In October, autumn is in full swing in Paris.Agolden light envelops the city, the weather is cooler, and the atmosphere is both cozy and dynamic. We feel the urge to stroll through the streets of Paris and discover new cultural experiences. After all, this is a key moment for art and culture lovers: this month marks the start of a series of captivating exhibitions in iconic and sometimes unexpected venues in the Paris region.
The Paris cultural calendar features a succession of original installations andfascinatingexhibitions ( ) in major museums, art galleries, châteaux in the Île-de-France region, and even more unusual venues. Now is the time to discover the new cultural events coming in October 2026. Whether you're passionate about contemporary art, curious about history, a fashion enthusiast, or fascinated by digital arts, there's something for everyone. So, want to be among the first to experience these new cultural events?
This selection provides an overview of exhibitions starting in October 2026 in Paris and the Île-de-France region. The page is regularly updated as announcements are made and we discover new exhibitions. All you have to do is make your choice.
Mary Cassatt: Embracing Independence — The Major Impressionist Exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay
Bold and contemporary, Mary Cassatt asserts her distinctive style and her freedom within Impressionism. From October 6, 2026, to January 31, 2027, the Musée d’Orsay celebrates her hundredth birthday with the exhibition "Mary Cassatt: The Choice of Independence," showcasing nearly 80 rare works. [Read more]
An exhibition dedicated to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at the Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau is hosting the exhibition "Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at Fontainebleau: Splendor and Sweetness of Life" from October 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity for history buffs to immerse themselves in the life of the royal couple. [Read more]
The grand journey of medical discovery: an exhibition at the Arab World Institute
In Paris, the Arab World Institute is delving into the journey of medical knowledge across civilizations, from antiquity to the modern era. Through books, artifacts, and manuscripts, the exhibition "The Great Adventure of Medical Knowledge" will be on display from October 13, 2026, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
The Call of the Deep: the exhibition in the abyss at the National Maritime Museum
From October 14, 2026, to February 14, 2027, the National Maritime Museum explores the depths at the Trocadéro. Nearly 240 works retrace the history of underwater exploration, from innovations and myths to scientific discoveries. [Read more]
The Fabrique de l'Art: The Île-de-France space of the Centre Pompidou opens this fall in Massy
The Centre Pompidou in Paris has closed its doors for a major renovation, with work expected to last until 2030. During this time, its extensive collection will find a new home at the Centre Pompidou Francilien – Fabrique de l’Art, a new cultural hub in the Île-de-France region, located in Massy. [Read more]
I saw: Jenny Holzer’s luminous exhibition that makes words come alive at the Orsay Museum this fall
Words Take Over the Orsay Museum, Transforming the Space into a Luminous Stage. From October 20, 2026, to February 21, 2027, the exhibition "I Have Seen" by Jenny Holzer invites visitors to explore a dialogue between letters, political texts, and literary writings alongside the museum's iconic collections. Through projections, LED installations, and engravings, the exhibit immerses visitors in a captivating experience where past and present resonate anew, offering a fresh perspective. [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
From October 1, 2026 to October 31, 2026
