December can be a stressful month. Exams, annual reviews, the end of courses or goals to achieve, parties to organize... In all this whirlwind of activity, it's easy to lose your footing! So take a breath and stop. Give yourself a break, a moment out of time, and lose yourself in the region's museums.
Whether in Paris or the surrounding départements, in major museums, small galleries or châteaux, there's always an exhibition to please. It's impossible to remain indifferent to this wide-ranging program: there's something for everyone! Whether you like cinema, music, animals, painting, the mystical arts, history, sculpture, travel... There's a lid for every pot, and an exhibition for every visitor.
But be warned: December 2024 is a very busy month, with one exceptional exhibition after another. You'll have to make choices, and forego certain outings: despite your devouring desire, you can't see everything. Unless?
All right, here's a challenge for you: check out our selection of exhibitions to see this December, and get ready for a museum marathon, so you have a chance of seeing them all! If your schedule is a little tighter, we recommend you start with the must-sees.
The birth of department stores, a double exhibition at the heart of these mythical Parisian landmarks
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Cité de l'Architecture take us to the heart of the legendary addresses of Parisian art de vivre with "The Birth of Department Stores", a two-part exhibition. Visit the MAD from April 10 to October 13, 2024, then from October 16, 2024 to March 16, 2025, to discover the history of these temples to fashion right up to the present day. [Read more]
Aura, a sound and light show that illuminates the Dôme des Invalides - photos and video
Alerte, a new immersive show, arrives in Paris. From September 22, 2023, we'll be discovering Aura at the Musée de l'Armée, a sound and light show with video mapping that highlights the Dôme des Invalides. [Read more]
Egypt of the Pharaohs: the Atelier des Lumières immersive exhibition unveiled in images
A fabulous journey awaits us this year at the Atelier des Lumières: from February 9, 2024 to January 5, 2025, discover the Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Cheops to Ramses II. [Read more]
The Art of James Cameron, the exceptional retrospective exhibition at the Cinémathèque française
From April 4, 2024, immerse yourself in the exceptional worlds of Titanic, Terminator and Avatar with a retrospective exhibition on the work of James Cameron, cinema's leading director and screenwriter, at the Cinémathèque Française. [Read more]
Trompe-l'œil, a head-turning exhibition at the Musée Marmottan-Monet
Artists play with our senses: discover the art of trompe-l'œil, with the Musée Marmottan-Monet's playful and unusual exhibition, on view from October 17, 2024 to March 2, 2025. [Read more]
Jacques Prévert, dreamer of images: the poetic exhibition at the Musée de Montmartre
The Musée de Montmartre invites you to discover a little-known facet of the poet Jacques Prévert: come and meet the artist through a brand-new exhibition presented from October 18, 2024 to February 16, 2025. [Read more]
Paradox Museum Paris, a crazy journey of optical illusions
Paradox Museum, 90 experiences of trompe l'oeil, optical illusions and sensory upheaval await you in Paris. You'll love being fooled and capturing surrealist images. Book your Family Pack for a visit between 12.15 and 1.30 p.m. and pay only €75 instead of €88. [Read more]
Maison Poincaré: we visited the very first mathematics museum in Paris
The Maison Poincaré, nestled in the heart of Paris's Latin Quarter, invites you to discover the capital's very first mathematics museum from September 30, 2023. Inspired by the world's greatest science museums, this unique venue promises to illuminate the history, influence and wonders of mathematics for all the curious! We tell you all about it! [Read more]
Science Expériences, the fun and scientific family outing in Paris
Science Expériences is a unique concept combining museum and amusement park to bring science to life for children. With scientific experiments, virtual reality and video mapping, it uses the latest technologies to bring science to life for children... [Read more]
Danser: a fun, interactive exhibition for the whole family at the Cité des Sciences
The Cité des Sciences activates "dance" mode with its brand new immersive exhibition, Danser, on view from July 2, 2024 to June 28, 2026. [Read more]
Viking heroes: a free exhibition combining history and culture at the Val d'Oise archaeological museum
The Musée d'archéologique du Val d'Oise introduces us to the world of the Vikings, between history and imaginary clichés, with the Viking Heroes exhibition on view from February 10 to December 29, 2024. [Read more]
Europa Expérience, an immersive exhibition on the European Union
Europa Experience is a unique interactive space on the European Union situated in the heart of Paris, in front of the famous Madeleine church. This 1500m2 permanent exhibition about the European Union, spread over three floors has a main goal: providing visitors with an immersive, interactive and enriching experience. Through a multimedia journey with enhanced reality activities and a 360° cinema, you travel to the four corners of the EU... from Paris. [Read more]
Notre-Dame de Paris at the heart of the construction site, the free exhibition under the forecourt in photos
The Notre-Dame de Paris: au coeur du chantier exhibition, which takes place beneath the cathedral's forecourt, is now unveiled. From March 7, 2023, until the monument reopens, discover the work of the hundreds of men and women who are rebuilding the cathedral. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the highlights of the titanic construction site, to discover the work of the journeymen and craftsmen, and the challenges of reconstruction. [Read more]
Imaginary worlds: the dreamlike sculpture exhibition at Espace Monte-Cristo - photos
Poetic, dreamlike, surprising: with its new free exhibition, Espace Monte-Cristo aims to awaken our childlike hearts. Discover Imaginary Worlds from April 13 to December 15, 2024. [Read more]
Asterix, the immersive journey, the exhibition at the Atelier des Lumières
Asterix and Obelix fans beware: an exceptional, immersive exhibition awaits you at the Atelier des Lumières from October 18, 2024 to January 5, 2025. [Read more]
The Château de Fontainebleau, Napoleon III and Eugenie in a Second Empire tour
The Château de Fontainebleau commemorates the 150th anniversary of the death of Napoleon III through a discovery tour of the Second Empire period. It's a time to make new discoveries, notably through an exhibition of period costumes. [Read more]
The Durfort Mammoth at the Paris Natural History Museum, restored!
