Spring has finally arrived! There's nothing like strolling in the sunshine among the blossoming cherry trees... But—ouch! Spring also signals the return of pollen. So, quick—let's dash for shelter inside the welcoming walls of Parisian museums and art galleries. Don’t worry—the art temples are equally filled with breathtaking landscapes, luminous compositions, and touches of nature and life... the very things we cherish!
From March 20 to June 20, during the beautiful Spring 2026 in Paris, art enthusiasts will have the pleasure of exploring numerous exhibitions that are entirely new. Each one promises to be more captivating and enchanting than the last. Get ready for an extraordinary journey through time with the greatest artists of yesterday and today.
To whet your appetite and help you prepare for your next outing, we've put together a small selection of must-see exhibitions during the spring season in Paris and the Île-de-France region.
Adya & Otto van Rees. At the Heart of the Avant-Gardes: The Montmartre Museum Exhibition
The Montmartre Museum hosts a major retrospective dedicated to the couple Adya and Otto van Rees, two influential figures of the European avant-garde whose work remains underappreciated. The exhibition runs from March 20 to September 13, 2026. [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]
Fragilities & Resilience: an outdoor photo exhibit displayed on the gates of the Luxembourg Garden
From March 21 to July 19, 2026, Thibault Gerbaldi's photographs will adorn the fences of the Luxembourg Garden, offering visitors a free outdoor exhibition titled "Fragilities & Resiliences." [Read more]
Matisse, 1941-1954: the exhibition on the painter's last years at the Grand Palais
The Grand Palais and the Centre Pompidou are showcasing a new exhibition exploring Matisse’s final years of life and artistic innovation. This compelling showcase is open at the Grand Palais from March 24 to July 26, 2026. [Read more]
Imaginary maps, inventing worlds: the sensory exhibition at the BnF François-Mitterrand
From March 24 to July 19, 2026, the BnF François-Mitterrand is offering a rare immersion into cartography and its imaginary territories, through more than 200 works, for a journey to the frontiers of reality and fiction. [Read more]
Byblos, eternal city: explore the historic city with the exhibition at the Arab World Institute.
The Arab World Institute takes us on a journey to discover the world's first international seaport, dating back nearly 9,000 years. The exhibition Byblos, Eternal City is open from March 24 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
Henri Rousseau, the ambition of painting: an exhibition on the Douanier at the Musée de l'Orangerie
The Musée de l'Orangerie is honoring Henri Rousseau, the famous naïve painter, with the exhibition "Henri Rousseau, l'ambition de la peinture" (Henri Rousseau, the ambition of painting), which can be seen from March 25 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Women in Reflection: Appearances and Imaginaries – Exploring Self-Image at the Cognacq-Jay Museum
The Cognacq-Jay Museum delves into the myriad portrayals of women in the 18th century with a captivating exhibition: "Women in the Mirror, Appearances and Imaginaries". The show runs from March 25 to September 20, 2026. [Read more]
Paris Print Fair 2026: The premier showcase of print art at the Cordeliers Convent Refectory
The print-focused exhibition, the Paris Print Fair, is making its comeback for a new edition from March 26 to 29, 2026. Join us at the Cordeliers Monastery Refectory. [Read more]
The splendors of Baroque: The Jacquemart-André Museum's Spring Exhibition
The Jacquemart-André Museum is taking visitors on a journey through Hispanic Baroque art, from March 26 to August 2, 2026. Don't miss the exhibition "Splendors of the Baroque." [Read more]
Captives: Mediterranean Slavery Uncovered at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to the history of slavery between Christians and Muslims across the Mediterranean from the 17th century to 1830. Titled "Captives: Arts and Slavery in the Modern Mediterranean", the exhibit runs from March 31, 2026, to July 19, 2026. Through artworks, rare artifacts, and unpublished documents, it offers a historical perspective on those enslaved and forced into labor in the ports of Europe and North Africa. [Read more]
Africa Fashion: a colorful fashion exhibition at the Quai Branly Museum
The Quai Branly Museum takes us on a journey of discovery through traditional and contemporary fashion in Africa, with a major exhibition to be held from March 31 to July 12, 2026. [Read more]
Contemporary art exhibitions in Paris: Diego Marcon and Ladji Diaby at Lafayette Anticipations
Lafayette Anticipations is hosting two contemporary art exhibitions in Paris from April 1 to July 19, 2026, featuring the cinematic universe of Diego Marcon and the emerging scene embodied by Ladji Diaby. A double rendez-vous focusing on images, narration and artistic emotions. [Read more]
Solid'Art Paris 2026: The Charity Art Fair Makes Its Return to the Carreau du Temple
The Carreau du Temple hosts the latest edition of Solid’Art, the contemporary art fair supporting the Secours Populaire. From April 2 to 5, 2026, visitors can enjoy striking modern artworks while contributing to a worthy cause. [Read more]
Video Games & Music: the exhibition dedicated to video game music at the Philharmonie de Paris
