcases her work at the Jeu de Paume, revealing powerful images.
The Jeu de Paume is hosting an exhibition showcasing the work of photographer Jo Ractliffe. Discover the striking images of "En ces lieux" from January 30 to May 24, 2026. [Read more]



Beaubourg Competition of 1971: A Free Exhibition Showcasing the Architectural Proposals for the Pompidou Center
The Centre Pompidou building was created following an international architectural competition. Explore other notable entries from the contest — alternative versions of the Centre Pompidou that might have existed in Paris. These intriguing designs are showcased in a free exhibition by the Academy of Architecture, open from January 30 to February 22, 2026. [Read more]



Blurred Boundaries: The Immersive Exhibit at the Frigos in Paris
Sponsored - The exhibition Zone de flou offers an immersive artistic experience at the Frigos in Paris, exploring the spectrum from the visible to the invisible, from reality to fiction. [Read more]



The Perrotin gallery hosts an exhibition dedicated to art inspired by the game of chess.
The Perrotin Gallery in Paris is hosting a group exhibition titled A Century of Chess, exploring the impact of the game on modern and contemporary art. Running from January 31 to February 28, 2026, and curated by R. Jonathan Lambert, the show features works by Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray, Martin Parr, and William Wegman. Through paintings, sculptures, and photographs, it delves into the diverse artistic interpretations inspired by this deeply strategic game. [Read more]
Let's beat the winter chill and get out and discover these new exhibitions! For the rest of this month's program, click here.
Exhibitions in January 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: A Preview of the New Year’s Cultural Calendar
Attention culture enthusiasts eager to start a new and exciting year: which exhibitions should you visit in January 2026 in Paris? The first month of the year offers a fantastic lineup of compelling exhibitions to explore. Check out the full schedule! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From January 1, 2026 to January 31, 2026