Schoolbags ready, bathing suits packed: there's no doubt about it, it's back-to-school time in Paris and the Ile-de-France region. What a joy! Yes, it's great to be back at the capital's museums, foundations and art galleries, and above all, their programming.
As the summer draws to a close, a whole host of new exhibitions await us at our beloved art temples. Contemporary art, retrospectives, impressionist painters, history or themed exhibitions: there's something for every taste, and every audience. This autumn, it's a chance to discover fabulous artists, admire impressive works and plunge into incredible creative universes... How can you resist getting carried away by this artistic whirlwind?
But a word of caution: the new season is shaping up, and it takes some planning. To avoid getting lost in all the current programs, here’s a concise pick to guide your first steps into the museums. Without further ado, here are 10 exhibitions to see as soon as possible, for the 2026 autumn season.
Exhibition: ROSSEN MARKOVSKI - The Fish Story at the Bulgarian Cultural Center
Sponsored - Through 25 paintings, the contemporary Bulgarian artist offers an intimate and heartfelt perspective on art. The exhibition runs from March 26 to May 22 at the Bulgarian Cultural Institute. [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]
All is in order: the offbeat exhibition at the Swedish Institute for Paris Design Week - our photos
This autumn, the Swedish Institute reveals its shared sense of order, one of the pillars of Swedish culture. Mark your calendars from September 2 to October 4, 2026 to discover this collective, free-spirited exhibition that blends art and fashion, presented for Paris Design Week. [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]
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]
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]
KABRALA: Ai Huang's photographic exhibition at La Lison Gallery in Paris
La Lison gallery hosts KABRALA, Ai Huang's first solo exhibition in France, running from September 3 to October 10, 2026. Located in Paris's 10th arrondissement, this series of silver-gelatin self-portraits explores the body, identity, and the transformations of images produced in the darkroom. [Read more]
Giant puppet parade and free exhibition in Paris's 13th arrondissement.
An unusual show awaits you at Espace Bièvre, in Paris's 13th arrondissement: discover a display of giant puppets from September 21 to 25, 2026, and don't miss the grand parade on Saturday, September 26! [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]
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]
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]
Paris Design Week 2026: Free installations to discover this September
Design takes over Paris as Paris Design Week 2026 returns, running from September 10 to 19, 2026. From installations to galleries and venues revamped for the occasion, discover the spots that are free to visit during the event. [Read more]
Les Traversées du Marais 2026: Free cultural programming to experience this weekend in Paris
Les Traversées du Marais, the marquee cultural circuit that shines a spotlight on the Marais’ finest venues in Paris, is back this weekend, September 4–6, 2026. This year, around twenty iconic sites in the Parisian neighborhood are offering a host of free artistic events for everyone! [Read more]
Free museums and monuments on Sundays: the best deals for September 6 in Paris and Île-de-France.
Which free museum should you visit in Paris or Île-de-France on the first Sunday of the month, this Sunday, September 6, 2026? We’re pleased to revive our little monthly ritual: exploring a museum or a monument without spending a penny. Don’t miss our Sunday tips. [Read more]
The Louvre is free for evening hours on the first Friday of the month—reserve your tickets.
This is the smart plan you can take advantage of at the start of each month: the Louvre opens its doors for free to all visitors on the first Friday of every month after 6 p.m. Book your tickets now for September 4, 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]
Free late-night opening at the Bourse de Commerce: reserve your top pick for Saturday, September 5, 2026
Want to visit the Bourse de Commerce’s collections? Take advantage of the free after-hours opening, held on the first Saturday of every month, to discover this must-see art venue in Paris. The next date to note in your calendar: Saturday, September 5, 2026. [Read more]
Must-see art events in Paris in the coming days
Night tours, a photo festival, Heritage Days, a street-art event... No matter the season, art is always in fête in Paris! To make sure you don’t miss these major cultural happenings, follow our guide to Parisian artistic events. [Read more]
Heritage in Resistance: From Timbuktu to Odessa, an Exhibition at the City of Architecture.
Sponsored - In Paris, the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine presents the exhibition Patrimoines en résistance : de Tombouctou à Odessa, running from May 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027, a look at heritage in wartime, where destruction, safeguarding, and rebuilding come into play. [Read more]
Common Worlds: the Albert-Kahn Departmental Museum’s Contemporary Photography Festival.
From May 20 to September 20, 2026, the Albert-Kahn Departmental Museum shines a spotlight on contemporary photography for the new edition of its festival, Mondes en commun. [Read more]
Grand Palais Summer 2026: celebrations, performances and events, summer happenings at the Grand Palais
Summer in Paris is magical: case in point, the Grand Palais is unveiling a special, festive program from June 2 to September 6, 2026. Discover what awaits you! [Read more]
C.A.P.S 2026: The lineup for Clichy’s XXL urban art festival
The town of Clichy becomes a giant museum for the new edition of C.A.P.S, the urban art festival. Mark your calendars from June 27 to December 12, 2026 for an even more incredible sixth edition! [Read more]
Just goes to show, back-to-school has its good points too! Take advantage of all these beautiful exhibitions, and the many other outings on offer around you.
Sorties à Paris et en Île-de-France : What to do in September 2026 for a festive start to the season?
Festivals, terraces, headline events and performances: here is our ultimate guide to must-do outings in Paris and across Île-de-France in September 2026. [Read more]
Sorties à Paris et en Île-de-France : What to do in September 2026 for a festive start to the season?