The Philharmonie de Paris is dedicating a major exhibition to video game music with Video Games & Music: The Music You Are the Hero Of, running from April 2 to November 8, 2026. This immersive and interactive journey explores the sound history of video games, combining technology, pop culture, and iconic musical creations. [Read more]
Jesse Darling at the Palais de Tokyo: an immersive exhibition blending ruins with forgotten stories
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris is hosting an immersive exhibition by British artist Jesse Darling, the winner of the 2023 Turner Prize. The show is open from April 3rd to September 13th, 2026. Through monumental installations crafted from discarded materials and everyday objects, the artist explores the fragile foundations of the structures that shape our lives. [Read more]
Pauline Curnier Jardin at Palais de Tokyo: An Exhibition Exploring Myths and Social Norms
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris is showcasing a comprehensive solo exhibition dedicated to Pauline Curnier Jardin, a French artist known for her immersive works that delve into rituals, gender, and body representations through installations, films, and performances. Running from April 3 to September 13, 2026, this expansive exhibition is conceived as a fragmented, sensory journey. It features both key works and new commissions, created in collaboration with the Museo Reina Sofía in Madrid. [Read more]
Benoît Piéron at the Palais de Tokyo: an exhibition exploring themes of care, vulnerability, and imagination
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris is hosting a retrospective dedicated to contemporary artist Benoît Piéron, focusing on sculptures and installations inspired by the hospital environment. Running from April 3 to September 13, 2026, the exhibition delves into themes of care, waiting, and fragility through works that blend medical aesthetics, sensory experiences, and reflections on vulnerability as a universal condition. [Read more]
Cheryl Marie Wade at the Palais de Tokyo: An immersive experience into crip culture and activist poetry
The Palais de Tokyo is hosting a groundbreaking group exhibition centered on the poetry of Cheryl Marie Wade, a prominent figure in Berkeley’s crip art scene, from April 3 to September 13, 2026. Featuring archival footage, performances, and installations, the show aims to breathe new life into a marginalized artistic voice that bridges poetry, activism, and the remembrance of disability. [Read more]
Cathy de Monchaux at the Palais de Tokyo: a groundbreaking, thought-provoking retrospective in Paris
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris is hosting France’s first retrospective of British artist Cathy de Monchaux, running from April 3 to September 13, 2026. Showcasing nearly fifty works, the exhibition spans four decades of her creative journey, exploring themes of the human body, materials, and emotive storytelling. [Read more]
Joseph Grigely at the Palais de Tokyo: An Exhibition Exploring Accessibility in Cultural Spaces
The deaf artist Joseph Grigely takes over a difficult-to-access space at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris with his exhibition "Nous en sommes là – This is where we are". This thought-provoking show explores architectural accessibility within cultural institutions through a combination of visual works and a risograph publication. Running from April 3 to September 13, 2026, it challenges visitors to reconsider how our environments are designed and experienced. [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]
Henry Taylor at the Picasso Museum Paris: A Contemporary American Painting Exhibition
The Picasso Museum in Paris is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Henry Taylor, the acclaimed American contemporary painter, featuring a collection of portraits and works that explore collective memory and references to Picasso. Running from April 8th to September 6th, 2026, the exhibition is carefully curated in collaboration with the artist himself and is accessible to visitors at the Parisian museum. [Read more]
100% THE 2026 EXPO: Dates and Schedule for the Free Contemporary Exhibition at La Villette
100% EXPO is a free, must-see artistic festival taking over the Grande Halle of La Villette from April 8 to 26, 2026. Showcasing a diverse lineup of emerging young artists just out of school, this exhibition offers a unique glimpse into the future of art. [Read more]
Marilyn Monroe turns 100! Celebrating the Hollywood legend's centennial with a special exhibition at the Cinémathèque
The Cinémathèque is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe's birth with a special exhibition honoring the legendary film icon. Open from April 8 to July 26, 2026, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and legacy of Hollywood’s most enduring star. [Read more]
The Great Ages: A poignant photographic exhibition by Nikos Aliagas at the Museum of Man
Starting April 8, 2026, the Museum of Man will host a photography exhibition by Nikos Aliagas. Titled "The Grande Ages," the exhibit explores our connection to aging through a blend of intimate portraits and scientific insights, highlighting the vital role of our elders in society. [Read more]
Martin Schongauer, the timeless master: an exhibition showcasing the astonishing work of a remarkable painter at the Louvre Museum
Discover Martin Schongauer, a remarkable German painter from the Middle Ages. The Louvre Museum is hosting a retrospective exhibition dedicated to this "Beautiful Immortal," running from April 8 to July 20, 2026. [Read more]
