New exhibitions to discover in July 2026: openings kicking off in Paris

When July takes hold in Paris, a gentle holiday vibe drifts over the capital. Parks welcome wanderers, the banks of the Seine come alive, and the museums of the Île-de-France region turn into true refuges for culture lovers seeking freshness and inspiration. It’s therefore the perfect moment to discover the new exhibitions that mark the start of summer.

For the curious, eager to be among the first to explore, the month of July has its share of new attractions. The perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a variety of themes: history, contemporary art, fashion, photography and digital art.

July is also a month when culture takes over unexpected places. The castles and monuments of Ile-de-France, and sometimes even more secret locations, lend themselves to ephemeral installations. So why wait? Dive into this cultural summer and be among the first to discover the nuggets that Paris and its region will unveil in July 2026.

As a reminder, this selection is updated as announcements and discoveries are made. So be sure to consult it regularly to find out what's coming up next. Now it's time to discover the new exhibitions for July 2026 in Paris and the Ile-de-France region.

This Month's Highlights:

Animalia : an ancient and fantastical bestiary is on display at the Hôtel de la Marine, our photos
The Al Thani Collection unveils some of its animal-inspired treasures in a brand-new exhibition opening July 1, 2026, and running through January 10, 2027. Join us at the Hôtel de la Marine to discover the Animalia exhibition. [Read more]

Bad Bunny : the global superstar lands at the Grévin Museum just before his Paris concerts
The king of reggaeton now has his wax figure. Bad Bunny joins the Grévin Museum this Wednesday, July 1, 2026, just days before he greets his French fans once more at Paris La Défense Arena. [Read more]

Roma, City of Light: the free photo exhibition to see this summer outdoors in Paris
The Roma, City of Light exhibition offers a portrait of the Italian capital through cinema’s seventh art, and examines its role as a backdrop in film. The free exhibit runs from July 2 to 6, 2026 at the Arènes de Lutèce, then continues until August 30 along the banks of the Seine. [Read more]

A free exhibition in Paris this July will unveil more than 1,000 previously unseen fashion drawings by Karl Lagerfeld.
Before they go under the hammer, more than 1,000 unreleased Karl Lagerfeld drawings are unveiled in a free exhibition at Sotheby’s Paris from July 2 to 7, 2026. [Read more]

Dreamed Japan, images of the floating world: the immersive exhibition transports us to the Atelier des Lumières.
Travel to the artists’ dream Japan with Atelier des Lumières’ immersive exhibition, on view every Monday, Thursday and Friday, from July 3 to September 13, 2026. [Read more]

Paris in suspense: the city under curfew unfolds in a photo exhibition at the Senate's Orangerie
Le photojournalist Christophe Lepetit captured Paris and its empty streets during the curfews of 2020 and 2021. A strange period to rediscover during the exhibition Paris en suspens, from July 3 to 14, 2026 at the Orangerie du Sénat. [Read more]

Nocturne Calder #3: exhibition, DJ sets and a creative workshop at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in July 2026
The Louis Vuitton Foundation gears up one last time for a nocturnal event dedicated to Calder, this Friday, July 3, 2026. DJ sets, guided tours, a workshop and suspended works shape an evening of balance and vibration. [Read more]

Van Gogh, Starry Night: the immersive exhibition lands this summer at the Atelier des Lumières
First shown in 2019, the Atelier des Lumières invites us back into Van Gogh’s world for an immersive exhibition open three days a week from July 3 to September 13. Wander through Van Gogh’s finest paintings, rediscovering the genius that was misunderstood in his own time. [Read more]

Tutankhamun: His Tomb and Treasures Return to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in 2026
Toutankhamon: his tomb and treasures returns to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 3 to September 2, 2026, featuring a reconstruction of the tomb, nearly 1,000 scientific replicas, a virtual reality experience, and a 360-degree immersive room. [Read more]

Free late-night opening at the Bourse de Commerce: reserve your free tickets for this Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Want to explore the collections at the Bourse de Commerce in Paris? Take advantage of the free late-night opening, held on the first Saturday of every month, to discover this must-see art venue in the capital. Next date to add to your calendar: Saturday, July 4, 2026. [Read more]

Zahi Hawass in Paris: An exceptional conference on Ancient Egypt
Egyptologist Zahi Hawass delivers a special lecture at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles on July 4, marking the opening of the exhibition Tutankhamun: His Tomb and Treasures. [Read more]

Saype, a leading figure in contemporary land art, is exhibiting his “Constellations” in Paris.
This summer, Saype returns to Paris to present his new solo exhibition, “Constellations.” Discover the remarkable work of this iconic figure in land art from July 4 to August 1, 2026 at the Danysz Gallery. [Read more]

Summer Garden 2026: the free festival is back at the Quai Branly Museum.
Jardin d’été is back at the Musée du Quai Branly from July 4 to August 2, 2026, with free activities, workshops, storytelling, strolls, quizzes, and outdoor cinema. [Read more]

Free castles and museums in Seine-et-Marne, this Sunday, July 5, 2026 — the first Sunday of the month.
On the first Sunday of the month, several castles, museums and monuments in Seine-et-Marne open their doors free of charge. Here is our pick of free outings for this Sunday, July 5, 2026, in the department. [Read more]

The Little Prince, an immersive odyssey: a poetic family journey back to the Atelier des Lumières
During the peak summer holidays, from July 3 to September 13, 2026, dive back into Saint-Exupéry's iconic work and embark on a magical, immersive journey alongside the Little Prince at the Atelier des Lumières. [Read more]

Free castles, museums and monuments in Yvelines, Sunday, July 5, 2026, the first Sunday of the month
The first Sunday of the month, many monuments, castles, museums, and historic sites in Yvelines open their doors to visitors for free. But that isn’t the case for everyone, all year round. To help you navigate, here is the list of cultural sites in the 78 to visit this Sunday, July 5, 2026. [Read more]

Critical thinking: an exhibition that sharpens our gaze at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
The Cité des Sciences invites children and adults to sharpen their critical thinking, with a brand-new exhibition to be unveiled starting July 7, 2026. [Read more]

Fun games and playful challenges for the whole family this summer on the forecourt of the Museum of Arts and Crafts.
Summer is meant for play! That’s the view of the Musée des Arts et Métiers, which invites you to join them from July 7 to August 2, 2026 for enjoyable, playful moments for families and friends. [Read more]

Lydie Arickx: a monumental work by the French artist in the nave of Saint-Eustache Church
This summer, French painter and sculptor Lydie Arickx transforms Paris's Saint-Eustache Church with a monumental work titled "Le Souffle." The installation, suspended in the nave, invites visitors from July 10 to September 29, 2026. [Read more]

Amitié France-Japon : exposition d'art contemporain d'artistes japonais et français à Versailles France–Japan Friendship: Contemporary art exhibition by Japanese and French artists in Versailles
Sponsored - FRANCE-JAPAN FRIENDSHIP celebrates the artistic dialogue between France and Japan. In the prestigious setting of the Carré à la Farine in Versailles, more than 170 contemporary works — paintings, sculptures, calligraphy, photographs and artisanal crafts — attest to the richness of the cultural exchanges between the two countries. [Read more]

Following in the footsteps of dinosaurs: an immersive exhibit at the Great Gallery of Evolution at the Museum
Step into the shoes of paleontologists and embark on a journey to explore the world of dinosaurs. This engaging and immersive educational exhibition will be on display from July 16, 2026, through January 2028. [Read more]

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