Paris autumn exhibitions 2026: The new artistic appointments kicking off in September

After the quiet of August, September springs to life in Paris. The city regains its vibrancy, fueled by a bustling cultural scene filled with energy and fresh exhibitions. As we come back from vacation, it's the perfect time to continue exploring the capital’s museums, galleries, and hidden gems. This is an ideal opportunity to discover the latest exhibitions arriving in September 2026 in Paris and throughout Île-de-France, delighting enthusiasts and the curious alike.

Would you like to be among the first to enter these cultural events? If so, you're in the starting-blocks: here's a rundown of the promising exhibitions starting this month in the Paris region. In museums, art galleries, châteaux and even unusual venues, art is infiltrating the four corners of the City of Light.

Every autumn promises its share of surprises. From new collections to one-of-a-kind installations, September's new exhibitions take over Paris and the Île-de-France region. Our selection is updated regularly, as we make announcements and discoveries, so stay tuned for what's in store this month!

The exhibitions starting in September:

World War I reenactment weekend at the Musée de la Grande Guerre in Meaux
Sponsored - On September 5 and 6, 2026, the Musée de la Grande Guerre in Meaux will host nearly 300 reenactors for two days of living history in the museum’s park. [Read more]

All systems go: the exhibition that blends art and fashion at the Swedish Institute for Paris Design Week.
At the start of the season, the Swedish Institute will reveal its shared sense of order, one of the foundations of Swedish culture. Rendezvous from September 2 to October 4, 2026 to discover this free, collective exhibition blending art and fashion, presented for Paris Design Week. [Read more]

WILD NATURE: an exhibition of naturalist and symbolic painting
Sponsored - Between shadows and instincts, a naturalist and symbolic painting exhibition: 'Nature Sauvage' by artist Sailev at Espace Saint-Martin. Opening on September 3 from 6 p.m. [Read more]

BACK TO MR CUTE : the season’s opening exhibition that will have all pop culture and street art lovers swooning.
Sponsored - What if your fondest childhood memories came to life in the heart of Paris? With BACK TO MR CUTE, discover the very first pop-up gallery dedicated to the world of artist Mr Cute. This immersive exhibit blends pop art and street art to playfully reimagine the iconic figures of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Goldorak, Candy, Marilyn, Amicalement Votre, Daft Punk, and many more await for a journey that’s as nostalgic as it is surprising… on view for only a few weeks. [Read more]

Opening of the ALTAR exhibition — Contemporary Polish design at the Polish Library in Paris
Sponsored - ALTAR highlights contemporary Polish design at the Polish Library in Paris, with a free opening event on September 3, 2026, on Île Saint-Louis. [Read more]

Quirky: build a giant, collaborative hut for the Maif Social Club’s 10th anniversary.
Want to build a hut? Le Maif Social Club invites you from September 4 to 6, 2026 to take part in a collective and artistic experience to celebrate its 10th anniversary. For three days, a vast ephemeral house will take shape with your help in the heart of the Marais. [Read more]

FIGURAMA: the exhibition that brings us back to reality
Sponsored - FIGURAMA brings together 21 international artists at the Bastille Design Center in Paris, from September 3 to 6, 2026, focusing on contemporary figurative art and the gaze. Free admission. [Read more]

Pavlov's Dogs: Johan Creten's free exhibition at Galerie Perrotin in September
Johan Creten revitalizes aging machines at Galerie Perrotin. In "The Pavlov Dogs," the Belgian artist fuses family memories, ceramics, bronzes, and obsolete computers to probe our automatisms in a free, open exhibition you can discover in the Marais from September 5 to October 10, 2026. [Read more]

Free castles and museums in Yvelines this Sunday, September 6, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month.
Free museums and monuments in Yvelines open their doors on this first Sunday of the month: this Sunday, September 6, 2026, several cultural sites in the 78 can be visited at no cost. Here’s a quick rundown of the best deals to grab. [Read more]

Free access to châteaux and museums in Seine-et-Marne this Sunday, September 6, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month.
On the first Sunday of the month, several châteaux, museums and monuments in Seine-et-Marne open their doors free of charge. Here’s our pick of free outings for this Sunday, September 6, 2026, in the department. [Read more]

Art car and ancestral Korean hanji at the Hôtel de la Marine for Paris Design Week 2026
A thousand-year-old Korean paper on one side, a metamorphosed car on the other: the Hôtel de la Marine hosts Hanjimania and Astre Mobile from September 9 to 27, 2026, as part of Paris Design Week. [Read more]