Art Paris 2026: Contemporary art fair to take over the Grand Palais in Paris, dates and schedule
Art Paris 2026, the premier spring event for modern and contemporary art, will take place from April 9 to 12 at the Grand Palais. This 28th edition will feature 165 exhibitors from 25 countries, showcasing a diverse array of artists who celebrate and illuminate cultures from around the globe. [Read more]
Cling! Comics speak cash: the Monnaie de Paris dives into comics with a unique exhibition
The Monnaie de Paris is exploring money in comics with a unique exhibition entitled Cling! Comics talk cash. On display from April 10 to September 6, 2026. [Read more]
Art Shopping 2026: The Spring Edition of the Contemporary Art Fair at the Carrousel du Louvre
The Art Shopping fair is taking place at the Louvre Carousel in Paris from April 10 to 12, 2026, for its spring edition. Find out what's on the agenda. [Read more]
Brion Gysin, the Last Museum: A Retrospective Exhibition at the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris
The City of Paris's Museum of Modern Art is hosting the first-ever retrospective exhibition of artist Brion Gysin. Open to the public from April 10 to July 12, 2026. [Read more]
Lee Miller: an exhibition dedicated to the American photographer at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris
From April 10 to August 2, 2026, the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris will host a major retrospective dedicated to Lee Miller. Featuring around 250 vintage and contemporary prints, the exhibition aims to showcase the incredible range of the renowned American photographer’s work — from fashion photographs and portraits to landscapes and compelling war reports. [Read more]
Hungarian Modernity: A Retrospective Exhibition Celebrating a Hidden Gem of Painting at the Petit Palais
The Petit Palais highlights an artist still little known in France, yet a major figure in his own country. Discover Károly Ferenczy and his Hungarian modernity from April 14 to September 6, 2026. [Read more]
Annette Messager at the Museum of Hunting and Nature: An Exhibition Exploring the Relationship Between Animals and Humans
The Museum of Hunting and Nature in Paris is presenting a groundbreaking exhibition by artist Annette Messager, focused on animal imagery and its artistic reimagining. Running from April 14 to September 20, 2026, the show is titled "A Swallow Doesn't Make Spring." It features a mix of installations, hybrid artworks, and iconic pieces that engage in a compelling dialogue with the museum's existing collections. [Read more]
Borderlines: The exhibition at the Cité des sciences exploring the boundaries of our world
In Paris, the City of Science is hosting the exhibition Frontière, an immersive and documentary experience that explores the concept of borders through ten real-world case studies from around the globe. Running from April 14, 2026, to January 2, 2028, this exhibition invites visitors aged 12 and up to engage in a thought-provoking journey at the intersection of geography, society, and art. [Read more]
Michelangelo / Rodin: A Unique Face-Off of Sculptors at the Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum brings together two legendary sculptors in an extraordinary exhibition: from April 15 to July 2, 2026, don't miss "Michelangelo / Rodin". [Read more]
Madame de Sévigné, Parisian Letters: A Unique Exhibition at the Carnavalet Museum
The Carnavalet Museum pays tribute to Madame de Sévigné with an engaging exhibition full of surprises, running from April 15 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
Exploration: an affair of state? The exhibit that takes us on a journey at the Army Museum
The Army Museum traces three centuries of history with its new exhibition, Explorations: A Matter of State?, running from April 15 to August 16, 2026. [Read more]
Calder. Dreaming in Equilibrium: The Retrospective Exhibition of the Sculptor at the Fondation Louis Vuitton
For its upcoming exhibition, the Fondation Louis Vuitton will celebrate Alexander Calder with "Calder. Dreaming in Equilibrium" a remarkable retrospective running from April 15 to August 16, 2026. The show will feature nearly 300 works, including mobiles, stabile sculptures, and jewelry brought to life. In the striking architectural spaces designed by Frank Gehry, art will no longer be static... it will pulsate, sway, and dream gracefully in perfect balance. [Read more]
Sèvres, a Rothschild Passion: An Immersive Porcelain Exhibition at the National Furniture Museum
From April 17 to July 26, 2026, the Mobilier National and the Sèvres Manufacture will unveil the Rothschild family’s passionate collection of 18th-century porcelain. The exhibition promises an immersive experience, blending masterpieces with detailed reconstructions. [Read more]
L'Atelier des Sorciers: Kamome Shirahama's exhibition at the Ancienne Poste in Versailles
The Ancienne Poste de Versailles is hosting an exhibition dedicated to Kamome Shirahama, author of the cult manga L'Atelier des Sorciers, featuring traditional drawings, graphic magic, and a poetic universe to be discovered from April 18 to July 12, 2026. [Read more]
Giovanni Segantini at the Musée Marmottan Monet: an exhibition between symbolism and alpine landscapes
The Musée Marmottan Monet is dedicating a unique exhibition to Giovanni Segantini, a major figure in Symbolism and Divisionism, through more than 60 works revealing the spiritual power of Alpine landscapes, from April 29 to August 16, 2026. [Read more]