(Re)discover at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, the newly restored "Mammouth de Durfort", an icon of paleontology on display since 1898. [Read more]
Tenir tête, the immersive exhibition in the Galerie des Enfants at the Centre Georges Pompidou
Until January 6, 2025, the Galerie des Enfants is transformed in the colors of Tenir tête, the exhibition by illustrator Marion Fayolle that takes you on a journey of discovery through nomadic encampments. [Read more]
La Cité des Enfants, to marvel at and discover the world around us from ages 2 to 12
The Cité des enfants at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie is the ultimate Parisian place for learning and experimentation. With its two routes, reserved either for 2-7 year-olds or for 5-12 year-olds, children discover the world around them using their five senses. [Read more]
Oh my Gods, Wenna's exhibition that plunges us into wonderful worlds at the Musée en Herbe
Chinese artist Wenna introduces us to her poetic, mythological world in a new exhibition at the Musée en Herbe from June 6, 2024 to January 5, 2025. [Read more]
Le Petit Nicolas returns to the Musée Grévin
Petit Nicolas, the most famous character in French children's literature, now has his own statue at the Musée Grévin. [Read more]
Educational museums to do with children in Paris
There's no shortage of museums in Paris, and while all of them are accessible to children (even the very youngest), it's never quite certain that the little ones will find what they're looking for and enjoy the visit. So, here's our selection of educational museums in Paris, where you can learn a lot while having fun, even with children! [Read more]
MIDAN, a naive art museum nestled in a country house in Vicq (78)
The Musée international d'art naïf d'île-de-France (MIDAN) is located in Vicq, a small town in the Yvelines department of France, a cultural venue dedicated to a little-known yet very rich artistic movement. [Read more]
Silex and the City: the prehistory comic book exhibition at the Musée de l'Homme
Comic artist Jul brings his humorous world to the Musée de l'Homme: from September 11 to December 29, 2024, discover the Silex and the City exhibition. [Read more]
The Cité de l'Histoire: a fun way for families to discover history
Plunge into the heart of the most fascinating periods in human history with immersive shows and technological animations that will delight young and old alike. Relive the great moments of the past, meet the emblematic figures of French history and create unforgettable memories together! Three main animations await you, in a space entirely designed for family amazement, offering a journey through the most emotionally rich eras. [Read more]
Le Rambolitrain, model train museum in Rambouillet (78)
In Rambouillet, in the Yvelines department, Rambolitrain boasts a unique collection of toy trains, whether miniature or life-size. History, scale models and guided tours: welcome to the temple of the toy train! [Read more]
Mission spatiale, the new permanent exhibition in the stars at the Cité des sciences
Take a trip into space from October 23, 2023 at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, with a new permanent exhibition on the conquest of space. [Read more]
Bio-inspired, the new permanent exhibition at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
Look out, here it is: the new permanent exhibition that will fascinate us endlessly. "Bio-inspired" takes place at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie from September 18, 2020. A nice introduction to talk about environment and sustainable solutions with children and older. [Read more]
Combattre loin de chez soi exhibition - The French colonial empire in the Great War
Follow in the footsteps of the 600,000 men from Black Africa, the West Indies, Oceania, Asia and North Africa who came to fight far from home on the various fronts of the war in Europe in a major exhibition at the Musée de la Grande Guerre. From April 4 to December 30, 2024. [Read more]
Carnets de timbres dans l'air du temps, the original exhibition at the Musée de la Poste - our photos
The Musée de la Poste invites you to explore its world, with a new exhibition designed for philatelists... But not only! From January 31, 2024 to October 13, 2025, visit the Carnets de timbres dans l'air du temps exhibition. [Read more]
Mon ours en peluche, the adorable family exhibition at the Musée des Arts décoratifs
Every child has had a teddy bear! This timeless toy is the subject of an exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, from December 4, 2024 to June 22, 2025, which is both family-friendly and nostalgic, for young and old alike! [Read more]
Grotte Chauvet, l'aventure scientifique: immerse yourself in prehistoric art with the Cité des Sciences
The Cité des Sciences takes us on a voyage of discovery of the Chauvet cave, a Paleolithic treasure trove, with a brand new exhibition on view from October 15, 2024 to May 11, 2025. [Read more]
LV Dream by Louis Vuitton: free exhibition, boutique, café and chocolate shop
