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?
Giovanni Segantini at the Marmottan Monet Museum: our photos from the exhibition on the painter of the Alps
The Marmottan Monet Museum in Paris shines a light on Giovanni Segantini, a master of Symbolism and Divisionism, with an exhibition focused on his Alpine landscapes, running from April 29 to August 16, 2026. More than 60 works on display invite visitors to rediscover a major Italian painter, immersed in nature, light and a spiritual quest. [Read more]
Exhibition "Sèvres, a Rothschild Passion" : a deep dive into the sumptuous collections of the famous family at the Mobilier National
Dive into the art of 18th-century Sèvres porcelain, and especially into the highly sought-after Rothschild family collections, with the exhibition Sèvres, a Rothschild passion, on view from April 17 to July 26, 2026 at the Mobilier national. [Read more]
Michelangelo / Rodin: Sculptors in a head-to-head encounter in a major Louvre museum exhibition
The Louvre Museum brings two great masters of sculpture into dialogue in an exhibition that takes us behind the secrets of creation: from April 15 to July 20, 2026, don't miss "Michelangelo / Rodin". [Read more]
Colors Festival returns to Paris with the street-art exhibition Colors Ligth, spanning 700 m², featuring the photos
The Colors Festival returns to Paris after a three-year hiatus and sets up in the 15th arrondissement with Colors Light, a new immersive exhibition exploring blacklight and urban art, opening from April 16 to July 26, 2026. [Read more]
Madame de Sévigné, Parisian Letters: History Reimagined with the Carnavalet Museum Exhibition
The Carnavalet Museum pays tribute to Madame de Sévigné with a richly historical exhibition, on view from April 15 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
Lee Miller : a major exhibition devoted to the renowned photographer at the Museum of Modern Art
From April 10 to August 2, 2026, the Paris Musée d'Art Moderne will devote a major retrospective to photographer Lee Miller. Spanning nearly 250 vintage and contemporary prints, the exhibition aims to illuminate the breadth of the American artist's work, from her fashion shots to portraits and landscapes, and to her war photojournalism. [Read more]
Bricks of Wonder: a family-friendly exhibition built with famous construction bricks in Paris
L'artiste Dirk Denoyelle unveils his Lego brick works in a playful, family-friendly exhibition, on view from May 23 to August 16, 2026 at Espace Champerret in Paris. [Read more]
Video Games & Music at the Philharmonie: our photos from the exhibition about video game music
The Philharmonie de Paris highlights video game music with the exhibition Video Games & Music – The Music You Are the Hero Of, on view from April 2 to November 1, 2026. conceived as an immersive, interactive journey, the show traces the evolution of video game soundtracks, from Pong’s early electronic tones to the expansive scores of Final Fantasy, demonstrating how musical creation has accompanied the history and transformations of the medium. [Read more]
Beyond the Streets: Graffiti and Street Art Legends Take Center Stage at La Villette's Grand Hall
Urban art takes center stage at La Villette's Grande Halle with the blockbuster exhibition "Beyond the Streets"! Running from May 27 to August 30, 2026, visitors will have the chance to explore works by over 100 leading artists specializing in graffiti and street art, spread across more than 3,600 square meters. What’s on offer? A mix of iconic historical pieces, exclusive new artworks, and immersive installations created specifically for this event. [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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Le Paradox Museum Paris unveils five new immersive experiences alongside a Hans & Gretel Café
Paradox Museum offers nearly a hundred immersive experiences—from trompe-l'œil illusions and optical tricks to sensory overhauls—that await visitors in Paris. Get ready to be tricked and to snap surreal photos. Five new interactive installations have just been added to the journey, making it the perfect time to challenge your senses! And as a bonus, a brand-new, ultra-delicious café, Hans & Gretel, is ready to tempt you. [Read more]
The Paris Museum of Illusions—this spring’s must-see destination!
Sponsored - The Museum of Illusions, located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris within the Châtelet-Les Halles district, welcomes families and friends alike. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind, exciting adventure as you delve into the captivating world of illusions, where your senses will be completely challenged... And for the first time, the museum is launching enchanting evening sessions. [Read more]
Le Vésinet, Chatou, Carrières-sur-Seine... artist studios open their doors in May 2026.