Offbeat Versailles — the little-known tales: a remarkable exhibition at the Ancienne Poste
The Old Post Office of Versailles invites us to uncover the city’s little-known stories, through a quirky exhibition running from September 9 to November 15, 2026. [Read more]

Free street art exhibition by Djalouz in Paris’s 13th arrondissement: In My Nest 2
Djalouz is back in the 13th arrondissement with a new free street art exhibition at 13 Korner, the second edition of his project "Dans mon nid," running from September 10 to 27, 2026. The lineup features 3D graffiti, sculptures, live painting, workshops, and a Pigecam scavenger hunt. [Read more]

[IN]IMAGINABLE at Fluctuart: dive into the imagined worlds born from lowbrow and pop surrealism
This autumn, the Fluctuart houseboat in Paris invites you to dive into the imaginations born of lowbrow and pop surrealism. From September 10 to December 20, 2026, discover "[IN]IMAGINABLE," a new free exhibition spotlighting works by Amandine Urruty, Benjamin Lacombe, Stom500, Veks Van Hillik, and Ador. [Read more]

Wood, bronze and gold take over the gardens of the Hôtel de Sully for Paris Design Week 2026
Wood curves and lines loosen at the Hôtel de Sully, where Joseph Walsh installs Arcanum Formæ between the forecourt, the Orangery and the gardens, for Paris Design Week, with a run continuing beyond September 10 to October 25, 2026. [Read more]

Gulahallat: the Sami contemporary art exhibition at the Finnish Institute for Paris Design Week
L Sami contemporary art makes its way to the Finnish Institute as part of Paris Design Week. Meet at the Nordic Cultural Center from September 11 to October 24, 2026 to discover the free new exhibition, "Gulahallat," and to view the works and crafts of about ten Sami artists, including Hildá Länsman, Outi Pieski, and Marja Helander. [Read more]

Eternal Tintoretto: the Italian master at the heart of a new exhibition at the Jacquemart-André Museum
Tintoretto, the master of Italian painting, is in the spotlight at the Jacquemart-André Museum in an unprecedented exhibition running from September 11, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]

Rebel Princess: The Duchess of Berry at the center of an exhibition at the Domaine de Sceaux
The Domaine de Sceaux invites visitors to rediscover Marie-Caroline, Duchess of Berry, in a historical exhibition running from September 13, 2026, to February 14, 2027. [Read more]

Auguste Bartholdi: Liberty Enlightening the World — A New Exhibition on the Sculptor at the Musée d’Orsay
From September 15, 2026, to January 31, 2027, the Musée d'Orsay will showcase an exhibition dedicated to the Statue of Liberty and its creator, Auguste Bartholdi, a renowned 19th-century sculptor who collaborated with Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Gustave Eiffel. [Read more]

Eva Gonzalès exhibition at the Petit Palais, the first major retrospective arrives
The exhibition devoted to the Impressionist painter Eva Gonzalès (1847–1883), the sole pupil of Édouard Manet, opens at the Petit Palais in Paris from 15 September 2026 to 24 January 2027. A first-ever global monograph of her work that you’d be wise not to miss. [Read more]

The Warhol Line: An Exhibition Showcasing Andy Warhol’s Forgotten Works at the Luxembourg Museum
The Luxembourg Museum delves into Andy Warhol's sketches in a groundbreaking exhibition running from September 16, 2026, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]

Family Portraits: A Painting Exhibition at the Jean-Jacques Henner Museum
The painter Jean-Jacques Henner pays tribute to his family in a series of portraits: discover these works from September 16, 2026 to January 4, 2027 in an unprecedented exhibition. [Read more]

Knowledge in trompe-l'œil: the Korean art exhibition at the Guimet Museum
The Guimet Museum delves into the art and significance of trompe-l'œil in 18th-century Korea with the exhibition "Le savoir en trompe-l'œil," on view from September 16, 2026, to January 4, 2027. [Read more]

Simone Fattal exhibition at MAM Paris: myths, exile and submerged cities
The MAM Paris presents "Des villes au fond d’un lac," the first Paris-based monographic exhibition devoted to Simone Fattal, running from 18 September 2026 to 24 January 2027. Paintings, ceramics, collages, and books trace more than five decades of her work. [Read more]

Kerry James Marshall reveals his stories in an exhibition at the Paris Museum of Modern Art.
American artist Kerry James Marshall is in the spotlight at the Museum of Modern Art: his exhibition The Histories explores the place of African Americans in U.S. history. On view from September 18, 2026 to January 24, 2027. [Read more]

