What a joy it is to finally be in May! We're really looking forward to the public holidays, the sunshine and the festive events... And let's not forget the exhibitions on offer in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. For art lovers, there's no season to visit a museum. If it's raining, you run for cover; if it's too hot, you go there to cool off. It's unstoppable, and we love it every time!
This May 2026 is no exception: we have every intention of visiting as many exhibitions as possible. Yes, but which ones? There's no shortage of choice in the Paris region. Fashion, photography, sculpture, contemporary art, street art... It's hard to decide, there are so many options.
Here's a criterion that might help you: several exhibitions end in May 2026. So before they close for good, we'd advise you to run and see them! Discover below a selection of exhibitions closing their doors in the next few days.
Beyond the wall of his - techno parties: free photography exhibition at the Maison Doisneau
The Doisneau House immerses visitors in the world of techno nights with a documentary photography exhibition, open to the public free of charge from March 13 to May 31, 2026. [Read more]
Exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay: Northern Light – Scandinavian and Dutch Drawings
The Musée d'Orsay unveils "Northern Lights," an exhibition of 19th-century Scandinavian and Dutch drawings running from February 10 to May 10, 2026. Symbolist landscapes and intimate scenes showcase the unique sensibility of the Nordic artistic tradition. [Read more]
Circulation(s) 2026: Dates and program of the European Festival of Young Photography at the Centquatre
The Circulation(s) festival is making its return to Le 104 from March 21 to May 17, 2026. For over 15 years, this much-anticipated showcase of emerging European photography has become an essential highlight on Paris’s cultural calendar. [Read more]
Eggstraordinary: chocolatiers and artists celebrate the egg in an exhibition at the Joseph Gallery
Here's a unique exhibition to explore this Easter season. From April 3 to May 3, 2026, at the Joseph Gallery, master pastry chefs, chocolatiers, and artists come together to celebrate the egg and its symbols through the free event Eggxtraordinaire. [Read more]
An immersive dinosaur exhibition featuring giant LEGO creations at Paris Montreuil Expo — our photos
Watch out for the dinosaurs, they're invading Paris Montreuil Expo from December 20, 2025, to May 3, 2026, during a LEGO Jurassic World exhibition by "The Brickman." Nearly fifteen brick dinosaurs, immersive sets, and family activities await you there. [Read more]
American Images: Dana Lixenberg explores the American Dream in a photography exhibition at the MEP
Through her striking portraits, photographer Dana Lixenberg challenges the myth of the American Dream. Her exhibition, American Images, is on view at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie from February 11th to May 24th, 2026. [Read more]
In this setting: contemporary photographer Jo Ractliffe is exhibiting at the Jeu de Paume.
The Jeu de Paume is hosting an exhibition exploring the work of photographer Jo Ractliffe. Visitors can discover her striking images in En ces lieux from January 30 to May 24, 2026. [Read more]
Global Warning: Martin Parr spotlighted in a photo exhibition at Jeu de Paume
Photographer Martin Parr takes a witty jab at our excesses and the destruction of nature in his exhibit Global Warning, now showing at the Jeu de Paume from January 30 to May 24, 2026. [Read more]
A double fashion showcase at the Dior Gallery and the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation in Paris – our photos
The Dior Gallery will open its doors from November 20, 2025, to May 3, 2026, for a groundbreaking exhibition showcasing over a hundred pieces collected by Azzedine Alaïa. This display is part of a dual exhibition, extended at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation from December 1, 2025, to May 24, 2026, highlighting the dialogue between Dior and Alaïa and revealing the Tunisian designer’s admiration for the New Look. [Read more]
Les Peintres de la Marine: an exhibition dedicated to the maritime world at the Espace Richaud in Versailles
The Espace Richaud is celebrating 400 years of the French Navy with an exhibition dedicated to the works of the official painters of the Navy. Running from November 19, 2025, to May 3, 2026, the exhibition "Les Peintres de la Marine" invites the public to discover the maritime world from an artistic and historical perspective. [Read more]
Mummies: an unusual and disturbing exhibition to discover at the Musée de l'Homme
The Musée de l'Homme takes us on a journey through the fascinating history of mummies, with an exhibition-event combining science and culture, open from November 19, 2025, to May 25, 2026. [Read more]
Flops?! Dare, fail, innovate: the funny exhibition unveiled at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
The Musée des Arts et Métiers takes a look at failure and its necessity in the world of invention, with the amusing exhibition "Flops. Oser, rater, innover", presented from October 14, 2025 to May 17, 2026. [Read more]
Small steps on the Moon: an exhibition for young astronauts at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace
Young children fly to the Moon at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace! From December 14, 2025 to May 17, 2026, discover the playful exhibition Petits pas sur la Lune. [Read more]
Have you made your choice from this selection? There's not a moment to lose, let's head for the museums! And after this visit, you could also discover an exhibition opening this month.
Exhibitions opening in May 2026: what's new this month
Get your fill of new things in May 2026, with these exhibitions opening their doors in museums across Paris and the Île-de-France region. It's all new and beautiful, and all that's missing is you! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From May 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026
Exhibitions opening in May 2026: what's new this month