On the occasion of the Parcours d’art de la Boucle de Seine, on May 30–31, 2026, nearly sixty artist studios and craftspeople will open their doors to the public. From Carrières-sur-Seine to Chatou, via Croissy-sur-Seine, Houilles, Le Vésinet and Montesson, this free art-filled excursion invites visitors to discover the behind-the-scenes of creation along the charming lanes of the Yvelines (78). [Read more]
A free exhibition dedicated to Korean digital art, housed in the heart of a former boiler room!
The Fiminco Foundation and the Korean Cultural Center present "Illumination," a digital art exhibition you can explore for free until June 21, 2026. Located within easy reach of the metro in Romainville, it reveals three monumental installations alongside interactive works. [Read more]
Flops?! Dare to fail, dare to innovate: explore the after-hours exhibition before it ends at the Musée des Arts et Métiers.
The Museum of Arts and Crafts is exploring failure and its essential role in invention, through the quirky exhibition "Flops. Dare, Fail, Innovate," running from October 14, 2025, to May 17, 2026. Evening openings are planned from May 5 to May 16, 2026. [Read more]
Admire them all: Pokémon take center stage in a playful and nostalgic exhibition at the Musée en Herbe
The Musée en Herbe marks Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with an exhibition that is as artistic as it is playful, on view from April 16 to September 6, 2026. [Read more]
Cling! The comic book gets real about money: an educational and playful exhibition at the Monnaie de Paris
La Monnaie de Paris speaks to us about money through comics and their heroes, with an exclusive exhibition titled Cling! Comics talk money. On view from April 10 to September 6, 2026. [Read more]
From every angle: the Postal Museum delves into workwear in a stunning exhibition
The Postal Museum (formerly the Post Museum) delves into the world of workwear in the postal service... But that’s not all. Discover the exhibition Sous toutes les coutures, on show from April 8 to September 22, 2026. [Read more]
Eggxtraordinaire: a free, offbeat and foodie exhibition you won’t want to miss in the Marais
An exhibition unlike any other to discover during Easter time. From April 3 to May 3, 2026, at Galerie Joseph, pastry chefs, chocolatiers, and artists explore the egg and its symbols with the free exhibition Eggxtraordinaire. An offbeat event you simply have to see! [Read more]
Dinosaurs: an immersive return experience for the holidays at the Atelier des Lumières
L'exposition-documentaire "Planète préhistorique : Dinosaures" returns to Atelier des Lumières from April 19, 2026, for the school holidays. Step into the age of the dinosaurs with this immersive, offbeat and family-friendly experience. [Read more]
Tour Auto 2026: Over 230 classic cars on display beneath the Grand Palais’s glass roof
Under the glass roof of the Grand Palais, more than 230 classic cars will be on show on May 3 and 4 in Paris, as a prelude to Tour Auto 2026. Before the start of this heir to the Tour de France Automobile, enthusiasts will be able to get up close to these exceptional models on the eve of their spin along the roads of France. [Read more]
Imaginary Maps: A Playful Exhibition to Explore New Worlds at the François-Mitterrand Library
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]
K-Beauty at the Guimet Museum: An exhibition showcasing the beauty secrets of South Korea unfolds through striking visuals
The Guimet Museum is showcasing a historic exhibition dedicated to Korean beauty, delving into its influences and diverse facets. K-Beauty is on display from March 18 to July 6, 2026. [Read more]
Jean Dubuffet and the Tour with Figures: An Exhibition Celebrating the Artist’s Unconventional Masterpiece at the Playing Card Museum
The French Museum of Playing Cards in Issy-les-Moulineaux invites visitors to explore a major work by Jean Dubuffet, on display from December 3, 2025, to June 28, 2026. [Read more]
Renaissance masters: Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo — immersive exhibition unveils at the Atelier des Lumières
The Atelier des Lumières takes us on a journey into the world of the great Renaissance masters with an immersive and educational exhibition running from March 13 to June 27, 2026. [Read more]
SHEROES.1: A Bold Collective Exhibition at L’Aiguillage in Paris
Sponsored - The L’Aiguillage cultural space hosts SHEROES.1, a multimedia collective exhibition focusing on women whose contributions have been overlooked, running from March 28 to April 24, 2026, as part of International Women’s Rights Day. [Read more]
Open Forms: An Abstract Art Exhibition at the Swedish Institute in Paris
Sponsored - In the heart of the Marais district, the Swedish Institute hosts Open Forms, an exhibition dedicated to geometric abstract art and the works of Olle Bærtling. Running from February 20 to July 19, 2026, in Paris. [Read more]
This Paris exhibit turns coffins into art pieces at the Nothing Serious gallery
The Nothing Serious gallery is inviting you to explore a truly unique exhibition featuring unusual coffins and funerary urns, titled From Paa Joe to Paaris, running from February 27 to May 24, 2026. [Read more]
All-Inclusive Exhibition: Photographer Kourtney Roy and Citéco question tourism through our photos
With her vintage aesthetic and striking photographs, artist Kourtney Roy humorously highlights the contradictions of global tourism. Don't miss the exhibition All Inclusive, running from February 20 to September 20, 2026, at the City of Economy. [Read more]
