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.
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Tutankhamun: his tomb and treasures at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: our photos
The Tutankhamun exhibition: his tomb and his treasures is back at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 3 to September 6, 2026. Tomb reconstructions, funerary treasures, audio guide, immersive room and VR experience: discover what awaits you on site, in pictures. [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]
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]
The City of Economics offers free weekends in July and August: Paris's summer insider tip
Here's a real treat: the Cité de l'Économie opens its doors for free every weekend from July 4 to August 16. A great deal that lets us rediscover this museum all summer. [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]
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]
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]
Fashion Week: A dress worn by Lady Gaga on display for free at a luxury Paris hotel — photos
Feathers, crystals and spectacular silhouettes are taking over a Paris luxury hotel. For Haute Couture Fashion Week, the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg is showcasing several fashion pieces worn by international stars, free of charge, until October 6, 2026. [Read more]
Cité des sciences: Critical thinking, the exhibition that unsettles our certainties — our photos
The Cité des sciences hosts the exhibition Critical Thinking, a journey designed to help children and adults question their certainties and the way they reason, running from July 7 to August 29, 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]
This fashion exhibition in Paris reveals the intimate Africa of a master couturier in 50 silhouettes.
Memories turned into silhouettes. From July 7, 2026 to January 4, 2027, the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation stages an exhibition that explores the deep ties between the designer and Africa, through around fifty creations and previously unseen photographs by Peter Beard. [Read more]
Lydie Arickx unveils a monumental work in the nave of Saint-Eustache Church — our photos
This summer, French painter and sculptor Lydie Arickx takes over Paris’s Saint-Eustache Church with a monumental work titled "Le Souffle." Mark your calendar from July 10 to September 29, 2026, to see this suspended installation rising seven meters above the nave’s central bay. [Read more]
Heat wave in Paris: the Palais de Tokyo closes until July 15
Due to the Paris heatwave and high temperatures, the Palais de Tokyo is adjusting its visitor access through July 15, 2026. Some exhibitions are closed, the entire museum will be unavailable on July 12 and 13, while the Café, the bookstore, and the Tokyo Waves program remain open to the public. [Read more]
The Army Museum offers free admission to all on July 14 — explore the day’s schedule.
On the occasion of France’s national day, July 14, 2026, the Army Museum will open its doors to the public free of charge. A not-to-be-missed deal! [Read more]
Beyond the Streets at the Grande Halle de la Villette: free entry for everyone on July 14.
What are you planning for this Tuesday, July 14, 2026, in Paris? How about taking advantage of free access to "Beyond the Streets" at the Grande Halle de la Villette? On the occasion of the National Day, the exhibition dedicated to graffiti, street art, and contemporary urban cultures is offering free admission for everyone! [Read more]
Summer Fireworks: the summer group exhibition at the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery
Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery presents Summer Fireworks, a group exhibition uniting artists from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Ireland and the Netherlands. Located on rue de Verneuil in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, it runs from July 15 to September 15, 2026, with August closed. [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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Dates and Opening Time
From July 1, 2026 to July 31, 2026