A Saturday at Drouot: go behind the scenes of auction house sales with immersive experiences
Hôtel Drouot opens its doors to the general public every Saturday starting September 19, 2026, offering a behind-the-scenes look at auction sales and the art market through free immersive experiences. [Read more]

The Panache of the Enlightenment: Henri IV Exhibition at Fontainebleau Castle
The Château de Fontainebleau is dedicating a new exhibition, “The Panache of the Enlightenment,” to the figure of Henry IV revived under Louis XVI, to be on view from 19 September 2026 to 25 January 2027 in Seine-et-Marne. Here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]

Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola: A Cinematic Exhibition at the Trianon Estate in Versailles
Starting September 22, 2026, the world of cinema takes center stage at the Trianon Estate with a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to Sofia Coppola's film "Marie-Antoinette," filmed on the grounds of Versailles. [Read more]

Hassan Hajjaj: My rock stars, the colorful portraits by the contemporary artist on display at the Music Museum
Hassan Hajjaj, the renowned contemporary artist and photographer who draws on his Moroccan heritage and multiculturalism, unveils his colorful, playful portraits in an unprecedented exhibition to be seen at the Museum of Music from September 22, 2026 to April 25, 2027. For the occasion, the group Acid Arab will present a sound piece that engages with the exhibition. [Read more]

Lady Liberty: the famous statue at the heart of an exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Trades.
The Museum of Arts and Crafts invites us into the secrets behind the construction of the Statue of Liberty, with the exhibition Lady Liberty, on view from September 22, 2026, to August 1, 2027. [Read more]

Rafael Pavarotti Photographer: A Fashion Photography Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris
Fashion photography takes over the Museum of Decorative Arts with an exhibition dedicated to Rafael Pavarotti. From September 23, 2026, to February 7, 2027, over 200 vibrant prints will showcase, for the first time in France, the career of the Brazilian photographer and engage in a dialogue with the museum's photographic collections. [Read more]

This free exhibition reveals the archives of Paris’s famous pinch-handed figurines.
They have populated castles, pirate ships and police stations for decades. The archives of this famous figurine brand arrive at Hôtel Drouot today for an exhibition and an unprecedented auction running from September 23 to 26, 2026. [Read more]

Artists at the Museum: A Special Anniversary Exhibition Celebrates 400 Years of the National Museum of Natural History
The National Museum of Natural History in Paris is celebrating its 400th anniversary with a major exhibition, running from September 23, 2026, to March 7, 2027. Explore the Museum's artists across the centuries and discover the rich artistic heritage intertwined with its scientific legacy. [Read more]

U2: An Irish Story, the exhibition marking the 50th anniversary of Bono's band at the Irish Cultural Centre
This autumn, U2 turns 50! To mark the occasion, the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris is hosting a free exhibition devoted to the legendary Irish rock band U2. Mark your calendars for September 23, 2026, to discover this unprecedented event. [Read more]

Exhibition "Cézanne and Us" at the Grand Palais: Dive into the Legacy of the Father of Modern Art
The Grand Palais is hosting a major exhibition dedicated to Paul Cézanne, titled Cézanne and Us, running from September 23, 2026, to January 17, 2027. This outside-the-venue exhibit has been developed in partnership with the Musée d'Orsay. [Read more]

This free fashion exhibition in Paris reveals how the hats that headline the major runway shows are created.
Behind a beret, a boater, or a capeline lie hours of work and skills handed down through generations. From September 23 to December 13, 2026, the 19M will host a free exhibition dedicated to Maison Michel, inviting the public to discover the behind-the-scenes of hatmaking. [Read more]

Jean Faucheur: around 200 drawings by the urban artist on display in Paris's 13th arrondissement
Considered one of the pioneers of urban art in France, Jean Faucheur is being celebrated this fall by the Mathgoth gallery. Mark your calendars for September 24 to October 24, 2026 to discover Jean Faucheur’s new exhibition. Titled “à suivre” (To Be Continued), the installation will showcase around 200 drawings he has produced since 2022. [Read more]

Landscape stories, from Monet to Hockney: a painting exhibition at the Marmottan Monet Museum.
The Marmottan Monet Museum dives into landscape art from 1890 to the present, offering a rich and varied journey. Discover the exhibition Histoires de paysages from September 24, 2026, to January 31, 2027. [Read more]

Small Lives: Centre Pompidou's exhibition at the Panthéon
The exhibition Vies minuscules fills the Pantheon’s nave in Paris from 25 September 2026 to 31 January 2027. About thirty artists from the Centre Pompidou’s collections tell the stories of anonymous lives, with no extra ticket required. [Read more]