A Day in the 18th Century: An Immersive Exhibition in a Parisian Townhouse at MAD
The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris transports visitors back to the 18th century, offering an immersive experience through the exhibition "A Day in the 18th Century." Explore a French private mansion and step into the past from February 18th to July 5th, 2026. [Read more]
Salomé Exhibition: Henner and Moreau Confront the Myth — An Artistic Dialogue at the Jean-Jacques Henner Museum
The Jean-Jacques Henner Museum brings together two painters in a captivating dialogue with its latest exhibition, "Salomé. Henner and Moreau Confront the Myth," running from February 18 to June 22, 2026. [Read more]
Codex on the Rocks: From Street Art to the Mineralogy Museum at the École des Mines de Paris – our photos
For the first time ever, street art takes center stage at the Museum of Mineralogy at the École des Mines in Paris! From January 29 to June 27, 2026, visitors will have the chance to explore the rebellious and fantastical works of urban artist Codex Urbanus, scattered throughout this renowned institution in the 6th arrondissement. [Read more]
Saint-Cloud in the clouds: Free exhibition and flight simulator at the Avelines Museum
From February 12 to July 5, 2026, the Avelines Museum will take us soaring into the skies with a free exhibition exploring Saint-Cloud's pivotal role in aviation history — featuring historic archives alongside a flight simulator! [Read more]
ZEUS, the iconic metal horse from the Olympics, on display for free at the Museum of Arts and Crafts in Paris
Zeus, the mechanical horse from the Olympic Games that captured everyone's hearts, has now arrived at the Musée des Arts et Métiers in Paris. The towering steel colossus is open to the public free of charge from December 17, 2025, to January 10, 2027. [Read more]
Clovis’s World: The Interactive Exhibition Where You’re the Hero at the Val d’Oise Archaeological Museum
The Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum invites you to step into a historic journey — an interactive adventure where you become the hero, tracing the footsteps of King Clovis. Running from February 14 to November 1, 2026, this immersive and highly engaging exhibition promises an unforgettable experience. [Read more]
An immersive dinosaur exhibition featuring giant LEGO creations at Paris Montreuil Expo — our photos
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Open-air exhibition of Theodoulos Gregoriou's sculptures in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré district
Faubourg Saint-Honoré is rewritten as an open-air gallery with a free, outdoor exhibition in Paris, where time is carved in layered strata. From April 28 to July 27, 2026, the sculptures by Cypriot artist Theodoulos Gregoriou for "Cyprus on Faubourg Saint-Honoré" invite memory and contemporary creation to converse in the heart of the 1st arrondissement, between reinvented ruins and today’s sculptural language. [Read more]
Cathy de Monchaux at the Palais de Tokyo: the retrospective to see in Paris — our photos
The Palais de Tokyo, in Paris, presents the first retrospective in France of British artist Cathy de Monchaux, titled "Studio, Wounds and Battles. Desire is the Reiteration of Hope", running from 3 April to 13 September 2026. The exhibition brings together nearly fifty works and revisits four decades of creation, exploring the body, materials and intimate narratives. [Read more]
Silent Storytellers: Female Sculptors Share Their Journeys in a New Exhibition at Espace Monte-Cristo
The Monte-Cristo Space will host several female sculptors from April 18 to December 13, 2026, offering free access to the exhibition titled "Speakers of Silence." [Read more]
The language of the walls: China's stamped artworks displayed at the Museum of Decorative Arts
The Museum of Decorative Arts presents "The Language of Walls" from March 18 to June 28, 2026, an exhibition focused on the art of stamping. It brings together 19th-century Chinese pieces with contemporary imprints, all created directly on the stones of Notre-Dame de Paris during its restoration. [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]
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]
Zipcy in Paris: our photos from the exhibition The Sweet Fortress at the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery
The Korean artist Zipcy makes her solo debut in France with La Forteresse Douce, on view at the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery in Paris from April 24 to June 4, 2026. The exhibition centers on hanji paper, natural pigments, and the intimate, presented through the sensitive universe of this South Korean artist. [Read more]
Soulages–Hartung Exhibition in Paris: Elective Affinities at Perrotin Gallery
In Paris, the Perrotin gallery is dedicating an exhibition to Pierre Soulages and Hans Hartung, titled Soulages-Hartung: Elective Affinities, from April 25 to May 30, 2026. This artistic gathering brings together works, archives, an unpublished interview and studio tools to illuminate the connections, differences and shared inquiries of the two major postwar abstraction painters. [Read more]
Lee Mingwei at Perrotin Gallery in Paris: an exhibition exploring connection, gesture, and ritual
Perrotin Gallery in Paris presents a show by artist Lee Mingwei, titled "When Beauty Appears," running from April 25 to May 30, 2026. A contemporary art exhibition rooted in ritual, exchange, and the visitor's experience. [Read more]
Susumu Kamijo exhibits at the Perrotin Gallery in Paris: a gentle interlude between flowers and animals.