The famous Maison Louis Vuitton opens LV DREAM, a free exhibition and gift store that also features a café and a chocolate shop in collaboration with Chef Pâtissier Maxime Frédéric of Cheval Blanc Paris. While the exhibition is by reservation only, the boutique and café are open to the public. [Read more]
Surrealism: the exceptional exhibition celebrating 100 years of the movement at the Centre Pompidou
A very special anniversary is being celebrated at the Centre Pompidou, from September 4, 2024 to January 13, 2025: a major exhibition paying tribute to Surrealism. [Read more]
Frida Kahlo ¡Viva La Vida! a new exhibition at the immersive Grand Palais
Frida Kahlo as you've probably never seen her before! Discover the exceptional exhibition Frida Kahlo ¡Viva La Vida! at the Grand Palais Immersif in Paris, a unique immersion in the life and art of the global icon, from September 18, 2024 to March 2, 2025. Explore her diary, her friendships with the great artists of her time, and her extraordinary creativity! [Read more]
Van Gogh, the last journeys: the exhibition at Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise - Extensions
Auvers-sur-Oise, the birthplace of Impressionism in the Île-de-France region, was home to the painter Vincent Van Gogh during the last years of his life. The château is extending its event exhibition, focusing on his last journeys, until November 2025. [Read more]
Tarsila do Amaral at the Musée du Luxembourg: Painting modern Brazil
Attention art lovers! The Musée du Luxembourg invites you to discover its latest exhibition focusing on the works of Tarsila do Amaral, an emblematic figure of Brazilian modernism, entitled "Painting Modern Brazil", from October 9, 2024 to February 2, 2025. This retrospective explores her rich heritage of indigenous influences, modernism and the anthropophagic movement, offering a captivating vision of twentieth-century Brazilian art. [Read more]
Jackson Pollock, the early years: the retrospective exhibition at the Musée Picasso Paris
The Musée Picasso Paris is organizing a major retrospective in tribute to the American master of abstract painting, Jackson Pollock. Don't miss this exhibition running from October 15, 2024 to January 19, 2025. [Read more]
Martine Syms exhibition at Lafayette Anticipations
Attention contemporary art lovers! American artist Martine Syms takes over Lafayette Anticipations for a retrospective exhibition unique in France, from October 16, 2024 to February 9, 2025. A truly immersive experience where art and commerce meet in an innovative concept store... Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Martine Syms through her works and collaborative objects! [Read more]
Stephen Jones, artists' hats: the unusual and creative exhibition at the Palais Galliera
The Palais Galliera pays tribute to milliner Stephen Jones, in an exhibition dedicated to the art of the hat. On view from October 19, 2024 to March 16, 2025. [Read more]
Heinz Berggruen, a dealer and his collection: modern art at the Musée de l'Orangerie exhibition
The Musée de l'Orangerie invites us to discover Heinz Berggruen and his rich collection of modern art, in a new exhibition on view from October 2, 2024 to January 27, 2025. [Read more]
Olga de Amaral: an XXL retrospective for this abstract artist at the Fondation Cartier
The Fondation Cartier honors Colombian artist Olga de Amaral in a major retrospective running from October 12, 2024 to March 16, 2025. [Read more]
Harriet Backer, the music of colors: the Musée d'Orsay's exhibition of poetic paintings
The Musée d'Orsay invites us to meet Harriet Backer, the famous Norwegian painter, in a colorful and poetic exhibition on view from September 24, 2024 to January 12, 2025. [Read more]
The new History Gallery at the Château de Versailles to celebrate 400 years - photos
The History Gallery at the Château de Versailles reopens its doors to celebrate the 400th anniversary of this emblematic monument. Free of charge from September 15 to 17, 2023 for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), then from September 21 with a ticket, discover a completely redesigned and refurbished gallery, retracing the history of the Château from its construction in 1623 by Louis XIII to the present day. More than 120 works from the Versailles collections, accompanied by a digital device, enable us to understand the creations, transformations and upheavals that have marked the Château. [Read more]
The Dior Gallery: a sublime exhibition at the couture house's historic address
The Galerie Dior is the must-see spot for fashion lovers in Paris! Located in the historic mansion at 30 Montaigne, it invites visitors to plunge into the heart of the fabulous universe of the House of Christian Dior. Between heritage(s) and reinvention, discover the new exhibition route of this cultural showcase, through a succession of immersive scenographies brought together in this veritable little museum. [Read more]
Alaïa/Kuramata, lightness in creation: the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation's fashion and design exhibition