A wardrobe of one’s own: the fashion exhibition on the 19th-century revolution of women’s dress at the Palais Galliera
At the Palais Galliera, the exhibition A Wardrobe of One’s Own: Dissident Femininities in the 19th Century reveals a little-known facet of women's fashion. From September 26, 2026 to February 14, 2027, more than 350 works trace how 19th‑century women appropriated the male wardrobe. An exhibition where clothing becomes a tool for emancipation and for reshaping identities. [Read more]

The Fabric of the Artist: Artists' Garments Unveiled at the Bourdelle Museum
At the Bourdelle Museum, clothing steps out from behind the scenes to tell artists in a new light. With The Cloth of the Artist, the exhibition scheduled from September 23, 2026 to January 24, 2027 explores how painters and sculptors used their outfits to assert a distinctive style, a standing, and sometimes a legend. [Read more]

First Nations: An exhibition exploring the arts and cultures of North America at the Quai Branly Museum
The Quai Branly Museum invites visitors to meet the First Nations of the Pacific Northwest with an exhibition running from September 29, 2026 to January 10, 2027. [Read more]

Look, 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum: A Retrospective Couture Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
At the Museum of Decorative Arts, the 40th anniversary of the Museum of Fashion is celebrated with "Look: 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum," a must-see fashion exhibition. Forty iconic ensembles take the runway in the nave's central space, surrounded by sketches, patterns, and embroidery, showcasing four decades of style and craftsmanship. [Read more]

The Catacombs host a photo exhibition on Paris, from the depths to the skies.
The photographer Nadar, renowned for his images of Paris, is being celebrated at the Catacombs of Paris. From September 29, 2026 to January 31, 2027, don’t miss the exhibition "Nadar: Inventing Paris, From the Depths to the Sky." [Read more]

Long live the bride! : An unprecedented cultural exhibition at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute invites us to a celebration like no other... Dive into the world of Maghrebi weddings with a major immersive exhibition running from September 29, 2026 to February 28, 2027. [Read more]

Monet and Time at the Orangerie Museum: An Exhibition Exploring the Moment, the Duration, and the Water Lilies
At the Orangerie Museum, the exhibition "Monet and Time" delves into how Claude Monet captured moments, the passage of time, and the evolving landscape through his series and the Water Lilies cycle, running from September 30, 2026, to March 29, 2027. [Read more]

In Paris, this exhibition traces 60 years of fashion through the lens of Irving Penn, opening in September.
Irving Penn makes his mark at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie with PENN & FASHION, running from September 30, 2026 to January 17, 2027. Spanning more than six decades of images, the exhibition shows how his eye reshaped the rules of fashion photography, from Dior and Balenciaga to Issey Miyake, Chanel, and John Galliano. [Read more]

Japanese photography since 1945 on display at the BnF François-Mitterrand site
From September 30, 2026 to January 31, 2027, the BnF François-Mitterrand site highlights Japanese photography since 1945, presenting the work of around a hundred artists, including Hiromi Tsuchida, Shigeo Gocho, Yoshi Takata, Mamoru Sakamoto, and Kazuo Amemiya. [Read more]

Parcours des Mondes 2026, the international fair of primitive and Asian arts, returns to Paris.
This fall, head to the Saint-Germain-des-Près district for the 25th edition of Parcours des Mondes, the international fair of arts from Africa, Oceania, the Americas, and Asia, plus Archaeology. The event runs from September 8 to 13, 2026. [Read more]

Fine Arts Fair 2026: the free artistic rendezvous back at the Senate’s Orangery
The 2026 Salon des Beaux-Arts moves to the Orangerie of the Senate in Paris’s 6th arrondissement. This free event unfolds in two sessions: September 18–22, and September 24–29, 2026. Here’s what to expect. [Read more]

Fine Arts Paris, the international art fair, returns to the Grand Palais this autumn.
The Fine Arts Paris fair, which brings together about a hundred galleries from around the world, returns to the Grand Palais from September 19 to 23, 2026, for a new edition. Discover the program. [Read more]

Ménilmontant Open Studios 2026: discover the artists of the 20th arrondissement
Les Ateliers de Ménilmontant opens its doors to the public from September 24 to 27, 2026: come meet the painters, sculptors, photographers, engravers, ceramicists, draftsmen, visual artists and videographers from Paris’s 20th arrondissement. [Read more]

Extraterrestrial Exhibition: when contemporary art meets space in Paris
The Space Observatory launches its contemporary art fair: from September 25 to 27, 2026, discover for free the unconventional Salon de l'extra-terrestre. [Read more]

There's plenty to do in the capital this autumn!

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