Perrotin Paris gallery presents a new exhibition devoted to Susumu Kamijo, featuring When I Think of You in Spring, running from April 25 to May 30, 2026. A deep dive into contemporary painting built from flowers, animals, and pared-back forms. [Read more]
Viandalism: the exhibition bridging street art and contemporary art at the Mona Bismarck
Graffiti and contemporary art converge at the Mona Bismarck with Viandalism, an exhibition bringing together 40 artists from May 7 to 8, 2026. Over two days, this artistic gathering offers a different way of circulating the works and presenting them to the public. Free admission, but registration is required. [Read more]
The Circle of Parisian Artists returns to the Parc Floral in Paris: over 500 works to discover.
Sponsored - The Circle of Parisian Artists is staging its 24th annual exhibition in the heart of Paris's Parc Floral, a stunning natural setting that invites artistic discovery. This must-attend event celebrates the richness and diversity of contemporary creation, bringing together more than 130 artists and showcasing over 500 works from May 4 to May 31, 2026. [Read more]
The Cherqui Foundation: the kinetic art museum just outside Paris!
Sponsored - The Cherqui Foundation is a genuine museum housing a private collection of 5,000 optical and kinetic artworks that opens to the public. The grandson of collector Jean Cherqui leads guided tours at the heart of his grandfather’s vast collection. Discover the upcoming dates! The museum is open during the Spring holidays! [Read more]
Beyond Our Horizons: From Tokyo to Paris, the free exhibition at Galerie du 19M extended
Beyond our Horizons lands in Paris: from January 29 to May 10, 2026, Galerie du 19M brings French artisans and Japanese creators onto the same thread. After delighting 75,000 visitors in Tokyo, the exhibition invites a journey where tradition and audacity intersect at every gesture. Embroidery, casts, feathers and metals become bridges between cultures and the arts and crafts. [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]
Ghost at La Lison Gallery: our photos from the exhibition Before the Ashes
La Lison Gallery hosts from April 9 to May 16, 2026 "Avant les cendres," a solo exhibition by the artist Fantôme focused on black, line, textures, and abstraction, in a dialogue between visual arts and tattooing. Through layering, strokes, and dark matter, the artist reveals a pared-down universe. [Read more]
Inkarna: our photos from Yosra Mojtahedi's exhibition at Maubuisson Abbey
L’Abbaye de Maubuisson, in Saint-Ouen-l’Aumône, Val-d’Oise, presents from 12 April to 30 August 2026 the contemporary art exhibition Inkarna, the metamorphoses of the sacred, curated by Yosra Mojtahedi with Elsa Guillaume and Magdalena Abakanowicz. In this journey, the sacred, the body, matter and the transformations of the living engage in dialogue within a heritage site dedicated to contemporary creation. [Read more]
Brion Gysin, the last museum: the original retrospective exhibition at the Paris Museum of Modern Art
The Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is staging the first Paris-based retrospective devoted to the artist Brion Gysin. On view from April 10 to July 12, 2026. [Read more]
In Paris, the Picasso Museum is dedicating an exhibition to Henry Taylor — our photos
In Paris, the Picasso-Paris Museum is presenting an exhibition devoted to Henry Taylor running from April 8 to September 6, 2026. Through portraits and a number of works, the American artist probes collective memory and brings his painting into dialogue with Picasso’s work. Conceptualized with the artist, the parcours unfolds through the museum’s galleries. [Read more]
Pauline Curnier Jardin at the Palais de Tokyo: an exhibition about myths and bodies — our photos
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris presents a monographic exhibition by Pauline Curnier Jardin from April 3 to September 13, 2026. Through installations, films, and performances, the French artist explores rituals, gender, and representations of the body in a sensory journey that brings together major works and recent creations, in collaboration with Madrid’s Museo Reina Sofía. [Read more]
Joseph Grigely at the Palais de Tokyo: an exhibition on cultural accessibility — our photos
