Grandfather's Day 2026: Exhibitions to catch with grandpa in Paris this Sunday

They're always there to slip us a candy or help us get into mischief behind Mom and Dad's backs: the papis are real treasures for little kids! They certainly deserve their own celebration. Grandfathers are celebrated on Sunday, October 4, 2026. So we take advantage of this lovely day to go out and have fun with grandpa!

What can we do as a family in Paris and the Île-de-France region this October 4? A nature stroll, games, dining — there are plenty of options. But for grandfathers who love art, one choice is obvious: let's head out to enjoy a beautiful expo in the capital's museums and galleries.

For grandpas with an artist’s soul, there’s plenty to do! Paintings, sculptures, engaging exhibitions—historic or nature-themed—the art venues of the Île-de-France region are packed with treasures and surprises for all ages. Here’s a quick selection of exhibitions to see this Sunday, October 4, with the family. Pick your artistic outing and enjoy a lovely stroll with grandpa!

Family-friendly exhibitions to check out:

150th Anniversary Expo: the gigantic, free street-art exhibition takes over a former Zara storefront spanning 2,400 square meters.
The 150th Expo is back, reviving the spirit of the Cabaret du Chat Noir at the former Zara store in Denfert-Rochereau, in Paris's 14th arrondissement. The works of hundreds of urban artists await you free of charge from October 3 to 25, 2026. This year they partner with StreetArt Denfert to offer you no fewer than three floors of discoveries. Note that entry is by free registration—reserve your spots! [Read more]

Artists at the Museum: the National Museum of Natural History marks its 400th anniversary with an exhibition
The National Museum of Natural History in Paris marks its 400th anniversary with a major exhibition blending art, history and science, running from September 23, 2026 to March 7, 2027. Meet the Museum's Artists through the centuries. [Read more]

Lady Liberty: the Museum of Arts and Crafts tells the story of the statue's construction in an immersive exhibition
The Museum of Arts and Crafts takes visitors behind the scenes of the construction of the Statue of Liberty, with the immersive, digital exhibition Lady Liberty, on view from September 22, 2026 to August 1, 2027. [Read more]

Underline, the living space with a free exhibition spanning 2,000 m2 beneath the Petite Ceinture, is being unveiled.
Underline opens its eleven railway vaults to the public on Friday, September 18, 2026, in the 15th arrondissement of Paris. This 2,000-square-metre creative workshop puts materiality and crafts in the spotlight, with a free exhibition featuring 40 artists, a shop, workshops, and a cafe-bar. [Read more]

AURA INVALIDES, the must-see sound and light show in Paris
Looking for a unique nocturnal experience in Paris? Ready to be amazed and embark on a timeless journey to a legendary heritage site? Come and discover AURA INVALIDES, a sound and light show at the iconic Dôme des Invalides as night falls. A magical moment in the heart of the Dome, sure to delight young and old alike. [Read more]

From finery to rags, Costume at Versailles: an exhibition between court gowns and everyday attire
Forget for a moment the Court’s opulence: in Versailles, everyone had their own wardrobe. From October 14, 2026 to February 14, 2027, the Lambinet Museum explores the appearances of an entire city, from the working classes to the elites, in the exhibition The Costume in Versailles in the 18th Century. From finery to tatters. [Read more]

Crowning the Sky: An exhibition exploring a little-known Renaissance art at the Château d'Écouen
The Château d'Écouen turns its attention to the art of roof decoration, with the exhibition Couronner le ciel on view from 18 September 2026 to 11 January 2027. [Read more]

Pop Art Car 2.0: a free exhibition blending pop art, design and digital culture on the Champs-Élysées
Sponsored - From September 24, 2026 to January 31, 2027, pop art car 2.0 takes over Renault’s showcase on the Champs-Élysées, at 53 Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris. With a mix of historical works, never-before-seen digital pieces and automobiles, this free exhibition brings together artists Sébastien Preschoux, Popay, Victor Vasarely and Julio Le Parc. Not to mention the all-new show car, the Renault 8 Gordini Concept, unveiled in a world premiere. [Read more]

Tiny Lives: the Centre Pompidou’s Panthéon exhibition unfolds
The Tiny Lives exhibition takes over the entire nave of the Panthéon, in Paris's 5th arrondissement, from September 24, 2026 to January 31, 2027. About thirty artists from the Centre Pompidou's collections tell the stories of anonymous lives, at the foot of the nation’s great figures. Discover the images from this show that let you rediscover the monument in a different light. [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]

Paradise Feathers: An Invitation to Travel to Papua New Guinea, from the Quai Branly
The Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac Museum in Paris is hosting the exhibition Feathers of Paradise from May 12 to November 8, 2026. Dedicated to the birds of paradise from New Guinea, this showcase features nearly 190 items—including adornments, paintings, preserved specimens, fashion objects, and illustrated books. The exhibit takes visitors on a journey through five centuries of fascination with these spectacular creatures, weaving together perspectives from art, science, ethnology, and ecology. [Read more]

Exploring Magic: our photos from the free exhibition with mystical overtones at the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery
Myths and folklore from the five continents converge in a free collective exhibition at the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery in Paris, running from September 25 to November 25, 2026. Titled Exploring Magic, the show brings together artists from around the world, including Ito Chieko, Asuka Irie, and Fin DAC. [Read more]

Street Art Madeleine II relocates and expands, becoming Street Art Denfert on 800 m2.
Free street-art exhibition Street Art Madeleine II leaves the crypt beneath La Madeleine church and becomes StreetArt Denfert to team up with the Expo des 150! On its floor, around a hundred Île-de-France artists will be showcased in the former Zara store at Denfert-Rochereau, Paris’s 14th arrondissement, from October 3 to 25, 2026. We’ve got all the details, and above all, remember to snag your free tickets! [Read more]

Free museums and monuments on Sundays: the best plans for October 4 in Paris and Île-de-France.
Which free museum to visit in Paris or Île-de-France on this first Sunday of the month, this Sunday October 4, 2026? We’re happy to revive our little monthly ritual: discovering a museum or monument, with no cost involved! Don’t miss the great plans for this Sunday... [Read more]

Feeling hungry after this outing? Discover the best restaurants to try this Sunday with grandpa. And of course, if you’d like to extend the stroll, here are all the October exhibitions in Paris and Île-de-France. Happy Grandfather’s Day to all granddads!

Grandfather’s Day 2026: Best restaurants to enjoy with grandpa in Paris, our top picks
On the occasion of Grandfather's Day 2026, treat your grandpa to a warm and memorable moment over a delicious meal on October 4th. Here are some restaurant suggestions in Paris for an unforgettable lunch or dinner together. [Read more]

Going out in Paris in October 2026: the standout exhibitions to see right now
So, what are the new exhibitions to check out in Paris and Île-de-France in October 2026? Museums are inviting us to spend the month discovering the superb exhibitions and events on offer. [Read more]