Painting, sculpture, video, installation... In May, admire what you like! The museums, art galleries, monuments and châteaux of Paris and the Île-de-France region have some great exhibitions on show for you to enjoy.
What a pleasure it is to be able to take part in all these cultural outings, in sunny Paris (the editors are not responsible for bad weather), in the beautiful museums and art galleries of the capital and the Île-de-France region! And since May is often a time of long weekends and public holidays, we've got all the time in the world to visit these exhibitions!
All that's left is to choose your next cultural outing from our selection below. So, where do we start?
Calder. Dreaming in Balance: The Retrospective Exhibition of the Sculptor at the Louis Vuitton Foundation
For its upcoming exhibition, the Louis Vuitton Foundation will celebrate Alexander Calder with "Calder. Dreaming in Balance," 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]
Weaving, embroidering, sublimating: fashion know-how on show at the heart of the Palais Galliera
The Palais Galliera invites you to explore the craftsmanship behind fashion in its latest exhibition, showcasing techniques of adornment—from embroidery to weaving—from December 13, 2025, to October 18, 2026. [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]
Jean Dubuffet and the Tour aux Figures: an unusual exhibition at the Playing Card Museum
The French Playing Card Museum invites us to discover Jean Dubuffet's unusual work with an exhibition running from December 3, 2025, to June 28, 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]
The Paris Museum of Illusions, the must-see outing for this fall!
Sponsored - The Museum of Illusions, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris in the Châtelet les Halles district, welcomes you with family or friends. Come and cool off in its air-conditioned space and get ready for a unique and exciting experience as you dive into the fascinating world of illusion where all your senses will be turned upside down... [Read more]
Salomé. Henner and Moreau Confront the Myth: An Exhibition of Paintings at the Jean-Jacques Henner Museum
The Jean-Jacques Henner Museum showcases a dialogue between two painters with its exhibition "Salomé. Henner and Moreau Confront the Myth," open from February 18 to June 22, 2026. [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]
Switching Tracks at the Paris Refrigeration Museum
Sponsored - Discover L’Aiguillage, nestled within the Frigos of Paris: a vibrant blend of art, craftsmanship, and conviviality. A space rich in history and brimming with innovative artistic experiments. [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]
An immersive exhibition of giant LEGO dinosaurs in Paris Montreuil Expo
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]
A day in the 18th century: explore a mansion with the Musée des Arts Déco exhibition.
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris invites us to visit an 18th-century mansion through the immersive exhibition "A Day in the 18th Century." Open from February 18 to July 5, 2026. [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]
Zoo Art Show: the huge temporary street art museum in Paris La Défense - extended
4,000 m² dedicated to street art, spread over four floors of a building located on the forecourt of Paris La Défense. That's what awaits you at the Zoo Art Show, described as an immersive museum of urban arts. For the occasion, works by more than 500 artists are on display. Find out more about the Zoo Art Show in Paris La Défense, open to the general public since June 7, 2025. Due to its success, the Zoo Art Show has been extended until June 2026. [Read more]
Jardiner: an exhibition at the heart of nature at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
Reconnect with nature and enjoy an exhibition that stimulates all our senses at the Cité des Sciences: from October 14, 2025 to July 12, 2026, take a stroll through the "Jardiner" exhibition. [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]
K-Beauty at the Musée Guimet: a major exhibition on Korean beauty to be held this spring
The Musée Guimet is devoting a major exhibition to Korean beauty, exploring its influences and multiple facets. On view from March 18 to July 6, 2026. [Read more]
Dalí x Rubinstein, Illusions croisées: an original dialogue in the heart of Montmartre
Sponsored - Located in Montmartre, the mecca of Parisian artistic creation, Dalí Paris has been home to the largest private collection dedicated to Salvador Dalí for over thirty years. More than 300 works, brought together by collector and gallery owner Beniamino Levi, reveal the rich universe of the master of surrealism. Sculptures, engravings, oil paintings, drawings, and watercolors testify to the richness of his inspirations, from science to alchemy, through Antiquity, the Renaissance, and religion. [Read more]
Fables Immersives: an immersive journey to the heart of La Fontaine's Fables near the Champs-Elysées
An immersive experience that brings Jean de La Fontaine's famous fables to life, that's the promise of "Fables Immersives". This cultural journey awaits us from September 6, 2025, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, not far from the famous Champs-Elysées avenue. [Read more]
Paradox Museum Paris unveils 5 new immersive experiences and a Hans & Gretel Café
Paradox Museum, with almost a hundred interactive installations, offers a captivating journey through trompe-l'œil, optical illusions, and sensory surprises right in the heart of Paris. You'll love being fooled and capturing surreal photos along the way. Five brand-new immersive experiences have been added to the exhibit, so now's the perfect time to challenge your senses! As a bonus, indulge in the brand-new, irresistibly tasty Cafe Hans & Gretel, ready to delight your palate. This December, immerse yourself in the holiday festivities at Paradox Museum with XMAS MINDLIGHT, a dazzling, magical Christmas light experience you won't want to miss! [Read more]
Dans la Seine: the exhibition at the Crypte archéologique reveals the objects found in the Seine
The Crypte Archéologique presents an exhibition that's as curious as it is amusing, revealing objects found in the Seine, from prehistory to the present day. Visit this unique exhibition from January 31, 2024, to January 4, 2026. [Read more]
The Hangar Y's contemporary open-air exhibition is back! An artistic stroll in the green
The Hangar Y, which conceals a 10-hectare natural area planted with trees, offers a year-round open-air art walk, free on weekdays and €3 with access to the Hangar on weekends. Since April 28, 2025, new works have been added to the circuit. From Erwin Wurm and Lionel Sabatte to Pauline Tralongo and Odile Decq, it's time for an unusual, unplugged stroll through the heart of the Hauts-de-Seine. [Read more]
Pop Central: the museum of cult cars from vintage films and video games just a stone's throw from Paris
Who hasn't dreamed of getting behind the wheel of the Batmobile or reliving the atmosphere of the arcades of the 90s? In Étréchy (91), the Pop Central Museum awaits you on Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends, for a total immersion in pop culture, with legendary movie cars and vintage arcade machines galore. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Did you know? There is another Rodin Museum ... and it's hidden away in Meudon, in the heart of the 92 region!