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris presents We’re Here – This is where we are, an exhibition by Joseph Grigely to be unveiled from April 3 to September 13, 2026. A deaf artist, Joseph Grigely stages in a museum space that is notoriously hard to access to question architectural accessibility in cultural institutions. Through visual works and a risograph publication, he highlights how spaces are designed and how they are actually traversed by visitors. [Read more]
At the Palais de Tokyo, Cheryl Marie Wade explores crip culture and engaged poetry — our photos
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris presents a group exhibition centered on Cheryl Marie Wade’s poems, running from April 3 to September 13, 2026. A tribute to a key figure of Berkeley’s crip scene, the show unites archives, performances, and installations to give voice to a form of poetry that is at once political and militant, deeply tied to the history of disability. [Read more]
Benoît Piéron at the Palais de Tokyo: an exhibition about care and vulnerability — our photos
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris presents an exhibition by Benoît Piéron, titled Vernis à Ombres, running from April 3 to September 13, 2026. Through sculptures and installations inspired by the hospital world, the artist explores care, waiting, and fragility, blending medical forms, sensory experiences, and reflections on vulnerability. [Read more]
Jesse Darling at the Palais de Tokyo: an exhibition balancing memory and forgotten narratives — our photos
The Palais de Tokyo in Paris is presenting an exhibition devoted to British artist Jesse Darling, winner of the 2023 Turner Prize, titled The Ambassadors, on view from April 3 to September 13, 2026. Through large installations crafted from salvaged materials and everyday objects, the artist examines the fragility of the frameworks, reference points, and systems that organize our lives. [Read more]
Lafayette Anticipations in Paris: our photos from the Diego Marcon and Ladji Diaby exhibitions.
In Paris, Lafayette Anticipations presents from April 1 to July 19, 2026 two contemporary art exhibitions dedicated to Diego Marcon and Ladji Diaby. The foundation brings together two distinct artistic approaches, spanning a cinematic universe, emerging creation, image-making, visual narration, and the expression of emotions. [Read more]
Nan Goldin at the Grand Palais: A Landmark Exhibition Celebrating Photography and Film
The Grand Palais hosts This Will Not End Well, the first-ever French retrospective dedicated to Nan Goldin, running from March 18 to June 21, 2026. This immersive exhibition showcases her iconic slideshows, blending photography and cinema, in a curated environment designed to resemble a village of images. [Read more]
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]
ABC Dictionary: Exploring the Arctic Through Inuit Art — The Contemporary Exhibition at Art Inuit Gallery
Inuit artists share their lives and culture from the Arctic through an artistic alphabet, available for free at the Art Inuit Gallery from March 26 to August 31, 2026. [Read more]
Chiaroscuro: the Exhibition Exploring Shadow and Light at the Bourse de Commerce - Our Photos
On the occasion of its latest exhibition titled "Chiaroscuro," the Bourse de Commerce transforms into a landscape that is both luminous and dusk-like. Until August 24, 2026, visitors can explore around a hundred works from the Pinault Collection, featuring pieces by Pierre Huyghe, Victor Man, Bill Viola, Laura Lamiel, Jean Dubuffet, Alberto Giacometti, Germaine Richier, as well as Yves Tanguy and Wolfgang Tillmans. [Read more]
All Parts Of Us: Susanna Inglada Exhibits at Drawing Lab in Paris
The Drawing Lab in Paris is hosting the exhibition All Parts Of Us by Susanna Inglada, the recipient of the 2025 Drawing Now Award, from February 13 to May 10, 2026. Through a compelling blend of drawings, installations, and videos, the artist delves into the tensions shaping our modern world, examining the collective gaze and power dynamics at play. [Read more]
In these halls: contemporary photographer Jo Ractliffe showcases her work at the Jeu de Paume, revealing powerful images.