Kazuo Kitai, Celebrating the Everyday: A Photography Exhibition at the Japan Culture House
In spring 2026, the Japan House in Paris will showcase the work of Kazuo Kitai, celebrated as one of Japan’s foremost post-war photographers. Titled "Kazuo Kitai, Celebrating Everyday Life," the exhibition will feature 130 prints that visitors can view from April 30 to July 25, 2026. [Read more]
Jardin des Lumières: An Exhibition Celebrating Garden Art at the Grand Trianon, Versailles
At the Palace of Versailles, the Grand Trianon hosts a brand-new exhibition: "Garden of Lights." Visitors can experience this captivating display from May 5 through September 27, 2026. [Read more]
Hilma af Klint at the Grand Palais: a groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the pioneer of abstract art
The Grand Palais is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to Hilma af Klint, the visionary Swedish artist, in partnership with the Centre Pompidou, from May 6 to August 30, 2026. This exhibit offers France’s first opportunity to experience her mystical and pioneering works firsthand — pieces that have long remained in the shadows of art history. [Read more]
Plumes of Paradise at the Quai Branly Museum: an exhibition celebrating the birds of New Guinea
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]
The Navy and the Painters: A Major Exhibition Exploring Art and Authority at the Museum of the Navy
The Museum of the Navy highlights the painters who helped shape the history of the French fleet, with a historical exhibition opening from May 13 to August 2, 2026. [Read more]
Fashion in all its grandeur: Haute couture and tradition at the Thai court — an exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
Looking ahead, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs is gearing up for a grand exhibition on royal fashion: “Majestic Fashion: Haute Couture and Tradition at the Thai Court,” set to run from May 13 to November 1, 2026. Over a hundred garments and accessories—designed by Queen Sirikit in collaboration with Thai historians and designers—offer a captivating glimpse into the evolution of royal elegance. This sartorial dialogue began with the legendary designer Pierre Balmain and continues today through the Balmain and Lesage houses. [Read more]
Silla: Gold and the Sacred — An Exhibition Showcasing Korea's Treasures at the Guimet Museum
The Guimet Museum unveils ancient treasures from the Silla Kingdom in South Korea with the exhibition "Silla: Gold and the Sacred," open from May 20 to August 31, 2026. [Read more]
Primordial Water at the Louvre: An Exhibition Exploring Mesopotamia and Water Management
The Louvre Museum will showcase The Primeval Water exhibition from May 20, 2026, to March 15, 2027, in the Antiquities of the Orient galleries. This exhibit will explore how Mesopotamian civilizations invented some of the earliest hydraulic systems and envisioned their surroundings in relation to water. Through artifacts, stories, and infrastructure models, the display will examine our modern relationship with this vital resource. [Read more]
Leonardo Cremonini exhibition at the Espace Richaud and the Musée Lambinet in Versailles
The Espace Richaud and the Musée Lambinet in Versailles are hosting an immersive exhibition dedicated to Leonardo Cremonini, master of poetic realism, narrative silence, and pictorial tension, from May 27 to October 5, 2026. [Read more]
An exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix at the Château de Fontainebleau
As part of the Art History Festival, Fontainebleau Castle is showcasing an exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix, inspired by Marie-Antoinette and her iconic sense of style... Open from June 5 to October 17, 2026. [Read more]
JR will transform the Pont Neuf into a temporary cave in tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude in June 2026.
To mark the 40th anniversary of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's wrapping of the Pont-Neuf, the Quai de la Mégisserie is honoring the duo's monumental works and their unique connection to the capital with a free outdoor exhibition running until October 30, 2025. JR's monumental installation, originally planned for September 2025, will transform the bridge into a gigantic immersive urban cave from June 6 to 28, 2026! [Read more]
Hugo and Architecture: From Stone to Pen — An Exhibition at the Victor Hugo House in Paris
The Victor Hugo House is hosting a thematic exhibition exploring architecture in Hugo's work. Open to visitors from June 11 to November 22, 2026. [Read more]
You won't want to miss any of these exhibitions, so make a note of them in your diary. This guide is regularly updated with new programming from the various art venues in Paris and the Paris region. Don't hesitate to return to this page to discover the region's next major cultural events!
Spring in Paris promises to be magnificent! To find out all you need to know about what to do this season, consult our guide.
What to do in Paris and Île-de-France in Spring 2026? Your guide to the best outings
Springtime in Paris marks the return of sunny days in the capital. We’re sharing the best outings to look forward to this vibrant season! Exhibitions, great deals, and exciting events—here’s what awaits you in Paris this spring 2026! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From March 20, 2026 to June 20, 2026
What to do in Paris and Île-de-France in Spring 2026? Your guide to the best outings