Just a stone's throw from Paris, there's another Rodin museum just around the corner... and it's no Plan B! Nestled in Meudon, in a verdant setting in the Hauts-de-Seine department (92), this confidential site plunges you into the world of the sculptor with striking authenticity. House, workshop, park... everything you need to rediscover Rodin in a different way - free of charge, without reservation and in the heart of nature, every weekend until the end of September. [Read more]
The Musée de la Sculpture en plein air: a free art walk in the heart of Paris
Have you heard of the Musée de la Sculpture en plein air? Located in the Square Tino Rossi in the 5th arrondissement, this small museum offers a free cultural stroll along the banks of the Seine, in a magnificent bucolic setting. [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]
Colors of Korea: free contemporary art exhibition at the Korean Cultural Center in Paris, photos
The Korean Cultural Center unveils the exhibition "Couleurs de Corée, Lumière sur l'art contemporain coréen", on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, from October 24, 2025 to August 29, 2026. This free exhibition presents a unique immersion in Korean art, illustrating the work of 34 artists who blend tradition and innovation through the power of color. [Read more]
General Exhibition: the Fondation Cartier recounts 40 years of exhibitions for its reopening
The Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain is reopening its doors in a new location in the heart of Paris with a new exhibition: from October 25, 2025, to August 23, 2026, discover the General Exhibition. [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]
Clair-obscur: an exhibition of light and shade at the Bourse de Commerce
From March 4 to August 31, 2026, the Bourse de Commerce will be transformed into a luminous, twilight landscape for a new exhibition entitled "Clair-obscur". [Read more]
Voir la mer: a free contemporary exhibition at the Maif Social Club - photos
Contemporary artists draw inspiration from the oceans to create original works, sometimes amusing, sometimes disturbing... Come and discover the Voir la mer exhibition, presented at the Maif Social Club from October 11, 2025 to July 25, 2026. [Read more]
L'Étoffe des Rêves, the exhibition at Halle Saint-Pierre
From September 12, 2025 to July 31, 2026, La Halle Saint Pierre presents "L'étoffe des rêves", a groundbreaking exhibition featuring 36 artists and over 300 textile works ranging from art brut to surrealism and poetic experimentation. [Read more]
Benin, back and forth: the exhibition at the Musée Albert-Kahn
The Musée départemental Albert-Kahn, Boulogne-Billancourt, invites you to discover the exhibition "Bénin, aller-retour", from October 14, 2025 to June 14, 2026. An immersive dive into the heart of historic Dahomey, featuring rare photographs, ethnographic films and the work of contemporary artists. [Read more]
Gallery of the Five Continents: opening of a new exhibition space at the Louvre Museum
From December 3, 2025, the Gallery of the Five Continents will be open to visitors at the Louvre Museum, offering an opportunity to admire works from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania, in a journey that reveals the diversity and dialogue of human creativity across the globe. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Fashion in the 18th century, a fantasized heritage: an exhibition on the Age of Enlightenment at the Palais Galliera
The Palais Galliera celebrates the elegance of women's fashion in the Age of Enlightenment with the exhibition "Fashion in the 18th Century: A Fantasized Legacy," from March 14 to July 12, 2026, taking visitors on a journey through time to the heart of yesterday's and today's creations. [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]
Chez Worth, the origins of haute couture: the fashion and archive exhibition at the MUS in Suresnes
Charles Frederick Worth, the father of haute couture, is invited to the MUS de Suresnes from October 15, 2025 to June 21, 2026 for a tailor-made exhibition. Over one hundred works, ball gowns, sumptuous costumes and never-before-seen accessories from 15 institutions and private collections, immerse visitors in the elegance of the Second Empire. Rare documents, personal objects and family mementos also reveal the man behind the couturier, for a complete immersion in his world. [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]
Free exhibitions to visit in May 2026 in Paris and the Île-de-France region
What free exhibitions await us in May 2026 in Paris and the Île-de-France region? We'll be glad to tell you all about this spring's cultural highlights in the capital! Here are the free exhibitions! [Read more]
The sun is shining, the museums are full of treasures, in short: life is good in Paris! Make the most of it and treat yourself to all the things to do this month.
Dates and Opening Time
From May 1, 2026 to May 31, 2026
Free exhibitions to visit in May 2026 in Paris and the Île-de-France region