The Jeu de Paume is hosting an exhibition showcasing the work of photographer Jo Ractliffe. Discover the striking images of "En ces lieux" from January 30 to May 24, 2026. [Read more]
Open Shapes: Free Exhibition Showcasing Geometric Abstract Art at the Swedish Institute
Geometric abstract art takes center stage at the Swedish Institute from February 20 to July 19, 2026. Over five months, visitors are invited to explore free of charge "Formes ouvertes", an installation that bridges the works of Olle Bærtling—an essential figure in abstract art—with those of seven talented international artists. [Read more]
Me and Others: An Exhibition Exploring Our Digital Lives at the EDF Foundation
Contemporary artists are delving into our digital lives and identities through the exhibition Me and Others, showcased free of charge at the EDF Foundation from March 13 to September 27, 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]
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]
Byblos, a millennia-old Lebanese city: the historical exhibition opens at the Arab World Institute
The Arab World Institute takes us on a journey to discover the world's first international maritime port, dating back nearly 9,000 years. The exhibition, "Byblos, a Millennium-Old City of Lebanon," is open from March 24 to August 23, 2026. [Read more]
Passion for Japan: Immersive Exhibits and Installations at La Villette in Paris – Review & Photos
Craving a trip to Japan without leaving Paris? From March 19 to August 23, 2026, Passion Japon transports you from the timeless streets of Kyoto and the bustling energy of Tokyo to serene Zen gardens—all set inside the Espace Chapiteaux at La Villette. Samurais, tea ceremonies, manga, fashion, and cuisine come to life in an immersive exhibition that awakens all your senses. [Read more]
The world brought to life in vibrant hues: classic photographs displayed at the Roger-Viollet Gallery
The Roger-Viollet Gallery unveils a curated selection of 19th-century photographs, hand-colored to enhance their detail, in a free exhibition running from February 26 to June 6, 2026. [Read more]
Exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay: Northern Light – Scandinavian and Dutch Drawings
The Musée d'Orsay unveils "Northern Lights," an exhibition of 19th-century Scandinavian and Dutch drawings running from February 10 to May 10, 2026. Symbolist landscapes and intimate scenes showcase the unique sensibility of the Nordic artistic tradition. [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]
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]
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]
Medieval Fashion: an exhibition exploring medieval dress at the John the Fearless Tower
At the Tour Jean Sans Peur, medieval life unfolds in the exhibition "La mode au Moyen Âge," on view until March 7, 2027. As the last remaining relic of the Palais parisien des Ducs de Bourgogne, the venue provides a striking setting to explore medieval dress, from silhouettes and accessories to social codes, all enhanced by a rich program of activities and events tied to the exhibition. [Read more]
JEMA 2026: Home, Fashion, Art... Free Exhibition at the Galerie des Ateliers in Paris
In Paris, the European Heritage Days of Craftsmanship are set to take place from April 7 to April 12, 2026. To mark the occasion, the Galerie des Ateliers de Paris will host "30 Faubourg – the Art of Everyday Life Made in Paris," an exhibition celebrating Parisian artisan skills from April 2 to May 16, 2026. [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]
Revealing femininity, fashion, and appearance in the 18th century: the exhibition on 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]
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 an exclusive exhibition showcasing over a hundred pieces collected by Azzedine Alaïa. This display is part of a larger, extended showcase at the Azzedine Alaïa Foundation, running from December 1, 2025, to June 21, 2026. The exhibition creates a dialogue between Dior and Alaïa, highlighting the Tunisian designer’s admiration for the iconic New Look. [Read more]
Fashion in the 18th century, a romanticized legacy: an exhibition from the Enlightenment era 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]
Captivating Time: Van Cleef & Arpels' Free Watchmaking Exhibition at the Heritage Gallery
Time is on full display with all its seconds and minutes. At the Galerie du Patrimoine, Van Cleef & Arpels presents a horological showcase titled "Enchanting Time," a free jewelry exhibition running from January 16 to June 1, 2026, in Place Vendôme, Paris. [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]
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]
Smart tip: Free exhibitions to see in May 2026 in Paris and the Île-de-France region.
Which free exhibitions await us in May 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France? We’re revealing the cultural highlights bringing spring to life in the capital. Here come 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