Fashion and design come together for the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa's new exhibition, "Alaïa/Kuramata, la légèreté en création", from June 24, 2024 to January 12, 2025. [Read more]
Fashion in motion, part two: the exhibition that blends sport and fashion at the Palais Galliera
The Palais Galliera examines the relationship between fashion and sport in a chronological exhibition to be discovered from June 16, 2023 to September 7, 2025. [Read more]
Le 19M, la Manufacture de Mode Chanel: art gallery, creative workshops, café & couture houses
Le 19M, la Manufacture de Mode Chanel, located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, is home to eleven Maisons d'art, as well as a gallery hosting free fashion exhibitions and a café. A must-see! [Read more]
Yves Saint Laurent's flowers: the exhibition for fashion and nature lovers at the YSL Museum
Small, large, pink, yellow, white: all Yves Saint Laurent's flowers are on display in the Yves Saint Laurent Museum's new exhibition, on view from September 20, 2024 to May 4, 2025. [Read more]
Corps In-visibles, an exhibition where art and reality collide at the Musée Rodin
The Rodin Museum looks at how the body is represented, in an unusual exhibition to be discovered from October 15, 2024 to March 2, 2025. Don't miss Corps In-visibles, an original investigation into the body and clothing. [Read more]
Le Corbusier in Boulogne: visit the apartment-studio of the famous French architect
The Fondation Le Corbusier offers unique tours of the famous French architect's apartment-studio, located in the Molitor building on the Boulogne-Paris border, to perpetuate the eternal influence of this visionary genius. [Read more]
Les Orientalistes, the Atelier des Lumières exhibition that takes us on a journey to the Orient - photos
The mysteries of the Orient await you at the Atelier des Lumières: join Ingres, Delacroix, Vernet and many others in this groundbreaking exhibition on view from February 9, 2024 to January 5, 2025. [Read more]
In the Seine: an exhibition at the Crypte archéologique reveals the objects found in the Seine
The Archeological Crypt presents an exhibition that's as curious as it is entertaining, revealing objects found in the Seine, from prehistory to the present day. Visit this unique exhibition from January 31, 2024, until the end of the year. [Read more]
Color speaks all languages: the Al Thani collection exhibition at Hôtel de la Marine
The Hôtel de la Marine presents an original exhibition in the style of a cabinet of curiosities. From October 3, 2024 to October 5, 2025, come and admire the exhibition La couleur parle toutes les langues. [Read more]
Exhibition on the Grands Magasins Parisiens at the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine
At the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, a fantastic exhibition on the fascinating history of Parisian department stores is taking shape. From October 16, 2024 to March 16, 2025, you can learn more about their architecture and evolution since the Second Empire. [Read more]
Faits divers, the mysterious contemporary exhibition to explore at MAC-VAL
Dive into the darker side of the news with MAC-VAL's original and mysterious exhibition, on view from November 15, 2024 to April 14, 2025. [Read more]
Zombies: death is not the end? The Frontiers of Life exhibition at the Musée du Quai Branly
The Musée du Quai Branly plunges us into the mysteries of life and death, with the exhibition Zombis: la mort n'est pas une fin? on view from October 8, 2024 to February 16, 2025. [Read more]
Musée Grévin in Paris: Luc Plamondon joins the collection of illustrious figures
Discover Luc Plamondon, the iconic lyricist, now immortalized in wax at the Musée Grévin to mark the 25th anniversary of Notre Dame de Paris. [Read more]
Not-to-be-missed art events in Paris over the next few days
Night tours, photo festivals, Heritage Days, street-art events... Whatever the season, art is always in the spotlight in Paris! To make sure you don't miss any of these major cultural events, follow our guide to Parisian art events. [Read more]
Musée du Louvre: a free nocturne on September 6, the first Friday of the month
It's the perfect opportunity to take advantage of every month, without exception: the Musée du Louvre opens its doors free of charge to all visitors, on the first Friday of each month, after 6pm. Next date to remember: September 6, 2024 . [Read more]
Free exhibitions to see in December 2024 in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Looking for a great free exhibition to see in December 2024? You've come to the right place (or clicked on the right link): here's our selection of free exhibitions to see in Paris this month. Follow the guide! [Read more]
Have a wonderful December in Paris museums, and see you next year for new exhibitions!
Dates and Opening Time
From December 1st, 2024 to December 31th, 2024
Free exhibitions to see in December 2024 in Paris and the Île-de-France region
